The "Tricky Meter" is your gateway to the most spectacular and score-boosting maneuvers in SSX Tricky. Filling this meter is paramount, and it's primarily achieved through performing stylish tricks and maintaining combos. As you execute grabs, spins, and flips, you'll see the meter fill up. The longer you can string together tricks without falling or losing your flow, the faster it will charge.
The Power of Uber Tricks
Once the Tricky Meter is full, you unlock the ability to perform "Uber Tricks." These are unique, character-specific maneuvers that are not only visually impressive but also award a significant number of style points. To initiate an Uber Trick, you'll typically need to press a specific combination of buttons while in the air. For example, on PlayStation 2, this often involves holding the R1 button and then pressing a direction and another button. Each character has a distinct set of Uber Tricks, so experiment with different combinations to discover them.
Strategic Meter Management
While filling the Tricky Meter is crucial for scoring, its strategic use in races is equally important. A full Tricky Meter can be converted into a significant speed boost. This is often referred to as "Tricky Boost." To activate it, press the boost button (usually X on PS2) when the meter is full. This boost is more powerful than your standard boost and can be a lifesaver for overtaking opponents or making up lost time. Be mindful of when to use your Uber Tricks for points and when to convert the meter into a race-winning boost. Sometimes, saving a full meter for a critical moment on the final stretch is more beneficial than performing an Uber Trick mid-run.
Combo Preservation
Maintaining combos is key to rapidly filling the Tricky Meter. A combo is a continuous sequence of tricks performed without touching the ground or falling. Even small grinds or simple spins can keep a combo going. Look for opportunities to link tricks together, whether it's jumping off a rail onto a grind, or transitioning from an aerial trick into another. The longer and more complex your combos, the faster your Tricky Meter will fill, giving you more opportunities for Uber Tricks and Tricky Boosts.