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Posts with tag ssx

The Wii saves cell phone gaming

Posted Mar 27th 2008 9:45AM by JC Fletcher
Filed under: Fan stuff, Homebrew


We'll never understand the drive to play cell phone games. Even if phone hardware is powerful enough to render high-quality visuals, the experience is all but ruined by the fact that every cell phone ever has a completely terrible interface for playing games (sorry, iPhone, but we could do with at least one button!) When there are awesome portable game systems available, we don't see the need to play games on our phones. Of course, that's us, and we sort of identify as fanboys of a certain non-phone handheld game system.

"Ares" of the UIQ Evangelist blog solved the interface problem using a program called MobiPad that enables the Wiimote to connect to phones via Bluetooth. Now he can play the phone version of SSX3 with a decent d-pad. There's no waggle or anything, but just not being terrible is a quantum leap for mobile game controls.
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EA producer responds to SSX Blur's icy reception [update 1]

Posted Apr 11th 2007 7:02PM by JC Fletcher
Filed under: News, Interviews


SSX Blur didn't exactly receive unanimous approval. Many thought that the Wii controller was going to be a perfect fit for the trick-heavy snowboard series, and while some continued to think that after playing it, other reviewers were nonplussed.

EA Montreal's Eric Chartrand, who recently revealed Nintendo's Mii stinginess, responded to the cumulative critical "meh" his last game received, saying "The reaction to the game was very... how can I say that... interesting." He goes on to talk about wildly varying feelings about the effectiveness of the control scheme. He also suggested that the gaming press were disproportionately negative about the controls, and that the public enjoyed the game more than reviews would indicate.

What did you think about Blur? Did you find it "serviceable and enjoyable at times" or do you agree with Chartrand that it was a "damn fine game"?

[Update: fixed a broken link.]
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WRUP: backside air edition

Posted Mar 2nd 2007 11:35AM by David Hinkle
Filed under: What are you playing?


Of course, with the big release of SSX: Blur hitting this week, many of you are undoubtedly busting the "mad phat trix" plentifully all over many a snowy mountain. Even knowing this, we're forced to ask that question we ask you every Friday: what are you playing? Will you be picking up the new title or are you planning on playing some of the Virtual Console games you might have downloaded this weekend? Or are you still chipping away at a different game?

Personally, we plan on picking up Sonic and the Secret Rings this weekend. We have yet to grab the game as we've been busy blogging lately and look forward to dashing around with the blue hedgehog.

Previous posts: What were you playing?
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EA hosts SSX party at Ice Hotel

Posted Feb 27th 2007 7:15PM by JC Fletcher
Filed under: News


To celebrate the release of SSX Blur, EA held an event at Quebec's Ice Hotel, which is a hotel made of ice. A hotel, where people sleep, where the walls are made of ice.

Journalists got a chance to play the new game and see new demos of Army of Two and a mysterious new property that is, unfortunately, under embargo. Junkie XL, who is responsible for Blur's soundtrack, provided a performance, presumably using non-ice-based instruments. The crowd was also treated to drinks at the ice bar (a bar made of ice), and, of course, warm chicken soup, which no doubt helped everyone keep warm. Ice, as you may have heard, is cold, and the event took place in a building made entirely of ice.

We don't know whether to be jealous of the people who were invited to this unusual locale, or happy that we spent the day in an environment habitable by humans. Luckily Blur is out in stores and we can enjoy it in our nice, temperate homes.

[Via QJ.net]
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Metareview: SSX: Blur [update 1]

Posted Feb 27th 2007 11:35AM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Reviews, Metareview

Update: Finally, the reviews are rolling in. We've updated the post with plenty of more scores.

With SSX: Blur being available at retailers today, the reviews are rolling in kind of late. As of right now, only two online outlets have reviewed the game, giving it very decent scores. Looks like many of you who were hoping for a game from a third-party with the same attention to detail that many of Nintendo's first-party titles receive may just be getting their wish. Many of the popular online outlets have yet to review the game, so keep in mind we'll be updating the post when their reviews go live.

Without further delay, let's check out what some of the critics had to say:
  • Game Informer (85/100) says the controls aren't as precise as they would've liked them to be: "The one real problem I have with this game is that the ubertrick system doesn't work nearly as well as it should. The new controls do add something new to the series, but almost the entire time I pined for something more traditional."
  • GameTrailers (84/100) finds the experience to be authentic: "It replicates the feeling of sliding down a mountain side with eerie precision and manages to make other control schemes feel dated. There's certainly plenty of opportunity for improvement with the sequel, but with a ton of content and even more fun, it's hard to go wrong with SSX Blur."
  • GameDaily (80/100) says that eventhough the game lacks online play, it's still quite fun: "No online play hurts, and the two-player split screen mode offers limited enjoyment, but overall, EA successfully "blurs" the line between realism and fantasy, creating a great video game for all ages."
  • 1UP (55/100) finds the game prevents you from really getting into the flow: "No matter how badly you want to get into the game, to find the flow...the game doesn't let you. And that's too bad, because it really does look great, the multiplayer mode is basic yet competent, and there are flashes of true SSX brilliance."
  • GamePro (50/100) says it takes too long to figure out the game's controls: "Dedicated (read: sadistic) gamers willing to invest the time necessary to figure out the controls might get a kick out of this one, but the convoluted controls will turn off most players. The lesson here is clear: Wii developers need to start with a blank slate rather than graft old-school control schemes onto the Wii Remote because, as SSX Blur demonstrates, it just doesn't work."
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Wii releases for the week of February 26th

Posted Feb 26th 2007 11:15AM by David Hinkle
Filed under: News


We'll be honest, it feels good to be able to make this post this week. This relief should last though, as from here on out we should all be enjoying a steady release of third-party titles over the next few months. This week's title is a little game from EA:
  • SSX: Blur
How many of you plan on picking up this game and look forward to tearing it up on the mountain?
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SSX: Blur brings on the crystal clear screens

Posted Feb 22nd 2007 5:05PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Screens


With the game's release a mere few days away (2/27 in case you didn't know), those of you dying to get out on the digital mountain and get some huge air are probably sitting at your computer, Googling away furious for some more news on the title, or perhaps some reviews. You've also probably got your snow boots on. It's OK, we understand (we rarely leave the house without our Wiimote in our pocket), and we humbly offer you some screens of the game.

As usual, we've embedded some of our favorites past the post break for your viewing convenience.

Continue reading SSX: Blur brings on the crystal clear screens

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SSX Blur cast biographies

Posted Feb 6th 2007 1:45PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Fan stuff


IGN has put up some cast biographies for EA's upcoming Wii installment in the SSX franchise in SSX: Blur. Instead of drumming interest in the game, it instead reads like a list of riders up for the possibility of being endorsed by Mountain Dew. Still though, the game should be fun as all previous installments in the series have been, so we're looking forward to its release come later this month.

We've embedded the information into the post past the break in the hopes of saving you from IGN's advertisements slow-loading pages.

Continue reading SSX Blur cast biographies

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Draw hearts in SSX: Blur

Posted Jan 12th 2007 1:55PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Screens


A previous video on SSX: Blur might've shown us how one performs tricks, grabs and spins, but we had no idea we had to be drawing shapes as well. Turns out, in order to utilize the game's Uber Tricks, the player must use the Wiimote and nunchuk to draw complex shapes, including the pictured heart, as well as the letter S. These are the only documented Uber Tricks so far, however we're sure they're not the only ones to be included in the final game.

[Via Joystiq]
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Switching, clicking, and tricking in SSX Blur

Posted Jan 8th 2007 5:55PM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: Video

EA has released a new video featuring their upcoming Wii-exclusive SSX Blur, but this gameplay video isn't all about showing off the shinyz. Rather, the focus is on the franchise's new dedication to the Wii control scheme, and offers a nice (if not in depth) look at how some of the high-flying, snow-spraying acrobatics will be performed. Even better news -- in motion, the game seems to look better than it did in stills. See for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading Switching, clicking, and tricking in SSX Blur

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Screenshot explosion: SSX Blur

Posted Dec 22nd 2006 10:35AM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Fan stuff


More dozens than a baker could ever count of images for SSX Blur have hit the intertron and we here at Wii Fanboy really think they could look better. Granted, we have not yet seen the game in motion, so final judgements are nowhere near close to being made on our part (we roll honest here, folks). What we thinks doesn't matter though, it's all about you guys!

So, do the new screenshots get you excited or instill a sense of apathy on par with our own? We've included several more of them past the jump for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Screenshot explosion: SSX Blur

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EA's launch lineup

Posted Aug 23rd 2006 11:45PM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: News

Before we break out the goods, let's just clarify: these are launch window titles. Meaning they'll come out within the first few months of the Wii's release. They may or may not be taking up shelf space on launch day. That said, Electronic Arts is supporting the Wii launch window with six titles, including a few offerings from wildly popular franchises like Madden and Tiger Woods PGA Tour. These titles were already announced for the Wii, but EA confirmed all six for the launch window at in Leipzig.

The full list:

  • Godfather
  • Harry Potter
  • Madden NFL 2007
  • Need For Speed: Carbon
  • SSX 5
  • Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007
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    Six from EA

    Posted Jul 13th 2006 1:21PM by Jason Wishnov
    Filed under: News

    They own the worldElectronic Arts generally releases games for more platforms than we even knew existed. Thus, when they announce support for the Wii, we have trouble acting surprised, even for the benefit of our readers. When they announce that their tried-and-true franchises are being given unique control schemes by a dedicated team, however, we then tend to pay a bit more attention.

    Everyone knew, of course, that Madden 2007 was getting a specialized Wii treatment. In a press release earlier today, however, they have announced similar plans for five more games: Harry Potter, Need for Speed, Tiger Woods: PGA TOUR, SSX, and The Godfather. Whoa.

    Need for Speed: Carbon was indeed known to be coming to the Wii, albeit we had no idea what playing it would be like. Chances are, it will utilize a similar control scheme as Excitetruck, the Wiimote aligned horizontally. Tiger Woods will offer a more intense golf simulation over that of the Wii Sports incarnation, Harry Potter will certainly use the controller as a wand for some excellent spell-casting, and SSX will most likely revamp their trick system. And The Godfather? Is anyone else seeing an intense cigar-smoking simulation?

    [Thanks, John and Cabbage!]
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