Developer – Nathan Dearth

Publisher – Nathan Dearth

Platforms –  PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

NOTE:

The following game is being reviewed in an Early Access State, the game may change after the release of this review, this review reflects the game at the time of publishing.

Strap in, folks! Tricky Madness has crashed onto the scene like a rogue snowball on a nostalgia-laden slope, ready to dust your goggles with fresh powder and a hefty dose of adrenaline. Created by indie maestro Nathan Dearth, this snowboarding gem isn’t just a love letter to classics like SSX and 1080° Snowboarding—it’s a full-throttle tribute with a piping hot side of cocoa, aiming to claim the snowboarding genre’s crown. While the gaming gods might be holding back on remakes of those retro gems, fear not—Tricky Madness is here to grab that throne and shred its way into your heart. So gear up and prepare for this review, because we’re about to hit the slopes like it’s 2001, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this ride!

Remember when SSX lit up our screens with its outlandish tricks and 1080° Snowboarding captured the icy rush of pixelated powder? Well, Tricky Madness isn’t just here to jog your memory—it’s a modern remix of everything that made those games legendary. With a trick system so intuitive it feels like second nature and visuals that immerse you in the frosty thrill, this game doesn’t just pay homage—it delivers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a wide-eyed rookie, Tricky Madness hooks you, throws you into a corked spin, and refuses to let go.

At its core, this game is all about the tricks. The controls are buttery smooth, letting you spin, grab, and flip with ease. Rack up points, fill your Freaky Meter, and unleash jaw-dropping Wicked Tricks like the Superman, The Worm, or even the laugh-out-loud Butt Slide. Yes, you read that right.

Need an extra edge? Collect snowflake multipliers midair, stick your landings, and ride that boost to glory. Toss in pipes and rails for some grind action, and you’ve got a trickster’s paradise. And don’t sweat the occasional wipeout—respawning is so fast it feels like it never happened.

Tricky Madness serves up a smorgasbord of modes to keep you hooked. The campaign sends you exploring a sprawling, secret-packed mountain, loaded with hidden surprises and collectibles. Each of the 8 fully voiced characters comes with unique backstories, styles, and signature tricks, adding depth to the roster.

Then there’s the hyped-up in-game DJ commentator, who amps you up with every stomped move—a nostalgic nod to the legendary announcers of SSX Tricky. This little touch packs in a ton of energy and charm.

Feeling competitive? Jump into Race Mode to blaze down the mountain or test your skills in Time Trials, where speed and style reign supreme. Prefer flexing your creative muscles? Half-Pipe and Slopestyle Modes are perfect for showing off. And if building is your jam, the map-making tools let you design the slope of your dreams. Oh, and multiplayer? Absolutely—it’s always more fun to shred with friends.

If you’ve been yearning for a game to reignite the snowboarding genre, Tricky Madness is your answer. It channels the spirit of SSX and 1080° Snowboarding, cranks up the adrenaline, and rockets down the mountain with style. With its tight controls, gnarly tricks, and modes for every kind of player, this is a must-play for both die-hard fans and newcomers.

So slap on that beanie, grab your board, and hit the slopes. Tricky Madness isn’t just carving its way to the top—it’s taking the snowboarding genre to a whole new peak.