Developer: Nintendo EAD Publisher: Nintendo Release: 04/01/98 Genre: Sports
The extreme sports explosion of the fifth generation was something to behold. Whereas this genre was practically non-existent before it became a huge draw in short order. Sony’s ESPN Extreme was a huge success early on but it paled in comparison to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. And while skateboarding received the lion’s share of attention snowboarding also had its time in the sun. The Cool Boarders series lead the charge but 1080° Snowboarding would quickly supplant it as the definitive snowboarding experience of that generation. It suffers a bit in longevity as a solo experience but has enough multiplayer modes to make up for it.
What is most shocking about 1080° Snowboarding is that it came out of nowhere. At the time Nintendo were infamous for delaying Nintendo 64 software left and right, sometimes for years. 1080° Snowboarding was announced and released within months. The game had a quick development cycle at nine months and in some ways it shows. Content is a little bit thin. But they make do with what they have to create one of the best experiences on snow until SSX.
The first thing you need to do is enter the training area. While the controls are simple the handling in 1080° Snowboarding requires finesse the game does not otherwise teach you. The controls themselves are tight. You can instantly corner and turn with ease and it feels natural even when leaning forward for speed. However jumping and landing require you to reorient yourself and press Z at the right moment or you will tumble. This will take a lot of practice to get right and it is mandatory as it will cost you precious time in a race. The training mode will also teach you how to perform the almost thirty tricks if you want to engage with any of the trick modes. The button combinations are easy to learn but landing them correctly is another matter.
Once you master the controls the gameplay is superb. 1080° Snowboarding nails the feeling of carving ice on a snowboard better than any other game that generation. It should not be surprising as it shares DNA with Wave Race 64. Your rider will shift their weight when turning and put their hand on the ground when leaning in to corners. Thick snow realistically slows you down and makes turning hardwhile on thick ice you slide like a skateboard uncontrollably. The track design is generally excellent outside the occasional invisible barrier. Each of the six courses is long and full of multiple paths and shortcuts as well as changes in terrain. Varying weather conditions like snow and fog present extra challenges on top of this as well. The only problem is there are only six of them. The game needs, no deserves more.
There are five riders initially, each with ratings in technique, max speed, balance, power, and jumping. You will find that certain excel at different modes: Ricky is an excellent choice for the various trick modes while Dion Blaster is fast but loses balance easily making him a tough choice for match races. Two of the characters Kensuke and Rob Haywood are so well rounded however you can use them for everything you can unlock a further three through various means but they are practically game breaking and for fun. You also have a choice of numerous boards but I will be honest, the Tahoe 155 is so far above the others you are wasting your time with anything else.
The closest thing 1080° Snowboarding has to a campaign is match race. Depending on the difficulty you compete in a series of 4, 5, or 6 races against singular opponents. This was no doubt for performance reasons but the races are less exciting with one opponent. Once you master the controls and handling of the board you can out race your opponent with moderate difficulty. There is some light rubberbanding but only enough to create slight tension. It is possible to build up a comfortable lead and make a few mistakes without blowing it. Even though it is enjoyable match race ends quickly. Luckily there are more modes to hold your attention.
The extensive trick system is put through its paces in Trick Attack and Contest Mode. Trick Attack challenges you to accumulate as many points as possible during a race. Unlike the solo mode this runs on a timer with the only way to earn more is to race through gates like an arcade racing game. You lose all points if you run out of time, forcing you to balance tricks with completing the race. Contest Mode is similar except this time you must pass flags on the correct side like the buoys in Wave Race. This mode includes an Air Make and Half Pipe exclusively to allow you to burn tricks extensively. While fun as a solo activity they shine when competing against a friend.
Considering its rapid development 1080° Snowboarding looks exceptional. Somehow they imbue snowy peaks with a high degree of variety. From mountain peaks to snow covered towns I appreciate the change in scenery. Ice casts perfect reflections while powdery snow kicks up a haze of fog that temporarily obscures the camera. The lens flare, which was overused back then, is amazing as it shifts position and obscures realistically behind objects. The varying times of day illuminate the environment in different shades creating a mood alongside the weather. The framerate is consistent as well. The music is full of techno and rap beats giving the game style. Alongside the Tommy Hilfiger clothes it makes the game distinct among its contemporaries. That Nintendo did all this in less than a year is an achievement.
In Closing
1080° Snowboarding is an amazing game and still one of the better snowboarding games out there. With a little more time and content it would be truly phenomenal. But as it is this is a solid package that can provide hours of entertainment in spite of its shortcomings.
