The Non-Snoboarders' Guide - Guide for SSX Tricky

SSX TRICKY: THE NON-SNOWBOARDERS' GUIDE

by

Jamie Stafford/Wolf Feather
[email protected]


Initial Version Completed: November 26, 2001
Version 1.1 Completed:     November 28, 2001

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CONTENTS
Spacing and Length
Permissions
Introduction
GameShark2 Codes
Circuit Descriptions
Starting the Game
General Tips
The Subjective Section
Contact Information

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SPACING AND LENGTH
For optimum readability, this driving guide should be
viewed/printed using a monowidth font, such as Courier.
Check for font setting by making sure the numbers and letters
below line up:

1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

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PERMISSIONS
Permission is hereby granted for a user to download and/or
print out a copy of this driving guide for personal use.
However, due to the extreme length, printing this driving
guide may not be such a good idea.

This driving guide may only be posted on: FeatherGuides,
GameFAQs.com, f1gamers.com, PSXCodez.com, Cheatcc.com,
gamesover.com, Absolute-PlayStation.com, RedCoupe,
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gamespot.com, ps2domain.net, a2zweblinks.com, Gameguru,
cheatingplanet.com, neoseeker.com, ps2fantasy.com, and
vgstrategies.com.  Please contact me for permission to post
elsewhere on the Internet.

Should anyone wish to translate this driving guide into other
languages, please contact me for permission(s) and provide me
with a copy when complete.

Remember:  Plagiarism in ANY form is NOT tolerated!!!!!

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INTRODUCTION
First, a very important disclaimer: I know absolutely NOTHING
about real-life snowboarding.  That said, I absolutely LOVE
SSX Tricky!!!!!

October 26, 2000, while waiting in line to pick up my
PlayStation2 console and a pair of games I had reserved, I
noticed the box for the original SSX.  While it looked
interesting, I decided to just keep to the games I had
reserved.  It was not until March 2001 that I finally bought
SSX, and it was love at first slope!!!  I have always been
quite partial to auto racing games, so the racing elements of
SSX spoke volumes to me.  The need for tricks at first seemed
daunting reading the game manual, but the controls were quick
and easy to learn and the tricks easy to perform.  In fact, I
loved the original SSX so much that I had to sell off the
game a month later since I was not getting much academic work
done.

In October, I reserved SSX Tricky, fully expecting it to be
even better than the original.  And I was certainly not let
down :-)   While slightly disappointed that only two new
courses were added, overall, I was impressed with the changes
made to all venues - Pipedream and Snowdream in particular
are extremely different in the "sequel."  The addition of
Ubertricks provides incredible visuals, especially the
"signature move" Ubertricks for each character; further, the
available Ubertricks are board-specific.  Also available is a
jukebox to listen to the music used in the game.  But what I
really enjoyed most were the "Making of..." movie clips,
detailing the creation of the game; this is made possible
because SSX Tricky is a DVD-based game, and I hope many other
PS2 games will follow suit.

Since I have never been snowboarding, I cannot compare the
game with the real-world experiences it simulates in over-
the-top fashion.  However, I hope this game guide offers
useful tips and information to other non-initiates who simply
want a great time.

One note of caution:  SSX Tricky is rather addictive!!!  Make
sure that you play this game when you have A LOT of time to
spare.  A single run can take up to six minutes to complete
(multiply by three if you are in a World Circuit race
competition), and even after each run is complete, the desire
to go do it again is extremely strong.

For those who have never played the original SSX, I suggest
at least renting it or borrowing a friend's copy.
Essentially, SSX and SSX Tricky are the same game, but I
believe the beauty of SSX Tricky is truly only appreciated by
having familiarity with the original SSX.

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GAMESHARK2 CODES
The GameShark2 is a way to cheat at games using specific
codes.  The GS2 can be purchased at any gaming store, and
also at online stores such as Amazon; the GS2 and its
accessories can also be purchased at the GameShark web site
(http://www.gameshark.com).  However, I will not list
GameShark2 codes for SSX Tricky in this guide, both because
they would take a lot of space in the guide, and because it
would likely be a copyright violation.

While GameShark2 codes are available, they are not really
necessary.  SSX Tricky is challenging without being
impossible.  Where the codes may be handy, however, is for
acquiring all boards and all outfits for each character; this
allows for customization possibilities without taking away
the challenge of competing for Bronze, Silver, and Gold
Medals.

Each of the game's twelve characters has a number of boards
and outfits, of which two boards and one outfit are initially
available.  I thought it best to input the appropriate GS2
codes immediately.  Initially, this was simply to have all
the customization options available, but I also found it
useful for quickly identifying each character's main strength
as demonstrated by the boards (Alpine, BX, and Freestyle) in
that character's "arsenal."  Cycling through the boards, for
example, I noticed that Marisol is a speedster on the slopes
(all but two boards are Alpine boards), while Kaori is strong
in tricks (almost all her boards are Freestyle boards).  This
does not mean that Marisol is inept at performing tricks in
Showoff competition, or that Kaori cannot win races, but the
boards do visually demonstrate an advantage in a particular
area.

GameShark2 codes are available for SSX Tricky to unlock all
tracks in Single and Practice modes, and to unlock all riders
in all modes of play.  On a character-by-character basis,
codes are available to unlock all boards, unlock all outfits,
win all Gold Medals, learn all tricks, achieve maximum stats,
and gain Master rank.  The GameShark2 codes can be found on
the SSX Tricky code page at the GameShark Web site
(http://www.gameshark.com/playstation2/objects/377142_106.htm
l).

Certainly, codes are not necessary to acquire new outfits and
boards.  By completing chapters in each character's Trick
Book and by winning a given number of Gold Medals in the
World Circuit events, a character gains new outfits, boards,
and rankings (Newbie, Rookie, ... Master); as more Gold
Medals are acquired, new characters become available.

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CIRCUIT DESCRIPTIONS
This section is designed to give readers an overview of each
circuit at a glance.  This is not a section-by-section
detailed description of what to expect; this is rendered
somewhat difficult due to the alternate routes available at
almost all venues.  Note that the descriptions here are for
Race mode; Showoff mode will also have plenty of manmade
jumps, rails, and other things added for bonus and trick
purposes.

Garibaldi: Now the first venue on the SSX circuit, this
   circuit presents plenty of trick and Ubertrick
   opportunities with its many jumps.  The alternate route
   bypasses almost all of the main circuit, and itself has a
   number of jumps over nasty gorges and fast-flowing icy
   rivers.

Snowdream: The first venue in the original SSX is now the
   second in SSX Tricky.  Located in Japan, this incarnation
   is also a bit different from the original game.  The first
   part of the circuit provides the most opportunities for
   tricks, but generally not enough airtime for the really
   spectacular Ubertricks.  While the initial jumps are
   really small, they can still provide an enterprising
   player to pull off tricks to boost ahead of the pack, or
   catch up if necessary.

Elysium Alps: One of the longer runs of the game, many
   players will find it difficult to complete Elysium Alps in
   under five minutes.  There are plenty of opportunities for
   tricks in the initial and final thirds of the circuit
   while the middle section depends on your route and just
   how much forward momentum can be generated; the middle
   stage's "high road" had gaping jumps over the twisty, icy
   "low road."  The alternate route on the first stage of the
   circuit is really only for advanced players.

Mesablanca: Snowboarding in the desert!?!?!?!?!?!  Overall,
   Mesablanca has fewer trick opportunities than the
   preceding venues, so speed is generally a better option
   here.  If you do not have enough forward momentum for the
   final jump, you will definitely lose if in a close race.

Mercury City Meltdown: From the very beginning, this urban
   setting features split paths which continually cross each
   other throughout the first half of the circuit, so beware
   of cross-traffic.  Being a city site, there are also
   plenty of fire hydrants, traffic signal poles and downed
   lights, buildings, bus shelters, light poles, etc., which
   will all slow you down - if they do not knock you to the
   ground.  Jumping across the highway is much easier in SSX
   Tricky than in the original SSX.  Because of the tight
   twists and turns and the many obstacles, it is very easy
   to find yourself both in the lead and bringing up the rear
   several times in a race here; use knockouts to your
   advantage!!!

Tokyo Megaplex: This Japanese venue feels very much like
   being a ball in a pinball machine.  The configuration has
   changed since the original SSX, but is still rather
   similar.  The most impressive additions are the sections
   of updraft vents; riding one or two of these will thrust
   you far up into the air, and can give you plenty of time
   to pull off amazing tricks, and possibly even TWO
   Ubertricks (including a "signature move").

Aloha Ice Jam: If snowboarding in the American Southwest is
   odd, snowboarding in Hawaii is even stranger.  Still, this
   is a unique circuit, and one of the most difficult on the
   SSX circuit.  The circuit begins with a tight, long, left
   hand turn with a bone-breaking drop-off to the outside.
   Once clear of the initial corner, the main section of
   Aloha Ice Jam features a number of gaps to jump and tight
   high-speed corners.  After another gap, the ice cave
   section at the end of the circuit has even tighter twists
   and turns with a few jumps in low-ceiling areas.  Once out
   of the ice cave, icebergs line the path to the Finish
   Line.

Alaska: This second new venue is by far the most difficult in
   SSX Tricky.  This is due partly to the general lack of
   trick opportunities, and partly due to the fast, mostly
   ice surfaces.  Especially hard to master are the ice
   tunnels at the end of the Alaska venue; if you are not
   careful, you could very quickly find yourself on the
   ceiling... and quickly succumbing to gravity if you do not
   have enough forward momentum.  The circuit is generally
   narrow, tight, and twisty, so the best way to make a pass
   is probably by using a well-placed stiff-arm.

Untracked: Available only in Freeride mode, you are the first
   to touch this pristine mountain.  A helicopter drops you
   off at the top of the mountain, and picks you up at the
   bottom.  In the meantime, enjoy the powder!!!

Pipedream: Pipedream is a trick specialist's orgy!!!  There
   are more than enough opportunities to perform tricks here,
   especially in the various bowls scooped out of the ground.
   However, the Pipedream Showoff event has a VERY high medal
   threshold, so always keep an eye on the time.  Most
   importantly, keep track of which direction is downhill; if
   you spend a lot of time doing tricks in one of the many
   bowls, you can easily lose your sense of direction.

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STARTING THE GAME
When starting the game for the first time, watch the
introduction.  After Elise's initial comment, the rest of the
introduction shows a lot of action from virtually all
available venues, including many of the game's Ubertricks
(including some "signature moves").  Besides being quite fun
to watch, the music is rather catchy!

Once past the title screen, press the Square button to enter
the Options screen, and make any changes to customize the
game to your liking.  Then select a character, customize
board and/or outfit, and head for the slopes!!!  I personally
suggest trying ALL venues - in both Race and Showoff modes -
in Practice first, even for those intimately familiar with
the original SSX; some of the circuits have had significant
changes made, and two circuits (Garibaldi and Alaska) are
completely new).

When ready to enter the World Circuit competition, opt for
Showoff mode first.  The first circuit you will encounter is
Garibaldi.  The idea here is to perform so many tricks that
you win a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal; however, the score
you much achieve for Gold is so low that virtually all
players should acquire a Gold Medal here on their first try.
If you do win a medal, enter your name in the Records screen
(if applicable), and distribute the character points you just
earned to Edging, Speed, Stability, and/or Tricks; each
circuit gives a maximum of six character points, which must
be spent wisely.

After the Garibaldi Showoff, move on to the Snowdream Showoff
venue.  Again, the threshold for the Gold Medal is rather
low, so most players should be able to acquire a Gold Medal
here on the first try.  Again, enter your name in the Records
screen (if applicable), and distribute the character points
you just earned.

Next in Showoff mode is Elysium Alps.  This is a very lengthy
venue, so time is just as important as performing tricks.
The threshold for gaining medals is now significantly high
that a Gold Medal (or even a Silver Medal) is not guaranteed
here.  Still, once you do acquire a medal, enter your name in
the Records screen (if applicable), and distribute the
character points you just earned.

By now, you should have earned enough character points to
either easily win or be quite competitive in the Garibaldi
Race series, so go there next.  In World Circuit competition,
each Race is a series of three races: Quarterfinals,
Semifinals, and Finals.  You must finish in the first three
positions of the Quarterfinals and Semifinals to advance; you
are also rewarded with an initial boost level for the
following heat (winning a heat gives a full boost meter for
the next race in the series).  This can be used to your
advantage by knocking down a competitor between the starting
gates and the first jump, thus enabling you to perform an
Ubertrick at the first opportunity.

The nice thing about Garibaldi is that, even without the
Showoff jumping platforms, there are still plenty of
opportunities to perform big-air tricks and Ubertricks.  If
using a character which is not naturally fast (such as
Kaori), you can still perform enough tricks and Ubertricks to
keep the boost level consistently high, which itself will
make you rather fast.

Should you win a medal in the Finals, enter your name in the
Records screen (if applicable), and distribute the character
points you just earned.  Then move on to Snowdream and do it
all again.  When finished there, move on to Elysium Alps and
do it all yet again!!!

By this time, Mesablanca will be open for both Race and
Showoff competition.  Continue on at your own discretion -
you should by now have enough character points to be quite
competitive for all the rest of the venues.

Of course, with twelve characters in SSX Tricky, you will
need to master ALL events with ALL characters at ALL venues
to complete the game.  This is not a game you will be done
with in just a few days!!!

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GENERAL TIPS
Tricks are extremely important on many circuits, as they give
you the boost you need to keep up your speed.  Thus, holding
your tricks as long as possible is very important as you sail
through the air and try to cheat gravity.  However, if you
crash and fall while performing a trick, you lose boost (if
you have any to lose), so use the size of your shadow on the
ground to judge when to let go of a trick and prepare for
landing.  Note that some Ubertricks take longer to perform
than others, which can mean the difference between
successfully pulling off an Ubertrick and crashing and
falling on cold snow and ice.  Also, some Ubertricks
(especially the flashier Ubertricks) may change depending on
the type of board (Alpine, BX, or Freestyle) the character is
using.

Each character has at least one of the three types of boards
used in SSX Tricky.  Alpine boards are the longest, and are
best for speed, which is especially important in Race and
Time Challenge modes.  Freestyle are the shortest, and are
the best to use for tricks, especially in Showoff mode.  BX
boards are the "middle ground" between the two extremes, and
are generally good for most events and venues.  Many
characters have a specialty, indicated by the number of
boards they have of each particular type.

It is very important to be able to quickly read the racing
surface just ahead, especially when competing on a circuit
for the first time.  Many jumps are indicated with painted
stripes across the circuit.  Ice allows for extremely fast
speeds if you can keep a straight or gently-curved racing
line, especially important in cornering.  Bare rock can also
be used, depending on the angle, but will generally slow you
down.

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THE SUBJECTIVE SECTION
Favorite venues (Race):
   Garibaldi
   Mercury City Meltdown
   Snowdream

Favorite venues (Showoff):
   Elysium Alps
   Garibaldi
   Mercury City Meltdown
   Snowdream
   Tokyo Megaplex

Favorite characters (play):
   Elise
   JP
   Kaori
   Marisol
   Moby
   Psymon
   Zoe

Favorite characters (chatter):
   Kaori
   Marisol
   Psymon
   Zoe

Favorite characters (Ubertricks):
   Kaori
   Marisol
   Psymon

Favorite parts of SSX Tricky:
   3-D interface
   Introductory movie
   Movie clips (creation of the game and the voice actors)

Favorite outfits (by character, by order unlocked):
   Brodi: Yin Yang
   Elise: Lady Law
   JP: MC Maitre D
   Kaori: Super Excellent
   Marisol: Vintage Rioja
   Moby: Jones' Tones, Master
   Psymon: Nightmare, Master
   Zoe: Rawk On, Naughty Girl, Royale Trinity, Master

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CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions, rants, raves, comments of appreciation, etc.,
or to be added to my e-mail list for updates to this driving
guide, please contact me at: [email protected]; also, if
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address.

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