EA's Sled Storm, originally released on PlayStation, was a hugely popular title. There aren't many sled-based racers available, and these games make for a welcome change. New for 2002 is the PlayStation 2 update, imaginatively titled Sled Storm 2. There is something unique about sleds, something that gives this game a different feel from any other racing title out there. In terms of handling and general feel, Sled Storm 2 lies somewhere between the anti-gravity racing challenge of WipEout and the snowy scenes witnessed in World Rally Championship. There are many characters and sleds to choose from, each with a unique set of attributes which helps bring variety to this unique racer. Sled Storm 2 also proffers a whole new set of tracks. The circuits have been well designed but the level of detail and interactivity within them is what makes them appealing. In many racing environments, on-track objects such as signposts are static, but Sled Storm 2 allows the player to cause all kinds of damage in a race, even entire buildings can be destroyed if you drive crazily enough. The developers have placed a lot of emphasis on the easy-to-learn control system and this shows in the finished product. Sled Storm 2 is very much a pick-up-and-play experience for players of any age. It's simply a case of accelerate, brake, turn left and turn right. Of course there's more to driving a sled than hitting go and stop, but mastering the controls only becomes absolutely essential once you get deep into the game. It's another lighthearted sled-em-up from EA then, brought to us by the same team responsible for the masterpiece of over-the-top-ness that is SSX Tricky, and that should be enough of a recommendation.
