Cool Boarders 4
If it’s action, fierce competition and just
 a touch of violence that you’re after why not get your hands on
 the latest snowboarding simulation. COOL BOARDERS 4 offers all
 of these features cunningly disguised as a sports sim and
 covered in a blanket of crisp white snow. 

In fact that’s one of the first things I noticed about the game –
 different thickness’ of snow, snowdrifts and on-track ice can
 play havoc with your speed and efficiency if you’re not careful
 where you’re going and before you know it you could be up to
 your waist in the stuff. A few practice sessions should help 
you to spot where to and where not to point your board but 
sometimes it’s just plain unavoidable. 

More practice can also be obtained in the new ‘Trickmaster’
 mode. This is a downhill course packed with ramps and jumps
 where players are prompted as to the type of trick they need to
 perform by on-screen button combinations so it’s really quite 
useful. Other options are single and multiplayer modes where up
 to four can compete in speed and stunt trials across the 
various events. Down Hill, Slope Style, Half Pipe, Big Air, CBX
 and Special alternatives are on offer as well as a tournament
 mode so there’s got to be something you excel in.

16 authentic snowboarders are also represented but there is an
 option to create custom riders by adjusting their clothes and
 style and tweaking the attributes of the boards themselves 
could also make a difference to the trained pro but perhaps one
 thing to try and master first is the fighting. Once you have 
that side sorted you can take out the strongest opposition
 before they get chance to beat you to the finish. Not that I’m 
advocating violence in sport of course, it’s just that, well,
 simply sliding down a mountain on a plank can get a bit boring
 when it’s only a simulation and you get a chance to see all
 your handiwork again in the replays.