SSX Tricky, also known as SSX 2 or SSX 2: Tricky, is a snowboarding video game, the second game in the SSX series published by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports BIG label and developed by EA Canada. A direct sequel to SSX, the game was originally released in 2001 for PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox, It was later ported to the Game Boy Advance in October 2002. SSX 3 followed in 2003.
In SSX Tricky, players can choose among twelve characters, participate in races or trick competitions, and earn rewards. It is named after Run-D.M.C.'s "It's Tricky", a song that is featured throughout the game. Additionally, the game includes a behind-the-scenes making-of video, which is labelled DVD Content in the main menu. One of the major new features is the addition of Uber Tricks, absurdly unrealistic and exaggerated tricks, often involving detaching the board from the snowboarder's feet. The player can gain access to Uber Tricks during play after filling the adrenaline bar; performing six Uber Tricks earns the player unlimited boost for the rest of the race. Another added feature is the rivalry system, where knocking down an opponent will make them more hostile.
SSX Tricky was the first game in the series to be released on multiple consoles, as the original SSX was one of the PS2's launch games. Its PS2 version received a 92% score on Metacritic, sold over 800,000 units worldwide, and like other games in the series achieved Platinum status. Though reviewers felt that the game was more an improved version of SSX rather than a true sequel, it was critically acclaimed for its added features, voice acting, and general improvements, leading to calls for a remake into the 2020s.
