Improved Amped sequel with more tricks, mountains and customization options. Snowboarding gameplay is among the most satisfying of the generation. Excellent soundtrack. An Xbox exclusive that deserves its reputation.
Your verdict
Category
Sports1 player3+
Description
Sequel to the Xbox-exclusive freestyle snowboarding game, featuring new resorts, riders, and an improved reputation system. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, released in 2003 in the United States and in 2004 in Europe. Features over 300 tricks, ten licensed professional riders, more varied objectives, and an expanded licensed alternative soundtrack.
Amped 2 review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Hip and laid-back, the licensed selection blends indie rock, electro and hip-hop to dress the snowy descents in a cool attitude. Each run pulses to the rhythm of drifting tracks perfectly in tune with the ride. This musical identity, polished and authentic, is the whole laid-back charm of the game.
Microsoft's freeform snowboarding, Amped 2 bets on vast open mountains, style and a laid-back tone proper to the original Xbox. Common in Europe but far rarer in its Asian and American pressings, its interest lies in this status as a console snowboarding exclusive and these tight regional runs. A piece valued by fans of open extreme sports.
Is Amped 2 still worth playing in 2026?
Microsoft's 2003 follow up doubles down on free roaming snowboarding with a wider mountain selection and a more generous trick system. The line of grabs, spins and presses remains readable and rewarding, the soundtrack mixing hip hop and rock still works and the slower, more contemplative pacing sets it clearly apart from SSX even now. Visuals are decent for the era but rider models and weather effects show their age, and the career structure feels grindy compared to modern open world sports games. A lovely rediscovery for arcade snowboarding fans and Xbox collectors curious about lost Microsoft Game Studios output.
