If you ever wanted to shred some virtual snow while dreams of becoming the next snowboarding legend dance inside your head, then 'MTV Sports: Snowboarding' might just be the game for you. Released by Radical Entertainment and powered by the early 90s coolness of MTV, this game promised to deliver a snow-slicked experience that would keep you glued to your PlayStation, assuming you didn't accidentally throw your controller at the screen out of frustration.
The game offers players a lavish storyline, where you will find yourself engrossed in a competition that spans across various snow-covered terrains. Before you can rocket off with reckless abandon, you must first pass training and qualifying rounds, which sounds like the perfect excuse for a simulation of a real-life DMV visit. Gameplay offers a blend of single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing you to challenge your buddies to see who can land that jaw-dropping backflip or who can fall face-first in the snow the most times. Spoiler: it might be you. Controls are a mix of straightforward and bewildering, like trying to learn a new dance move from your awkward uncle at family gatherings. The combination of button presses can lead to spectacular fails or triumphant spins that would make any X-Games competitor weep with joy. Whether you're rallying against the clock or just trying to pull off a trick that seems impossible, it’s all about that glorious rush of adrenaline—until you wipe out and wonder why you didn’t take up knitting instead. Overall, the gameplay manages to keep things exciting with a variety of tricks and courses. Both speedy descents and technical trick challenges are waiting for you, but don’t expect to be cruising down mountains right away. Preparation and practice are key, and if you had a bad day at work, consider throwing some virtual snowballs at your co-workers instead of snowboarding. It might just be more satisfying.
Visually, it’s basically the PlayStation’s version of an abstract painting about snowboarding. The graphics are charming in that classic 'look at how far we've come' way. The snowy landscapes have character, with an emphasis on texture that could remind you of the knit sweater your grandma insisted you wear during winter. The visuals might not be pushing the boundaries of what we expect from graphics in gaming today, but it certainly feels nostalgic—like being wrapped up in a vintage blanket or that old, slightly rancid smell of the classic ski lodge. Animations, however, range from impressive to absolutely hilarious. Watching your character tumble down the slope is reminiscent of a cartoon character who just threw its back out. It’s comical and tragic in equal measure, and your friends will certainly enjoy the show if you aim to prove that falling can indeed be an art form. The environments are punctuated with various obstacles like trees and half-pipes that can help or hinder your performance—much like that time you tried to slide downhill on a trash can lid and ended up flipping over the neighbors' fence.
MTV Sports: Snowboarding may not be the groundbreaking ride of your dreams, but it’s a fun throwback to a time when games were about enjoying the ride, falling spectacularly, and feeling cool doing tricks—even if you fail half of them. For those yearning for a simpler time in gaming or craving a nostalgia trip back to the late 90s, I give it a score of 7.3/10. It’s neither the greatest nor the worst ride on the slopes, but sometimes it’s the journey that matters, even if you crash and burn along the way. So strap on your virtual snow boots, grab your controller, and embrace the ridiculousness of it all—snow awaits, and with it, a chance for you to become the ultimate couch-bound snowboarder!
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