SSX Blur

Nintendo exclusive

SSX Blur brings back the soul of SSX - remixed, re-energized, and fully realized. Revolutionary controls take full advantage of the Nintendo Wii's potential by putting you in total command of your skier or rider. The new On-the-Ground and In-the-Air controls will translate every motion you make into moves that create mountain legends. One hand controls you as you tear down the mountain; the other unleashes your array of aerial maneuvers.

Released: 27 February 2007
Platforms: Wii
Genres: Racing Snowboarding Sports
Developers: EA Montreal
Publishers: EA Sports
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Perspective: Third person
Themes: Action Comedy
Age ratings: PEGI 3 CERO A CLASS_IND L ESRB E
Composers: Junkie XL

About

SSX Blur is a snowboarding and skiing video game, published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports BIG label and developed by EA Montreal for the Wii. It is the fifth installment in the SSX series. The game was released in the United States on February 27, 2007. The soundtrack was created by Tom Holkenborg.

It is a prequel to SSX on Tour, putting it in the timeline between SSX 3 and SSX on Tour. It is the last game in the series to have the EA Sports BIG branding, as the final installment of SSX would use the standard EA Sports branding instead.

Keywords

anime
skiing
multiple protagonists
artificial intelligence
snow
sequel
high score
skill points in game
motion control
commentary
in-game radio
dynamic soundtrack

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The gameplay in SSX Blur follows a similar format of the previous SSX titles. Like SSX 3, the player progressively works up through 3 peaks on a mountain, participating in races, trick competitions, and the new slalom event to earn prizes and other unlockable material. Players are able to choose from either the traditional snowboards; or skis, as introduced in SSX on Tour.

The game control uses both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk controller. Movement, speed, and jumping is controlled through the Nunchuk, while, when in the air, the Wii Remote is used to perform tricks. The Wii Remote is also used for throwing snowballs at targets or foes during a race.

Reception

The game received "mixed or average reviews" according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.

GameRevolution gave the game a C rating: "Maybe SSX Blur sums up the first Wii generation – a small-scale game with some interesting but awkward new control ideas, showing the difficulty for developers and players alike in adjusting to Nintendo’s new wave. If you want a smooth downhill ride or a few hours to perfect your shredding, go hit the real slopes before global warming melts us all into little puddles of goo. Blur may be a step in the right direction, but it hasn’t gotten past the bunny slopes yet."