Grand Mountain Adventure 2, the latest installment in Toppluva's acclaimed snowsports series, has captured the attention of our App Army, a community of avid mobile gaming enthusiasts with a penchant for extreme sports—albeit from the safety of their screens. We turned the game over to them, and here’s what they had to say:
Oskana Ryan
I initially found Grand Mountain Adventure 2 a bit challenging due to its controls, which took some getting used to. At first, I was all over the place, crashing into objects and spinning in circles. But once I got the hang of it, the game revealed its charm. It’s packed with challenges, and offers a mix of snowboarding and skiing down various slopes, though you need to be wary of other skiers who are seemingly everywhere. The graphics are impressive, and there's more depth than your typical downhill runner, making it a solid choice for those looking for more than just a simple ride.
Jason Rosner
Grand Mountain Adventure 2 continues the open-world skiing and snowboarding experience, picking up where its predecessor left off. It's incredibly accessible, even for beginners like me, with a laid-back vibe that lets you enjoy the game at your own pace. I've always been fascinated by the pros in their flashy gear, executing mind-blowing stunts down mountains. With GMA2, I get to live that fantasy. The game is filled with diverse challenges and unlockable items, and the environments are richly detailed—from falling snow to the transition from day to night. The intuitive controls had me pulling off impressive tricks in no time, and the realistic movement of my character adds to the immersive experience. It's clear that the Grand Mountain Adventure series is a labor of love, making it a must-have for any mobile gaming enthusiast.
Robert Maines
Grand Mountain Adventure 2 leans more towards an arcade-style ski and snowboarding sim rather than a hardcore simulation. Viewed from above, you navigate your skier or snowboarder down various mountain courses. Completing challenges earns you passes to unlock higher lifts, expanding your access to the mountain. The game looks great, and the touch controls are responsive, allowing you to swiftly zoom down slopes and perform jumps. The sound effects, particularly the satisfying swish through the snow, enhance the experience. My only gripe is the occasionally hard-to-read text, but that's more of a personal issue. Overall, it's a game I highly recommend.
Bruno Ramalho
As someone who enjoys skiing in real life, albeit sparingly, I appreciate how much you can do in Grand Mountain Adventure 2 without spending a penny. The open-world (or open-mountain) setting lets you ski, snowboard, and even paraglide freely, searching for events and challenges that reward you with ski points to unlock more of the map. Progressing involves unlocking lifts to ascend higher, accessing more challenges until you reach the summit, where a balloon awaits to transport you to another mountain (a feature unlocked with the full game purchase). Exploring the map is essential to find glowing points and set markers to navigate. As you advance, you unlock a backpack for more equipment and a telescope to enjoy panoramic mountain views. The graphics and realistic ski sounds are top-notch, and the gameplay truly immerses you in the snowy environment. With diverse challenges and even mini-games that shift perspectives, this game is a must-try, especially since you can explore so much before deciding to buy the full version.
Swapnil Jadhav
The graphics in Grand Mountain Adventure 2 are stunning, but as a casual gamer, I found the controls challenging. A more detailed and interactive tutorial would be beneficial for those less familiar with simulation games. Perhaps introducing a simplified control scheme could make the game more accessible to casual players, especially considering the mobile gaming market's focus on this demographic.
Brian Wigington
I dabbled with the first game in this series but never fully immersed myself. However, Grand Mountain Adventure 2 has me hooked. It evokes the thrill of skiing at a Colorado resort, complete with ski lifts, fellow skiers, and picturesque buildings. You play as a skier or snowboarder exploring a vast mountain resort, with the freedom to venture slightly off the beaten path. The game captures the essence of skiing wonderfully, with detailed graphics and crisp sound effects, from the crunch of the snow to the occasional mishap. The controls have a short learning curve but work well once mastered. After just 30 minutes of play, I'm already looking forward to more. It's like a virtual ski vacation.
Mark Abukoff
I'm not usually into skiing, but Grand Mountain Adventure 2 offers a compelling simulation. The controls were a bit tricky at first, but once I got used to them, they were quite effective. Navigating uphill was challenging, making me wish I could just walk without skis. But mastering the controls was rewarding. I enjoyed the ski runs, though initially, I collided with various obstacles. With practice, my skills improved. The scenery and graphics are beautiful, with many small details to appreciate. I recommend trying the demo; chances are, you'll be tempted to get the full version.
Mike Lisagor
I never played the first Grand Mountain Adventure, but GMA2 caught my eye with its stunning graphics and meticulous attention to detail, right down to the ski tracks in the snow. After a few hours, I'm steadily improving, though figuring out where to go next can be confusing. The map is a useful guide, and small conveniences like speeding up the chair lift by holding the screen are appreciated. The controls are straightforward and evolve as you progress, with new equipment available once you find the backpack. The game is challenging but motivates me to keep trying to get better, especially with flips and spins. It's reminiscent of Alto’s Odyssey but in an open-world format, which adds to its challenge. I'm thoroughly enjoying the exploration and unlocking new areas. Two thumbs up from me.
What is the App Army?
The App Army is Pocket Gamer's community of mobile game aficionados. We regularly tap into their expertise to gather insights on the latest games and share those insights with our readers. To become a part of the App Army, simply join our Discord Channel or our Facebook Group and request access by answering three simple questions. We'll get you in promptly.
