Sled Storm - Reception and Legacy

Reception and Legacy

Sled Storm was met with critical acclaim upon its release on July 31, 1999. The game received an average score of 83% based on 24 reviews on the review aggregator Game Rankings and received a score of 84% on MobyGames. Alex C of Computer and Video Games gave the game an average score, although, he praised the game for having a "killer combination of brilliant programming and an idea fresh as a mountain stream." and also claimed that the "vehicle physics" and "exciting course design" made the game "totally absorbing, plus its great to watch.". Electronic Gaming Monthly was positive of the game and commented on how "the crew likes this game – even John, who has previously complained about how horrible Extreme Sports games are and how they all need to die." The game also received the Game of the Month and the Editor’s Choice Silver Award from the publication that same year. GamePro gave the game 4/5 and in the review claimed that "EA offers a user-friendly, high-action racing game for the winter-sports enthusiast who likes to stay warm and cozy." and concluded the review saying "If you like racing games, check this one out. It's low-maintenance winter sport excitement, with an extreme look and feel. Sled Storm takes snow business seriously!" Game Revolution descried the game as "a pleasant surprise" and cited that the game "has plenty of big tracks, a variety of tricks and upgrades, and multiplayer support." and also explained how "The level design and character animation are also commendable. The levels are long and showcase a great variety of terrain and creative jumps" in addition praising the audio claiming "The sound effects are good enough to keep your heart pounding as you wind the turns." and ended the review saying "If you are a snowmobile racing fan looking for a snowmobile racing game, then Sled Storm is a must buy. Look no further, this game is for you." Nelson Turac of GameSpot awarded the game a score of 8.1 of 10 and praised the general aspects of the game saying that "the speed, control, and graphics seem to strike an excellent rapport with the gameplay design. The game runs at a crisp frame rate throughout the track, with never any slowdown (even in split-screen mode)." and later applauded the visual effects noting "The graphics overall look solid, and some lighting effects are rather impressive - notably in later stages when night racing becomes available (another challenge gamers must adapt to)." he also praised the audio saying "Their musical offerings blend in well with the game's intense racing mentality, while the sound effects and racer trash-talk seem adequate enough." and concluded the review by saying "For any gamer looking for a uniquely fresh adrenaline rush, Sled Storm makes for one very worthy purchase". Doug Perry of IGN awarded the game 8.0/10 and commended the game saying that "I liked this game from the beginning. It's well designed, smart looking, and realistic as they come." and also added that "From the slick, easy-to-access interface, to the muscular upgrade system, to the deep, well-designed courses, Sled Storm is addictive and fun."

Sled Storm is often recognized as the key title involved in popularizing the snow racing game genre. The idea of the player being able to compete in several different Arctic environments, not only with yourself but with several other players, and perform several different stunts and tricks has been a formula used in many games since. Examples include, Ski-doo X-team Racing, Sno-Cross Extreme, Evolution Snocross, SSX (series) and Arctic Thunder. The game is also arguably the reason that EA Sports Big was introduced in the year 2000 as several other titles were created around the design and gameplay of the original Sled Storm. Although, it should also be noted that one of the main reasons the brand was also introduced to distribute games based on sports with a non-realistic arcade gameplay.