Armed with a glossary in the form of a user manual, players will soon be able to talk the talk. But in this game, walking the walk, or rather pulling the tricks, requires quite a bit of controller dexterity. Luckily the game is not based solely on snowboarding tricks, but also has a healthy dose of racing at its core. What makes this game stand out is the length and detail of each downhill course. Jumping off the roof of sheep farms, avoiding falling icicles, and catching the spotlight of a hovering helicopter are all in a day's play in Rippin' Riders--and that's just the first track!

A unique two-player mode challenges players to shrink the opponent's split screen by outscoring him or her. Track graphics are up to snuff, but the players look a bit chunky. --Jeff Young

Pros:

• Outstanding course design with plenty of details and multiple checkpoints
• Groovy outfits and snowboards for each character

• Many of the tricks are difficult to execute
• You never see other racers on the course, except in multiplayer mode