Random Game O' the Day: Cool Boarders 2

[digitalpress]

The DP Random Game Generator of Chilly Extremes (tm) has chosen the second in a long-running snowboarding series, Cool Boarders 2.

I've played this one a bit, it was always good fun in head-to-head mode, and the physics and control were just right (IMHO this was ruined in the ensuing games in favor of graphic flair). Ever play it? What are your thoughts? Write your mini-review here!

DP Guide sez:

Cool Boarders 2 (PlayStation, by Sony) $5/R1 +
Developed by UEP Systems. Also available in the "Greatest Hits" packaging. Sports/Extreme Games. SANTULLI SLANT: This was my personal favorite game from the series, just good enough to correct some of the problems of the original release, and just simple enough to leave the emphasis on control and competition instead of graphics and unnecessary extras (whch the later games in the series seem to focus on). The mere fact that you can play as a snowman and race downhill on a frying pan is good enough reason for a thumbs up! [Gr: 7, So: 8, Ga: 8, Ov: 8] Released 11/30/97.

[Tetsu]

I consider this the spiritual brother of Twisted Metal II. Greatly improved over the original, a blast in 2-player mode, a little dated looking by today's standards, but still fun to pull out and play. Just like Twisted Metal, the series went downhill after the second installment, due to the rushed and shoddy programming of 989 Studios that shamed the original efforts of Sony's house team.

[zmeston]

I consider this the spiritual brother of Twisted Metal II. Greatly improved over the original, a blast in 2-player mode, a little dated looking by today's standards, but still fun to pull out and play. Just like Twisted Metal, the series went downhill after the second installment, due to the rushed and shoddy programming of 989 Studios that shamed the original efforts of Sony's house team.

Amen, brother. Cool Boarders seems to have gone into permanent hibernation -- and considering a new installment would have to compete with the SSX franchise, it'll likely stay in deep freeze -- but Twisted Metal: Black seems to have undone some of 989's damage.

-- Z.