Peak Performance- Stoked: Big Air Edition Review

The first half hour with snowboarding sim, Stoked: Big Air Edition, recalled my preliminary moments on an actual board. The episode was filled with pure, unadulterated frustration. After the tutorial explained the basics of ollies, spins, and flips, the game’s forth lesson raised the challenge level unexpectedly. The title asked the player to perform a 720 degree spin with two grabs- requiring a copious amount of joystick pushing and button pressing, all within the span of about two seconds. After forty failed attempts, my on-screen avatar was covered with snow- yet somehow, emerged triumphant. Stoked isn’t a game for those uncomfortable with challenge.

Unlike the majority of snowboarding diversions, Stoked: Big Air Edition uses a meticulous physics model to create a methodical recreation of the sport; the game avoids the three story high jumps and hyper-realistic flips of games like SSX or Amped 3. In execution, the game evokes the sense of realism found in EA’s Skate series, as every grind and jump feels convincingly perilous. Grinding a skyward tree limb requires a precise plant, as even a slight miscalculation will send the players careening toward catastrophe.

After an hour floundering in the snow, the haze surrounding Stoked’s controls dissipated, and I was performing 50:50 slides, and double nosegrabs with satisfying regularity. Players may pursue two different styles in the game- Huckers forgo precision for fanciful spins and grabs, while Stylers court fastidiousness. Picking a single style is advantageous for players, as any bonus in the opposing technique will neutralize experience benefits.

One of Big Air’s strengths is the game’s flexibility. Players may comb the side of a mountain in the game’s freestyle mode, participating in trick score competitions, events, or even attempt to secure a sponsorship. Whenever gamers encounter a group of people, as press of the “X” button will begin an event, or they may bypass the crowd, and snowboard down the peak without interruption. Additionally, players may accept challenges through the game’s menu, instead of scouring the hillside for a lone, remaining contest. As the beginning of the game, players have access to eight drop points on each mountain; later they’ll gain control of the game’s helicopter, granting them admission to any part of the title’s expansive environment.

While the game’s downhill racing and tricking is suitably polished, things can get bad once players wipe-out. Big Air typically resets the player far enough back so they can retry a grind or jump. Sporadically, the game will drop gamers directly in front of a park object or rock, making another collision inescapable. When this happens, players will be caught in an infuriating loop. Although the back button can take players back to the top of the hill, during mountain runs any cumulative score will be lost. While gamers can take snapshots using Stoked’s cinematic camera, the title lacks the ability to save video replays of any kind.

While Big Air Edition doesn’t have the visceral punch of a triple-A title, the game does have a number of visual distinctions. The game’s variable weather conditions offer a bit of diversity to the game. Not only do the dynamic climates bring effects like falling snow flurries, they also can change the course- icy or rocky sections can be tamed with a fresh coat of powder. Boarders leave enduring trails in the snow, which show the trajectory of each launch attempt. Stoked’s impressive sense of speed is assisted by the game’s framerate, which remains remarkably fluid throughout. Although polygon clipping and flickering shadows are visible during the title’s flyovers, they are infrequent during downhill runs. The game’s indie-themed soundtrack has a few gems, and complements the action well. Although the title doesn’t allow players to create their own playlists, songs may be skipped or repeated with a press of the direction pad.