Hobbies And Interests
Sled Storm
Coming onto the gaming scene almost three years after the original PlayStation game of the same name, "Sled Storm" for PS2 was released by Electronic Arts on May 11, 2002. It sought to follow the same successful formula as the original, while still updating graphics and style enough to keep gamers interested. The new version boasted some impressive visuals and sound effects for the time, although game-play was seen by some (including writers at popular game-reviewing website Gamespot.com) as needlessly frustrating, with some poor game-controlled, artificial intelligence characters. Still, the game did relatively well with critics, scoring at least a seven (on a scale of one to 10) from most reviewers.
Whiteout
Seeing the continued success of Electronic Arts in the snowmobile racing genre, Konami and Vicarious Visions soon followed suit with their take on this style. "Whiteout," released on November 24, 2002, allows players to choose between snowmobiles and jet skis and five different modes of play. Complaints about this game were common, however, as players often commented on a lack of originality and too little game-play variety. Most game-rating sites gave the game somewhere around a four out of 10.
Arctic Thunder
A precursor to the other snowmobile racing games on PS2, "Arctic Thunder" was released by Midway and Inland productions on September 17, 2001. Racing fans may not remember it, however (or may choose not to), since it was an ill-received game that typically scored less than four out of 10 from most game-reviewing websites. It features many common racing elements, including tracks with multiple ways to go, as well as more outlandish features such as advanced weaponry to use against other racers (including land mines and heat-seeking missiles).
SnowCross 2: Featuring Blair Morgan
Yet another PS2 snowmobile racing game, "SnowCross 2" was released years after many similar titles. Crave and Sensory Sweep launched it on February 7, 2007, perhaps hoping that the endorsement of Canadian motocross racer Blair Morgan would distract from the poor graphics and uninspired game-play. It didn&'t. Receiving an average score of three out of 10, one Gamespot reviewer reports that, even with a discounted price, "Snowcross 2 isn&'t worth a purchase."