What Does SSX Stand For?

SSX stands for Snowboard Super Cross. This acronym encapsulates the essence of the renowned extreme sports video game series, known for its high-speed racing, gravity-defying tricks, and competitive snowboarding action.

Understanding Snowboard Super Cross

The "Super Cross" in SSX refers to a competitive style of racing that is often associated with motocross, where multiple competitors race simultaneously over a challenging course featuring jumps, bumps, and turns designed to test their skill and daring. Applied to snowboarding, it emphasizes:

• Competitive Racing: Unlike pure freestyle, Super Cross involves head-to-head races down a course.
• Dynamic Terrain: Courses are engineered with large jumps, rails, moguls, and tight turns, demanding both speed and technical proficiency.
• Spectacular Tricks: While racing is primary, the course design often allows for massive air and intricate tricks to be performed, especially for scoring or gaining "boost."

This blend of racing and freestyle elements is precisely what the SSX game series delivers, making the "Snowboard Super Cross" moniker highly fitting.

The Origins of the SSX Series

The foundation of the SSX concept is deeply rooted in real-world snowboarding competition, largely thanks to its creative visionaries.

Steve Rechtschaffner's Influence

The executive producer and creative director behind the original SSX game was Steve Rechtschaffner. His significant contribution to the sport of snowboarding is the invention of Boardercross, also known as Snowboard Cross (or SBX). Boardercross is now a recognized Olympic event where multiple snowboarders race down a course filled with various challenging features. Rechtschaffner's expertise and experience in developing this real-life competitive format clearly informed the exhilarating and competitive nature of the SSX video game series.

Launched Under EA SPORTS BIG

The first SSX game emerged from EA SPORTS BIG, a label created by Electronic Arts to focus on more exaggerated, arcade-style sports titles that prioritized fun, style, and extreme action over strict realism. This label perfectly aligned with the over-the-top, adrenaline-pumping gameplay that became the hallmark of SSX.

Key Aspects of SSX Gameplay

The game series translates the "Snowboard Super Cross" concept into an engaging virtual experience through several core gameplay elements:

• Exaggerated Physics: While grounded in snowboarding, SSX pushes the boundaries of physics to allow for incredible airtime and seemingly impossible tricks.
• Trick System: A deep trick system allows players to string together complex combos for high scores and "boost" meter replenishment.
• Diverse Characters and Boards: A roster of unique characters, each with their own style and customizable boards, adds to the game's personality and replayability.
• Vast Courses: From urban environments to massive mountain ranges, the courses are designed to offer diverse challenges and opportunities for both racing and trick performance.