SSX goes big on social connectivity

GAMESCOM: EA has detailed a swathe of new social networking features that will be packed into its upcoming extreme sports title SSX.

Called Ridernet, it’s very much modelled on the Autorun system first introduced with Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.

It will allow gamers to compete with friends who are either on or offline. Every time a player beats a personal best, a ghost of their run not only takes up residence in their game, but also does the same in anyone on their friends list who is also playing.

There will also be plenty of ways to communicate with one another, as well as a host of global events in which everyone can compete.

EA also announced that those who order the game from EA’s Origin download service will also receive extras not found in the non-Origin version.