In addition to the Road Trip, up to four players can participate in competitive multiplayer modes. Of course, the Wii only supports one Balance Board, so players will have to take turns using the controller during split-screen play. As such, it is a bit easier to instead participate in the Hotseat mode, which simply has players taking turns. Unfortunately, some of the multiplayer fun is diminished by doing so. Nevertheless, it’s still fun to share with friends regardless of which mode you choose.

Graphics in Road Trip really play to the Wii’s strengths. The realistic slopes and boarders found in the 360 and PS3 versions have been eschewed for a stylized, cartoon look. Still, the overall visuals are quite pleasing on the eye. I especially liked just how distinct each mountain environment looked and played out. Also, simple effects like glowing Respect skills, snow-covered riders after wipeouts, smooth animations, camera glitches, and bits of snow flying up to obscure the camera lens all complement the action nicely. I was also impressed by the lack of jaggies; this led to a smooth and rounded out look.

On the other hand, sound is somewhat of a mixed bag. I really enjoyed the set list throughout the game, including groups such as Blue Oyster Cult, Kasabian, the Draytones, and Audioslave. But, I felt that the rockin’ themes became very repetitive. However, a touch of the 1 button allows you to skip ahead through the available tracks. This is a great feature, but frequently I found myself tapping it inadvertently. That means I had to cycle back through and listen to the song from the beginning, while still trying to pull off combos and nail grinds. Additionally, the hoots and cheers from your inspired cameraman are nice, and Shaun White’s voice mails are humorous though a bit trite and clichéd. All in all, the aural presentation fits the package nicely.

If you’re looking for a sports title that captures the challenge of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater days, you’ll be disappointed with Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip for Wii. This is a very forgiving title that makes cruising down virtual slopes with friends a joy. Fortunately, it emphasizes the strengths of the Wii without completely dumbing down the final product. As such, a wide range of players should enjoy this whimsical tour through the boarding world.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director