Evolution Snowboarding

Infobox VG |title = Evolution Snowboarding


developer = Konami
publisher = Konami
designer =
engine =
version =
released = flagicon|United States February 26, 2003
genre = Sports
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings = ESRB: Teen (13+)
platforms = PlayStation 2, GameCube
media = Dualshock 2
requirements =
input =

"Evolution Snowboarding" is a sports video game released in 2002 by Konami. The game takes a new perspective on the snowboarding/sports genre. Evolution Snowboarding has also spawned a sequel titled Evolution Skateboarding.

Plot

In the Playstation 2 game manual, there is a brief prologue describing what is happening to earth:

"Year: 20XX: Earth is plagued by an inexplicable and lethal change in climate. Sweltering heat melts the ice in polar regions, while violent snowstorms whip through tropical zones. Something must be done before it is too late. Strange creatures appear before the frightened inhabitants of earth, ripping through the frozen streets, wreaking havoc and leaving destruction in their wake... They are "Boardroids". Thus begins their reign of terror. Dead land petrified in permanent frost. You awaken in a crevasse blanketed by snow. It is a strange world, all mechanical humming and spurts if steam. You have no idea how you got there. "Run" somebody is talking to you. "You can still make it. Go now!" The voice jolts you to your feet. "The escapes routes been cleared, the rest is up to you". YOU START TO RUN"

From there, the Plot centers around the character that the player created in the beginning of the game(see Character creation below) receiving an email telling him/her to go to a ski resort that has been taking over by hostile creatures. The player then clears challenges at the ski resort so he/she can take on the boss of the area, Boomer.

After the player defeats him, pro boarders from all over join your quest to stop the evil forces controlling the lands. Now, you have a choice of going to one of two other places controlled by other bosses which the player needs to destroy. Eventually, the player gets to the final battle in the Big Core and saves the earth from the climate crisis.

Gameplay

Evolution Snowboarding uses a combination of Snowboarding and Combat skills to complete each task and defeat enemies. Players can use punches, kicks, weapons, grabs, and board tricks to battle enemies of all sorts.

Character Creation/Customization

In Evolution Mode(The Career mode), the player chooses a player character, their characteristics, and their name to begin with. Then, as he/she progresses throughout the game, they earn points by doing challenges to boost the character's traits and skills. Gear can also be purchased to customize your entire board and rider setup. Also, throughout the levels there are clothes scattered all around that can be equipped to the rider at the end of the level.

Multiplayer

A split screen multiplayer mode called duel mode was included in the game. This mode allowed two players to choose from any of the pro boarders in the game and compete against each other in multiple game types.

Weapons

Weapons can be found throughout the levels and are used by pressing the circle button to attack (PS2 Version). Weapons in the game include:

Chains

Chains are by far the best weapon in the game. Superior distance, damage, and rate of attack makes the chain a great weapon to have.

Clubs

Clubs are spiky weapons that can be considered mediocre all around. Fair distance, good damage, and a regular rate of attack place this weapon as a good thing to have.

pins/Board attacks

While not an actual weapon, using tricks to defeat enemies is a great tool in the players arsenal. The player can spin and physically hit an enemy, or the board will build up energy when spinning that will automatically unleash lightning on foes when the player lands.

Others

In the Playstation 2 game manual, it says that there are additional weapons at the players disposal. It is unknown if this is referring to the bosses weapons, or if there are other hidden weapons in the game.

Music

Music from the game includes artists such as: Slipknot, Stone Sour, Murderdolls, Goneblind, Killswitch Engage, Chimaira, 36 Crazyfists, and Five Pointe 0. This music was put in the game to match up with the plots dark and violent tone.

Reception

Evolution Snowboarding was not very well received and overall is considered mediocre by many game reviewers. Gamespot said that "Evolution Snowboarding ultimately falls short of its potential with sluggish controls, bland visuals, and a relatively low difficultly level." Gamespot awarded the Gamecube version a score of 5.9 out of 10, earning a "mediocre" rating. [cite web|title=Gamespot Review (Gamecube)|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/sports/evolutionsnowboarding/review.html|]

References

ee Also

Evolution Skateboarding

Konami

External links

* [http://www.konami.com/ "Evolution Snowboarding" official site] (American)