Amped 2 Review (no fat)

Game Description

Like it's prequel, Amped 2 is an action-sports titles which aims at realism that is unforgiving at times. It has one of the most varied trick library of any snowboarding game. This slow paced game, with the focus on executing tricks sets it apart from others in this genre.

Amped 2 offers beautiful graphics and distinct game play mechanism. Even while being similar to its prequel, all areas have been refined to make the experience more enjoyable. Amped 2 also offers tons of new features like new moves, a huge sound track (you can also add your own songs to the list) and Xbox live support.

Amped 2 Game play

Amped 2 game modes include career, free ride, just ride, and multiplayer. Amped 2 offers new combo tricks. The new style feature takes advantage of the analog stick. For instance, pushing the stick only half way will better your chances of perfect execution and landing. The risk reward system makes Amped 2 game play more deep than games like "SSX’.

Another addition to the game is the snow skate feature, in which the players feet are not attached to the snowboard. In this mode players will have to perform a grab in the air, so that the board doesn't fly away. Although, this mode is not easy, it offers you the chance of performing the kick flip, lip and rail tricks. This feature is not available on every mountain though.

One of the main reasons developers relied on analog sticks was to allow the player to pull off slow, stylish and controlled moves. However, this is not the only way to reap rewards. Players can also earn points by attempting to do repeated frantic tricks. Due to the 'Butter' feature an entire run can be made into one combo, allowing for higher scores.

Amped 2 Online

The most Impressive feature of "Amped 2” is its online feature. This feature offers free ride and session’s modes where you can compete in various categories like best overall scores, media scores, tricks, and combos. Using Xbox live or System Link, up to eight players can compete over the mountains. XSN allows you to hook up with other riders in packs and track various leaders.

Just Ride mode can be played with up to eight players and winner is selected by highest score. There are four online Session modes. These include High Score, Best Trick (which ranks players based their best trick scores), King of the Mountain and the Trick Race (race to the end while earning points on certain objects, or freeze for a specified time).

Amped 2 Controls

Amped 2 is probably not a game for the casual gamer. Its biggest problem is the control system. The use of both analog sticks may seem novel and liberating, but in practice players will find this system difficult to learn. The left analog stick controls accelerating, decelerating, turning, flipping, spinning, and "butters”, i.e. the game’s manual version. Controlling all these features with one stick can be a problem. The right analog stick is used for controlling and modifying air tricks. Moving between right analog stick to the face buttons often leads to problems.

Amped 2 Sound Track

Another strong point is the game’s collection of over 300 sound tracks. Most of the songs are from smaller labels but the number and variety of the songs cannot be ignored. You can import your own soundtracks in addition to the huge variety of soundtracks already available. The voice acting is the only bore in the sound department. However, there is the impressive use of Dolby Digital surround sound that salvages some pride.

Amped 2 Graphics

One of the more impressive things about Amped 2 is its graphics. The mountains and scenery are beautiful. The character models are just as impressive. However, the player seems a bit rigid during movements. It supports 720p, making it ideal for HDTV users.

Amped Summing Up

Amped 2 stands out from other games in its genre in plenty of ways. It focuses on realism, a packed career mode and full Live play with XSN. The deep career mode offers tons of objectives, while offering more tricks and a new combo point system along the way. The visual aspects of the game (minus the animations) are more than impressive with real world mountains look.

Customization options are also a plus factor of the game. You cannot create the skater of your choice but tweaking options are fun nonetheless. Amped 2 may not be for everybody, but its still a game worth playing if you are interested in the genre…just don’t take it to be SSX competition.

Amped 2 Cost

Amped 2 for Xbox currently retails for $13.98US at the time of writing.