General Concepts
Before getting into the meat of the story/gameplay of the game two things should be pointed out. Firstly, the graphics should be just a little better than the PS2s version of SSX 3. That vintage comic/pixel look will draw nostalgia from veteran players and hopefully approval from new ones. Also, by keeping the graphics a bit lower, would allow for extra space for designing new mechanics including but not limited to the 2ndChapter/Expansion and a fully open mountain to explore. There's a lot of stuff I'd like packed into the game and I'd like it all to fit on one disk.
On that note, the second thing that should be mentioned is that in a weird way this game is actually two stories in one. The first half, SSX Rebirth, is sort of a tutorial into SSX and different play styles as well as showing basic rules of map creation. Think the custom maps in a Tony Hawk game or the custom runs in Riders Republic. As soon as the first story is completed, the main title rolls and begins: SSX Newbie. 'Newbie' (working title) is a personalized experience bringing your personal character (PC) into an established world with real choices, friendships, dating sim type roleplay, and PVP options. I don't know if it'd be best to either package them together as a whole game or have the second half as an expansion so that time may allow patches to improve the whole game before 'Newbie's release.
SSX Rebirth
Concept: The rebuilding of Big Mountain as SSX vets return to revitalize the town, event, and popularity of SSX competition.
Story (Expanded): The three peaks of Big Mountain have fallen into disrepair and radio silence. Once amazing structures and a vibrant space of Metro City have turned to rust and ruin. All buried under feet of snow. Rob, from Rob and Bob's Board Shop, reaches out to the SSX crew for help to turn the mountain around and back on its feet.
Gameplay: (1/3) Explore as a solo rider each of the three peaks to find old tracks and/or create new ones. As tracks are found, the locations surrounding them are updated for competition. As more tracks are added to the roster, the more the mountain and surrounding villages come alive.
(2/3) At 90% peak completion PVE is opened, allowing SSX riders to face each other in Peak Competitions/Brackets. Much like the original SSX game, the mechanics are closely the same in race and slopestyle events. As riders compete in brackets, the fan base of SSX grows and shows their support in stadiums, Lodges, and local areas.
(3/3) At 90% of all three peaks discovered, full competition mode is unlocked (identical to SSX 3). Goals include completing boss challenges as well as missions provided by other sources. When all peak bosses are defeated, PVP is unlocked, the main title 'SSX' appears, the first half of the game ends and part two begins.
SSX Newbie
Concept: The SSX crew is looking for two new members. Instead of holding auditions or boring interviews, a competition is held on the improved/reopened Big Mountain for newbies to test their skills against each other and the SSX vets. Take on the three peaks, become the best, and join the legendary SSX Crew.
Story (Expanded): With a fully customizable character, you are a newbie rider from the magnificent plains of Kansas. From the moment you first saw snow, were you enlightened that the snowboarding life should be yours. And thus, you practiced on every snow-covered mole hill, playground slide, and skatepark. A notification on your myspace page reads that you've been selected to join the SSX Crew competition… You were going to go to college, but instead you pack your bags and head north into the beautiful yet dangerous mountain range to embrace the challenge and find your way on fresh powder to become a legend. You meet other fresh faces along the way, some you find make great allies while others become a clear threat in reaching your goals. You'll have to build your stats, find strong riding partners, and grit your teeth to make it to the top of peak three successfully.
Gameplay: (1/3) It's truly SSX 3 with a personalized character. Build this character with whatever strengths you can to become balanced in your stats and performance. Converse with your peers and SSX vets, you'll want to make as many friends as you can to make it to the top. Your enemies will make life difficult on and off the racetrack.
(2/3) The Mentor System. After finishing the first in game mission, the PC has the option of asking a SSX vet to be a mentor. Only two can be picked in a single play through. There may only be four to choose from, but choose wisely. Some of their old friends/enemies may see you differently if you're seen learning from them.
(3/3) Missions/Challenges are handed out either by your Mentor, by making friends, or by advancing in Peak events. Completing these will boost your stats faster than buying them. Completing some friend missions may lead to the ability to date certain characters.
PVP
Compete with up to 12 other riders online in race and slopestyle events. Enjoy tracks from the first three games: SSX, SSX Tricky, & SSX 3. Vote and compete on tracks modified by you and other players to find the best lines to create legendary tricks. Meeting goals and completing online events will award your PC items that can be used to decorate/improve yourself in both the solo game and in online PVP. Awards including but not limited to non-included character skins for PVP play, like Luther or Bigfoot. Unique clothing that reflects personal achievements/trophies. Or perhaps new songs for Atomika to play as you enjoy the mountain in solo play.
