Sound: 8.5
Graphics: 9.5
Gameplay: 9
Replay: 9
Multiplayer: Yes, Online and Offline

Xbox gamers everywhere were taken by storm when Amped came out for the Xbox. It provided a perfect blend of simulation and arcade that made it a hell of a lot of fun to play. It wasn't too realistic where you don't get much air, but it wasn't nearly as crazy as the SSX series, but that blend is what makes it unique and seperates it from the rest. Combined with great graphics and solid multiplayer Amped was a game every Xbox gamer who ever even thought about sports should own. And now we have the sequel.

Amped 2 does everything the original did and SO much more. It takes snowboarding to a whole new level. Never before has it been so much fun to pull off a double backflip (sure, you can do it in SSX, but you can do it way too easily). The game has a way of presenting itself that makes it easy for anyone to pick up and play, but it takes a lot of time to try and master it. Pulling off big tricks may seem easy at first, but that is only because you aren't pulling off the REALLY big tricks.

This game is smooth as a baby's bottom, in simple terms. The gameplay is absolutely perfect. Good controls, smooth riding, no "hiccups" or skips of any kind, this game runs just like every game should. It makes you feel as if you're actually riding on a snowboard. It provides a good blend of arcade so that newcomers can play and have no problem pulling off some good tricks, but also if you want to actually get somewhere in the game learning to master what angle to go up a ramp, when to try to jump for a pole to grind on, etc., it will take a lot of practice and a lot of frustration. But frustration in a game like this is a good thing, because when you finally beat the game you will feel as if you actually accomplished something.

The graphics are definately what every Xbox game should have, or better. When a game doesn't have good graphics but it is on a system as powerful as the Xbox, it is obvious something isn't right. That's why Microsoft stepped in to make some of their own games for their system, such as MechAssault and Amped, and it has worked. This game looks beautiful. The main character, whoever you want him or her to be, is very detailed. But more importantly, the mountain looks incredible. The board you are riding on, the snow underneath, and view in the distance, everything looks oh so good.
The sound in this game is good as well, but not perfect. Other boarders will yell at you as you're riding by. Photographers will let you know they saw your embarassing crash. The most satisfying is hearing the sloosh of the board riding down the mountain (hopefully the SPLATS will be kept to a minimum, too much of them can drive someone crazy). Some more character interaction would have been nice though. Really, you just ride down and try to get points, but you never try to talk to anyone or have a real reason to try and win. Maybe starting a rivalry between the main character and another boarder would have helped. Trying to mix in a little plot and have some good dialogue in between would really have helped the whole game. But you don't get everything you ask for.

There is a lot to keep gamers coming back in this game. The objectives are hard enough where it will take quite a few tries to complete them, and completing them has its rewards. There are videos to unlock, new boards, skill points, new clothing, etc. Unlocking stuff is always a way of getting gamers to play the game again. There is also split screen multiplayer. But most importantly, this game has Xbox Live play. There is nothing more fun then taking your board online and showing other gamers nation wide who's the man (or woman). Trash talking with the Xbox Live headset is always fun too.

Any way you look at it, this game should be in every Xbox gamers collection. Playing with friends on one tv or playing with them over Live are both reasons to pick it up. Playing by yourself through the single player mode is a lot of fun as well, not to mention rewarding. So if you have the money, don't pass this one up.