To me, SSX: Tricky represents the new Crazy Taxi. Besides being just as addictive, it also one-ups things by having replay value Crazy Taxi could only dream of.

All I have to say is I never knew snow could be this colorful. At every jump and turn, there is always some little piece of eye candy waiting to be found. Of course, this is a straight port of the PS2 version (which isn't a bad thing at all), and it doesn't take full advantage of the Cube's hardware, but if you didn't know they could do it, how could you miss it? Tricky also sports a sweet soundtrack which consists mostly of remixed themes from SSX , but it's very interesting to hear how the sound guys were able to mix Run DMC's 'It's Tricky' into every song. Tricky also includes character voices by Lucy Liu, Billy Zane, David Arquette (that guy from the 1-800-Collect commercials), Oliver Platt and other top Hollywood talent. Rahzell also makes a return as the announcer, and as much as I dislike him, I have to admit it works well with the game.

This is not a snowboard simulation - instead, think of it as NFL Blitz on the side of a mountain. The tricks you can pull off are insane, and those are just the basic moves. Once you get the power meter, up you can pull off Uber Tricks, most of which require your character to leave their boards. The laws of physics, especially gravity, cease to exist on the slopes of SSX . The gameplay in Tricky is about as addictive as it comes. You can choose to take a player though a World Circuit, which includes both Race and Showoff events, or a Singles (exhibition) match. In Race, it is a simple race to the bottom of the mountain; Showoff is just you, your board, and as many tricks as you can cram into a run. These modes are fun, but what really keeps you coming back are the unlockables, like different costumes, boards, and the ultimate ride - Untracked, a freeride down an unmarked mountain. For those wanting bragging rights, there is always the two-player mode that allows you to have either a Trick Off or Race with a friend. This is a blast to play - 'nuff said.

Tricky is no cakewalk, but it is also not that hard to pick up and enjoy. My best suggestion to newbies is to pick one character, preferably Mac or Elise, and practice as much as possible in Singles competition before entering the World Circuit. Things do look intimidating at first, but before you know it, you will be pulling off Late 540 Kick-Flip Fakie Switch Fade Twists in no time. Play close attention to your character during races. That way you will know where they need work, resulting in not only a better character, but also an easier ride.

Tricky is the complete package. It has great graphics, excellent sound, and is a blast to play. My only problem, and one that many gamers who were weaned on the DualShock 2 will have, is the control is not quite all there in Tricky. This mainly comes from the assignment of two buttons, X and Z-trigger. For some reason or another, someone decided to make the Z-trigger a trick button, a job it really wasn't made to handle. X is the reset camera button, and a majority of the time you will hit it and kill an excellent move combo. Had they switched these around, and fixed a few minor glitches, Tricky would have scored higher, but anyone who is a fan of fun, addictive games owes it to themselves to get Tricky. It is not only one of the best games currently available on the GameCube (it tore me away from both Rogue Leader and SSB: M), but it is an excellent addition to any gamer's library.