Sled Storm
Encyclopedia
Sled Storm is a series of snowmobile
racing
video games published
and developed
by Electronic Arts
and released in North America on July 31, 1999 and in Europe on August 11, 1999. It gained critical acclaim due to its original concept of being one of the first snowmobile racing titles. The series currently consists of two games, both of which are named simply Sled Storm.
The game features snowmobiles (referred to as sleds), stunts and fourteen snow-covered courses consisting of slippery slopes, inclement weather and treacherous cliffs. Six racers were selectable from the outset and two more were unlockable, each of which had different snowmobile handling attributes.
Sled Storm offers two forms of racing for both multi-player and solo competition: Championship and Quick Race. Quick Race allows you to jump right into the game on any of the available courses unlocked during the Championship Mode. Players can choose their alter ego from a pool of characters, each with his or her own sled rated in five areas: top speed, acceleration, handling, stability and tricks. Once a player has found the appropriate character, he or she can set the number of laps (from two to nine), time of the race (day or night) and even the weather conditions (clear, snow or rain). Championship Mode involves competing in a series of races that can earn you money as well as open up additional tracks and hidden characters. Two types of championship racing are awaiting you: Open Mountain and the Super SnoCross. The Open Mountain Championship involves straightforward racing down alpine terrain as you try to finish first to receive a cash prize (which can then be used to purchase upgrades in such areas as treads, skis, brakes and spotlights). The Super SnoCross involves racing strictly for points as you string together tricks off the motocross-inspired courses. Earn enough points and you'll be able to unlock additional characters to play as.
Sled Storm also features a Time Trials mode, which has you racing as fast as you can in order to earn a spot on the leader board. Once players have finished the Time Trials, there are a number of customizable features to help tailor the game to individual preferences. After completing a few circuits, you'll be able to mix and match the unlocked courses to form your own custom championship. The AI can also be tweaked by toggling "Catch Up Logic," meaning the CPU-controlled racers will move faster once you pass them. Finally, the multi-player perspective can be set to either a portrait or landscape view to offer more or less of the screen while racing.
Players can also save unlocked characters, upgraded sleds and circuit progress using a memory card with one block free. The game includes support for the Dual Shock Analog Controller to offer both analog control as well as vibration feedback while racing. In addition, the included soundtrack features songs from the likes of Rob Zombie, Econoline Crush, Uberzone, E-Z Rollers and Dom & Roland. Once players are through thrashin' the slopes, they can pop the disc into a standard CD player and listen to the music.
video game console
. The extreme racing element of Sled Storm draws from an early Electronic Arts
game called Road Rash (1991). While the environments and vehicles are completely different (motorcycles versus snowmobiles and the open road versus alpine courses), there are several similarities. For starters, both titles rely on fast-paced racing with a number of hazards placed in your path to make things interesting. Second, both feature cash prizes that allow you to purchase faster vehicles. The courses were extensively produced as they contained many shortcuts and alternate routes to complete a level. They could be played with day, night, sunny, and snow settings to make each race experience slightly different. Third, it is possible to ram your opponents in both games for an added thrill.
Sled Storm, of course, significantly expands on the number of features found in Road Rash and includes four-player support through a Multi Tap adapter. It was one of the few racing titles for the original PlayStation to support 4 player multiplayer with the Multitap adaptor. Up to four players can also participate at once, making this title one of the few racing games on the PlayStation (as of 1999) to feature split-screen action with more than two players. Sled Storm also offers two forms of racing for both multi-player and solo competition: Championship and Quick Race.
.
Alex C of Computer and Video Games
gave the game an average score, although, he praised the game for having a "killer combination of brilliant programming and an idea fresh as a mountain stream." and also claimed that the "vehicle physics" and "exciting course design" made the game "totally absorbing, plus its great to watch." . Electronic Gaming Monthly
was positive of the game and commented on how "the crew likes this game – even John, who has previously complained about how horrible Extreme Sports games are and how they all need to die." The game also received the Game of the Month and the Editor’s Choice Silver Award from the publication that same year.
GamePro
gave the game 4/5 and in the review claimed that "EA offers a user-friendly, high-action racing game for the winter-sports enthusiast who likes to stay warm and cozy." and concluded the review saying "If you like racing games, check this one out. It's low-maintenance winter sport excitement, with an extreme look and feel. Sled Storm takes snow business seriously!" Game Revolution
descried the game as "a pleasant surprise" and cited that the game "has plenty of big tracks, a variety of tricks and upgrades, and multiplayer support." and also explained how "The level design and character animation are also commendable. The levels are long and showcase a great variety of terrain and creative jumps" in addition praising the audio claiming "The sound effects are good enough to keep your heart pounding as you wind the turns." and ended the review saying "If you are a snowmobile racing fan looking for a snowmobile racing game, then Sled Storm is a must buy. Look no further, this game is for you." Nelson Turac of GameSpot
awarded the game a score of 8.1 of 10 and praised the general aspects of the game saying that "the speed, control, and graphics seem to strike an excellent rapport with the gameplay design. The game runs at a crisp frame rate throughout the track, with never any slowdown (even in split-screen mode)." and later applauded the visual effects noting "The graphics overall look solid, and some lighting effects are rather impressive - notably in later stages when night racing becomes available (another challenge gamers must adapt to)." he also praised the audio saying "Their musical offerings blend in well with the game's intense racing mentality, while the sound effects and racer trash-talk seem adequate enough." and concluded the review by saying "For any gamer looking for a uniquely fresh adrenaline rush, Sled Storm makes for one very worthy purchase". Doug Perry of IGN
awarded the game 8.0/10 and commended the game saying that "I liked this game from the beginning. It's well designed, smart looking, and realistic as they come." and also added that "From the slick, easy-to-access interface, to the muscular upgrade system, to the deep, well-designed courses, Sled Storm is addictive and fun."
Sled Storm is often recognized as the key title involved in popularizing the snow racing game genre. The idea of the player being able to compete in several different Arctic environments, not only with yourself but with several other players, and perform several different stunts and tricks has been a formula used in many games since. Examples include, Ski-doo X-team Racing, Sno-Cross Extreme, Evolution Snocross, SSX (series)
and Arctic Thunder
. The game is also arguably the reason that EA Sports Big
was introduced in the year 2000 as several other titles were created around the design and gameplay of the original Sled Storm. Although, it should also be noted that one of the main reasons the brand was also introduced to distribute games based on sports with a non-realistic arcade gameplay.
and was released on March 11, 2002. The gameplay this time around was more similar to SSX
. The environments were more interactive than the previous game with a larger amount of shortcuts and alternate paths. An attack button, new to the series, can be used attack opponents in an attempt to knock them off their snowmobile. Again, like the prequel the characters had differing attributes which effect weight, acceleration, and other things. But the storyline for the characters was covered much more in depth. The trick feature in this game was more in extensive and contained a larger amount of possible tricks. It was accessed by using the top four shoulder buttons in combination with the direction pad. The trick meter not only increases the score like the original, but it also charges the newly incorporated "Storm Meter" (which must be charged by performing tricks).
lineup, performing tricks earns players points used to unlock characters and acquire speed boosts. The eight male and female characters have varying trick abilities and they each have distinct snowmobiles, or "sleds," individually rated in acceleration, top speed, handling, and stability. New sleds for each character can be earned by placing first on the majority of courses.
Modes of play include Single Race on any of the unlocked courses, Multi-Player for a split-screen challenge against a friend, Time Trial, Practice, Championship, and Rival Challenge. Championship is the primary mode in which players unlock courses, characters, and up to five classes of sleds. Each course is raced against five computer opponents in a series of three laps. Players need to finish in a specific position to advance to the next track or achieve a certain point total to unlock one of the characters (only three of which are initially playable). Once a character completes the Championship, the Rival Challenge mode is revealed.
Rival Challenge allows players an opportunity to win another character's sled by racing for it. If victorious in the one-on-one race, the player can add another sled type to a character's roster. If players should lose the race, they forfeit one of their character's sleds offered as collateral. To win back a lost sled, players need to complete the same objective in the Championship mode. The computer randomly selects the course to ensure an even match for each Rival Challenge. Players can toggle the number of opponents and laps for non-Championship races, and unlocked courses, sleds, and characters can all be saved to memory card.
and received a score of 76% on MobyGames
.
Scott Alan Marriott of Allgame
("All Game Guide" at the time) gave the game 3/5, which was a lower score that was awarded to the PlayStation 1 version, and considered the game offered "simple controls, fast action, and inventive courses with shortcuts so long they almost qualify as completely new tracks." and ended the review saying " Sled Storm may not offer an avalanche of features or a gust of realism, but it won't leave thrill-seeking players, especially those burned by Arctic Thunder
, out in the cold with its high-powered action." Joff Brown of Computer and Video Games
gave the game a favourable score and in the review noted that game was "Solid, fun sled racing", however, he also felt the game was spoiled by "annoying game mechanics" and claimed the biggest flaw in the game was "in the way it tries to help you." Martin Taylor of Eurogamer
was quite critical of the game and even claimed the game "never becomes really particularly interesting or unpredictable." and further added the game gradually becomes "ridiculous and occasionally downright frustrating", he also criticized the design of the game saying that the environments of the tracks "would be more suited to a game like Toon Car" and that "The more sensible tracks have some irritating quirks". He concluded the review noting "What starts off to be a fun little arcade racer turns out to be a sadly wasted opportunity in the wake of far superior alternatives." Giancarlo Varanini of GameSpot
cites how "Purists will undoubtedly become frustrated with Sled Storm's unrealistic AI and collision detection issues", however he later noted that despite the problems with games mechanics "it's still quite fun to drive through Sled Storm's unique tracks, which become progressively more insane as you go through the championship mode." he later claimed that "For the most part, Sled Storm looks a lot like SSX" and ended the review saying "Sled Storm uses the SSX formula well, and anyone who enjoys a challenging arcade-style racer should have fun with the game.". David Smith of IGN
gave the game a more favourable review then the original PlayStation 1 version and awarded the score 8.5/10. He noted in the review that "EA's artists still have the touch when it comes to interface design, and Sled Storm carries off its over-the-top personality pretty well." he also saw the multiplayer as "great", the graphics "looking very good, with environments comparable to SSX", good rider animation and a solid frame rate in single-player and split-screen." Although, there was criticism towards the gameplay claiming "isn't as integrated into the racing as in SSX", but he still felt the game was "great to drive." He later criticized the soundtrack claiming it "doesn't seem to have as complex a mix as SSX" but later claimed "still a slickly-produced package." He ended the review saying " In the end, it's still an evolution of the PlayStation game, rather than the revolution that was SSX. The EA Big treatment has certainly done wonders for what was already a good racing game, leading to improvements in the track design and lending the franchise a substantial helping of personality, but it remains something familiar done better, rather than something completely new."
Snowmobile
A snowmobile, also known in some places as a snowmachine, or sled,is a land vehicle for winter travel on snow. Designed to be operated on snow and ice, they require no road or trail. Design variations enable some machines to operate in deep snow or forests; most are used on open terrain, including...
racing
Racing game
A racing video game is a genre of video games, either in the first-person or third-person perspective, in which the player partakes in a racing competition with any type of land, air, or sea vehicles. They may be based on anything from real-world racing leagues to entirely fantastical settings...
video games published
Video game publisher
A video game publisher is a company that publishes video games that they have either developed internally or have had developed by a video game developer....
and developed
Video game developer
A video game developer is a software developer that creates video games. A developer may specialize in a certain video game console, such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, or may develop for a variety of systems, including personal computers.Most developers also...
by Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
and released in North America on July 31, 1999 and in Europe on August 11, 1999. It gained critical acclaim due to its original concept of being one of the first snowmobile racing titles. The series currently consists of two games, both of which are named simply Sled Storm.
The game features snowmobiles (referred to as sleds), stunts and fourteen snow-covered courses consisting of slippery slopes, inclement weather and treacherous cliffs. Six racers were selectable from the outset and two more were unlockable, each of which had different snowmobile handling attributes.
Gameplay
The game had purchasable upgrades for the riders' snowmobiles which can improve handling, acceleration, among other things. A trick feature was also implemented which was performed by using two shoulder buttons in combination with the direction pad. Whatever combinations of buttons were used would affect what trick was used. It was also possible to multicombo on higher jumps to gain an even higher score. After defeating the mountain races you can unlock the storm sled which is a thin, quick and agile sled capable of outracing even the fastest standard sleds.Sled Storm offers two forms of racing for both multi-player and solo competition: Championship and Quick Race. Quick Race allows you to jump right into the game on any of the available courses unlocked during the Championship Mode. Players can choose their alter ego from a pool of characters, each with his or her own sled rated in five areas: top speed, acceleration, handling, stability and tricks. Once a player has found the appropriate character, he or she can set the number of laps (from two to nine), time of the race (day or night) and even the weather conditions (clear, snow or rain). Championship Mode involves competing in a series of races that can earn you money as well as open up additional tracks and hidden characters. Two types of championship racing are awaiting you: Open Mountain and the Super SnoCross. The Open Mountain Championship involves straightforward racing down alpine terrain as you try to finish first to receive a cash prize (which can then be used to purchase upgrades in such areas as treads, skis, brakes and spotlights). The Super SnoCross involves racing strictly for points as you string together tricks off the motocross-inspired courses. Earn enough points and you'll be able to unlock additional characters to play as.
Sled Storm also features a Time Trials mode, which has you racing as fast as you can in order to earn a spot on the leader board. Once players have finished the Time Trials, there are a number of customizable features to help tailor the game to individual preferences. After completing a few circuits, you'll be able to mix and match the unlocked courses to form your own custom championship. The AI can also be tweaked by toggling "Catch Up Logic," meaning the CPU-controlled racers will move faster once you pass them. Finally, the multi-player perspective can be set to either a portrait or landscape view to offer more or less of the screen while racing.
Players can also save unlocked characters, upgraded sleds and circuit progress using a memory card with one block free. The game includes support for the Dual Shock Analog Controller to offer both analog control as well as vibration feedback while racing. In addition, the included soundtrack features songs from the likes of Rob Zombie, Econoline Crush, Uberzone, E-Z Rollers and Dom & Roland. Once players are through thrashin' the slopes, they can pop the disc into a standard CD player and listen to the music.
Development
The first game in the Sled Storm series was released on the PlayStation 1PlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
video game console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
. The extreme racing element of Sled Storm draws from an early Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
game called Road Rash (1991). While the environments and vehicles are completely different (motorcycles versus snowmobiles and the open road versus alpine courses), there are several similarities. For starters, both titles rely on fast-paced racing with a number of hazards placed in your path to make things interesting. Second, both feature cash prizes that allow you to purchase faster vehicles. The courses were extensively produced as they contained many shortcuts and alternate routes to complete a level. They could be played with day, night, sunny, and snow settings to make each race experience slightly different. Third, it is possible to ram your opponents in both games for an added thrill.
Sled Storm, of course, significantly expands on the number of features found in Road Rash and includes four-player support through a Multi Tap adapter. It was one of the few racing titles for the original PlayStation to support 4 player multiplayer with the Multitap adaptor. Up to four players can also participate at once, making this title one of the few racing games on the PlayStation (as of 1999) to feature split-screen action with more than two players. Sled Storm also offers two forms of racing for both multi-player and solo competition: Championship and Quick Race.
Reception and legacy
Sled Storm was met with critical acclaim upon its release on July 31, 1999. The game received an average score of 83% based on 24 reviews on the review aggregator Game Rankings and received a score of 84% on MobyGamesMobyGames
-Platforms not yet included:- Further reading :* Rusel DeMaria, Johnny L. Wilson, High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media; 2 edition , ISBN 0-07-223172-6...
.
Alex C of Computer and Video Games
Computer and video games
A video game is an electronic game that involves human interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. The word video in video game traditionally referred to a raster display device, but following popularization of the term "video game", it now implies any type of...
gave the game an average score, although, he praised the game for having a "killer combination of brilliant programming and an idea fresh as a mountain stream." and also claimed that the "vehicle physics" and "exciting course design" made the game "totally absorbing, plus its great to watch." . Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Electronic Gaming Monthly is a bimonthly American video game magazine. It has been published by EGM Media, LLC. since relaunching in April of 2010. Its previous run, which ended in January 2009, was published by Ziff Davis...
was positive of the game and commented on how "the crew likes this game – even John, who has previously complained about how horrible Extreme Sports games are and how they all need to die." The game also received the Game of the Month and the Editor’s Choice Silver Award from the publication that same year.
GamePro
GamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
gave the game 4/5 and in the review claimed that "EA offers a user-friendly, high-action racing game for the winter-sports enthusiast who likes to stay warm and cozy." and concluded the review saying "If you like racing games, check this one out. It's low-maintenance winter sport excitement, with an extreme look and feel. Sled Storm takes snow business seriously!" Game Revolution
Game Revolution
Game Revolution or GR is a gaming website created in 1996. Based in Berkeley, California, the site includes reviews, previews, a gaming download area, cheats, and a merchandise store, as well as webcomics, screenshots, and videos...
descried the game as "a pleasant surprise" and cited that the game "has plenty of big tracks, a variety of tricks and upgrades, and multiplayer support." and also explained how "The level design and character animation are also commendable. The levels are long and showcase a great variety of terrain and creative jumps" in addition praising the audio claiming "The sound effects are good enough to keep your heart pounding as you wind the turns." and ended the review saying "If you are a snowmobile racing fan looking for a snowmobile racing game, then Sled Storm is a must buy. Look no further, this game is for you." Nelson Turac of GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
awarded the game a score of 8.1 of 10 and praised the general aspects of the game saying that "the speed, control, and graphics seem to strike an excellent rapport with the gameplay design. The game runs at a crisp frame rate throughout the track, with never any slowdown (even in split-screen mode)." and later applauded the visual effects noting "The graphics overall look solid, and some lighting effects are rather impressive - notably in later stages when night racing becomes available (another challenge gamers must adapt to)." he also praised the audio saying "Their musical offerings blend in well with the game's intense racing mentality, while the sound effects and racer trash-talk seem adequate enough." and concluded the review by saying "For any gamer looking for a uniquely fresh adrenaline rush, Sled Storm makes for one very worthy purchase". Doug Perry of IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
awarded the game 8.0/10 and commended the game saying that "I liked this game from the beginning. It's well designed, smart looking, and realistic as they come." and also added that "From the slick, easy-to-access interface, to the muscular upgrade system, to the deep, well-designed courses, Sled Storm is addictive and fun."
Sled Storm is often recognized as the key title involved in popularizing the snow racing game genre. The idea of the player being able to compete in several different Arctic environments, not only with yourself but with several other players, and perform several different stunts and tricks has been a formula used in many games since. Examples include, Ski-doo X-team Racing, Sno-Cross Extreme, Evolution Snocross, SSX (series)
SSX (series)
SSX is a series of snowboarding and skiing videogames published by EA Sports BIG. It is an arcade-style racing game with larger-than-life courses, characters, and tricks...
and Arctic Thunder
Arctic Thunder
Arctic Thunder is a snowmobile racing game developed by Midway Games released as an arcade game as well as on PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles, being a launch title for the latter. In the arcade version of the game, jets blow cold or hot winds, depending on the setting, in the player's face while he...
. The game is also arguably the reason that EA Sports Big
EA Sports BIG
EA Sports BIG is a brand name used by Electronic Arts since 2000 to distribute games based on sports with a non realistic arcade gameplay similar to Midway's sports games. SSX was the first game to be published by EA Sports BIG. No game of this brand has been released for PC or Mac.- Games :-...
was introduced in the year 2000 as several other titles were created around the design and gameplay of the original Sled Storm. Although, it should also be noted that one of the main reasons the brand was also introduced to distribute games based on sports with a non-realistic arcade gameplay.
Soundtrack
Sled Storm included a soundtrack which could be played on a normal CD player.- Rob ZombieRob ZombieRob Zombie is an American musician, film director, screenwriter and film producer. He founded the heavy metal band White Zombie and has been nominated three times as a solo artist for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.Zombie has also established a career as a film director, creating the...
- "Dragula (Hot Rod Herman Remix)" - Econoline CrushEconoline CrushEconoline Crush is a band from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada formed in 1992. Originally formed in Seattle, they eventually moved back to Vancouver...
- "Sparkle And Shine (Throttle Mix)" - Econoline Crush - "Nowhere Now (White Out Mix)"
- Econoline Crush - "Surefire (Avalanche Mix)"
- E-Z Rollers - "Cop Theme"
- Dom & RolandDom & RolandDom & Roland is the alias of British drum and bass producer Dominic Angus. The addition of "Roland" in the artist name refers to his Roland sampler. In 1996 he was signed to Moving Shadow recordings, and his tracks were oriented towards the dark hardstep genre. He has released records on other...
- "Chained On Two Sides" - Dom & Roland - "Thunder"
- ÜberzoneUberzoneÜberzone is Anaheim, California native Timothy Wiles, is an electronic musician. He has also been known as Q, named after the popular character in the James Bond series....
- "Botz (Synthetik Remix)" - Jeff van DyckJeff van DyckJeff van Dyck is a Canadian video game music composer. Born in 1969 and raised in Vancouver, Canada, van Dyck is the Audio Director of The Creative Assembly's offices in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Australia....
- "Sweet Baby" - Jeff van Dyck - "That's Grouse"
Sled Storm for PlayStation 2
The second game in the Sled Storm series was released on the PlayStation 2PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
and was released on March 11, 2002. The gameplay this time around was more similar to SSX
SSX (series)
SSX is a series of snowboarding and skiing videogames published by EA Sports BIG. It is an arcade-style racing game with larger-than-life courses, characters, and tricks...
. The environments were more interactive than the previous game with a larger amount of shortcuts and alternate paths. An attack button, new to the series, can be used attack opponents in an attempt to knock them off their snowmobile. Again, like the prequel the characters had differing attributes which effect weight, acceleration, and other things. But the storyline for the characters was covered much more in depth. The trick feature in this game was more in extensive and contained a larger amount of possible tricks. It was accessed by using the top four shoulder buttons in combination with the direction pad. The trick meter not only increases the score like the original, but it also charges the newly incorporated "Storm Meter" (which must be charged by performing tricks).
Gameplay
The sequel to the PlayStation's first snowmobile racing game, Sled Storm combines the ability to perform aerial tricks with arcade-style racing down a series of seven snow- and ice-covered courses. As in previous games in the EA Sports BigEA Sports BIG
EA Sports BIG is a brand name used by Electronic Arts since 2000 to distribute games based on sports with a non realistic arcade gameplay similar to Midway's sports games. SSX was the first game to be published by EA Sports BIG. No game of this brand has been released for PC or Mac.- Games :-...
lineup, performing tricks earns players points used to unlock characters and acquire speed boosts. The eight male and female characters have varying trick abilities and they each have distinct snowmobiles, or "sleds," individually rated in acceleration, top speed, handling, and stability. New sleds for each character can be earned by placing first on the majority of courses.
Modes of play include Single Race on any of the unlocked courses, Multi-Player for a split-screen challenge against a friend, Time Trial, Practice, Championship, and Rival Challenge. Championship is the primary mode in which players unlock courses, characters, and up to five classes of sleds. Each course is raced against five computer opponents in a series of three laps. Players need to finish in a specific position to advance to the next track or achieve a certain point total to unlock one of the characters (only three of which are initially playable). Once a character completes the Championship, the Rival Challenge mode is revealed.
Rival Challenge allows players an opportunity to win another character's sled by racing for it. If victorious in the one-on-one race, the player can add another sled type to a character's roster. If players should lose the race, they forfeit one of their character's sleds offered as collateral. To win back a lost sled, players need to complete the same objective in the Championship mode. The computer randomly selects the course to ensure an even match for each Rival Challenge. Players can toggle the number of opponents and laps for non-Championship races, and unlocked courses, sleds, and characters can all be saved to memory card.
Reception
Reception of the game was positive. Some felt it expanded on the original Sled Storm and contained enough fresh content to be a worthy expansion of the game. However, some criticized the game for its lack of innovation. The game received an average score of 72% based on 34 reviews on the review aggregator Game Rankings and the game has a normalized score of 73% based on 22 reviews on the review aggregator MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
and received a score of 76% on MobyGames
MobyGames
-Platforms not yet included:- Further reading :* Rusel DeMaria, Johnny L. Wilson, High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media; 2 edition , ISBN 0-07-223172-6...
.
Scott Alan Marriott of Allgame
Allgame
Allgame is a commercial database of information about arcade games, video games and console manufacturers.Allgame is owned by All Media Guide, along with Allmusic and Allmovie....
("All Game Guide" at the time) gave the game 3/5, which was a lower score that was awarded to the PlayStation 1 version, and considered the game offered "simple controls, fast action, and inventive courses with shortcuts so long they almost qualify as completely new tracks." and ended the review saying " Sled Storm may not offer an avalanche of features or a gust of realism, but it won't leave thrill-seeking players, especially those burned by Arctic Thunder
Arctic Thunder
Arctic Thunder is a snowmobile racing game developed by Midway Games released as an arcade game as well as on PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles, being a launch title for the latter. In the arcade version of the game, jets blow cold or hot winds, depending on the setting, in the player's face while he...
, out in the cold with its high-powered action." Joff Brown of Computer and Video Games
Computer and video games
A video game is an electronic game that involves human interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. The word video in video game traditionally referred to a raster display device, but following popularization of the term "video game", it now implies any type of...
gave the game a favourable score and in the review noted that game was "Solid, fun sled racing", however, he also felt the game was spoiled by "annoying game mechanics" and claimed the biggest flaw in the game was "in the way it tries to help you." Martin Taylor of Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
was quite critical of the game and even claimed the game "never becomes really particularly interesting or unpredictable." and further added the game gradually becomes "ridiculous and occasionally downright frustrating", he also criticized the design of the game saying that the environments of the tracks "would be more suited to a game like Toon Car" and that "The more sensible tracks have some irritating quirks". He concluded the review noting "What starts off to be a fun little arcade racer turns out to be a sadly wasted opportunity in the wake of far superior alternatives." Giancarlo Varanini of GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
cites how "Purists will undoubtedly become frustrated with Sled Storm's unrealistic AI and collision detection issues", however he later noted that despite the problems with games mechanics "it's still quite fun to drive through Sled Storm's unique tracks, which become progressively more insane as you go through the championship mode." he later claimed that "For the most part, Sled Storm looks a lot like SSX" and ended the review saying "Sled Storm uses the SSX formula well, and anyone who enjoys a challenging arcade-style racer should have fun with the game.". David Smith of IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave the game a more favourable review then the original PlayStation 1 version and awarded the score 8.5/10. He noted in the review that "EA's artists still have the touch when it comes to interface design, and Sled Storm carries off its over-the-top personality pretty well." he also saw the multiplayer as "great", the graphics "looking very good, with environments comparable to SSX", good rider animation and a solid frame rate in single-player and split-screen." Although, there was criticism towards the gameplay claiming "isn't as integrated into the racing as in SSX", but he still felt the game was "great to drive." He later criticized the soundtrack claiming it "doesn't seem to have as complex a mix as SSX" but later claimed "still a slickly-produced package." He ended the review saying " In the end, it's still an evolution of the PlayStation game, rather than the revolution that was SSX. The EA Big treatment has certainly done wonders for what was already a good racing game, leading to improvements in the track design and lending the franchise a substantial helping of personality, but it remains something familiar done better, rather than something completely new."