The winning formula for SSX has always been in its tight controls, over-the-top tricks, gorgeous mountains, and the many, memorable characters featured throughout the game. And, we’re very happy to say that everything that made the original so great is back and better than ever before.

What’s different this time, however, is that SSX throws out fictional mountain sides in exchange for realistic locations, such as The Rocky Mountains and Alaska But if you’re worried that the developers have destroyed the fantasy of SSX, don’t be because there is still tons of creativity poured into each location. For instance, the Great Wall of China can be seen throughout the Himalayas while large pipe lines can be grinded in Alaska.

And there’s nothing like speeding down a mountain side while pulling off some of the most memorable tricks you have ever seen. And it’s even more rewarding when you can pull of combos and link all of these tricks together. The more tricks you do, the more benefit you receive and the higher the payout.

And just when you thought you knew it all, SSX offers plenty of challenges besides tricks. This is where the new Survive It courses come in, which offer up a number of unique challenges for each mountain region including avalanches, subzero temparaturers, and much more, even wingsuit challenges.

Multiplayer in SSX has been approached in a different manner than most games, starting with the new RiderNet feature. RiderNet keeps track of every record you set during the course of the game and notifies your friends so that they can then challenge you and vice versa. This makes for a very dynamic and connected world since there will always be a new record to beat.

While RiderNet powers the competition between you and your friends, Global Events offer a number of different challenges across the globe at any given time. In these online events, players from around the world attempt their best run to see how they stack up against their competition. These events are very flexible, since you can drop in at any given time and attempt a high score.

While there is no traditional lobby matchmaking system, players will still find themselves racing alongside real people as well as previous ghosts. If you prefer a more real time multiplayer experience, you can always invite friends to custom events. The lack of a standard matchmaking lobby system is extremely disappointing, but SSX still offers plenty of multiplayer features.

SSX is easily one of the most gorgeous games we have seen and oozes breathtaking colors and a real sense of speed and danger. It has tons of personality and its numerous things to do always lures you back in for more. If you’re looking for a fun, nonstop ride of danger and adventure, it’s time to get the snowboard out.