SSX Blur review

Über tricks are worth zillions of points, so you’ll need to master them if you want to win the game’s slope-style events, which are like downhill races with added stunts thrown in. However, the groove meter is as large, intrusive and un-turnoffable as it is because it also serves as a turbo gauge - you can sacrifice it at any time for a screen-blurring burst of ultra speed. And because it just drains away if you ride for a while without doing decent tricks, you might as well use it, either for a gigantic score or a fast time.

While the groove meter is a new and integral part of the SSX experience, the bulk of the game is actually taken from previous versions. It’s set over three peaks, which eventually combine to form one huge mountain that you can ride from top to bottom. Each peak has branching routes with multiple potential finishing points, and you find the actual races, challenges and tournaments by searching for them on a rambling freeride.