By Elias Dounis on November 3rd, 2003

Genre: Extreme Sports
Developer: Electronic Arts Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
# of Players: 1
Memory: 50 blocks
ERSB: Everyone
Released On: October 21, 2003
Supports: Progressive Scan
Features: Game Boy Advance Connectivity
MSRP: $49.99
Also On: PlayStation 2, XBOX
Website: http://www.easportsbig.com/games/ssx3/home.jsp

While many will agree that Nintendo’s 1080 Snowboarding franchise brought the Extreme Sport of Snowboarding back into mainstream gaming, Electronic Art’s larger-than-life SSX took the genre to the next level. A game more arcade than simulation, SSX single-handedly and instantly made the EA SPORTS BIG brand a household name amongst gamers. With the multi-platform sequel that would soon follow (SSX Tricky) even more sweaty palmed gamers received the chance to experience the funkadelic Snowboarding experience that only EA could deliver. Of course, with a successful EA franchise we should expect a yearly iteration, after another, and another. So has happened with SSX, and it looks as if Electronic Arts may have outdone themselves once again with SSX 3.

Presentation
Anyone who has played SSX Tricky will have to admit that, to some extent, they were fond of the game’s intro theme, “Tricky” by Run DMC. If not, they’re lying, or quite possibly soulless children of the corn. The “Tricky” theme added to the game’s atmosphere immensely, giving it that special “funk”. At first, with the absence of anything similar to it in SSX 3, one might express a feeling of disappointment or even resentment. However, SSX 3 has an identity of its own. One that’s more suitable to the nature of the game…almost “European” in terms of appeal. Most likely due to the variety in music, from the infamous DJ Paul Oakenfold with his remix of The Faint’s “Glass Danse” to the adrenaline pumpin’ “Good Times” from Finger Eleven.

As with any Electronic Arts game, SSX 3’s menus are incredibly user friendly and beautiful at the same time. Also, load times range from three to five seconds depending on the size of the race track, and believe me when I say that ALL of the game’s tracks are massive.

Control
Inspired by Activision’s Pro Skater games, SSX 3 features a control setup that first strikes one as being a wee bit complicated. However, after spending a few hours with the game, when one simple flip at first seemed to be a hassle, it now becomes second nature; performing a string of insane stunts without a hitch. This shouldn’t be anything new to anyone who has spent a great deal of time with the previous two SSX games. Of course, with a sequel you would expect some enhancement and additions. Which there are…One being the addition of the “Recovery” button, which must be pressed rapidly to get your rider upright after they’ve taken a fall, and the other being the use of the Right Analog stick as a “Board Press.” The “Board Press” acts like the “Manual” featured in the Pro Skater games. It links tricks together for those always needed extra points.

As I mentioned before, it takes some time to be accustomed to how SSX 3 controls. Those who play the GameCube version may take longer than expected… The GameCube’s two shoulder buttons and “Z” trigger are used as Grab tricks, with “B” button as a “tweak” maneuver/boost button, “A” to jump, and the D-pad used to spin and flip your boarder for that extra bit of style. Because of the miniscule size the GameCube’s D-pad, it’s a bit annoying to adjust from controlling your rider with the Left Analog stick, and then jumping to the D-Pad when wanting to perform a spin or flip for a Board Trick in mid-air. Although I didn’t mention it earlier, the shoulder buttons are also used as attack buttons, used in order to knockdown opponents. Also, since the GameCube controller has one less button than the PlayStation 2 or XBOX pads, a Grab function has been omitted from the from the GameCube version of SSX 3, resulting in less tricks to perform.

Despite those minor hindrances, SSX 3 handles efficiently.

Gameplay
Many have complained that the SSX games have been too un-realistic for their liking. While that statement is true, it certainly shouldn’t be looked as a negative factor… Since the franchise’s debut, the SSX games have provided an unrivaled Snowboarding experience in terms of pure enjoyment and fun, and after playing the multi-platform SSX Tricky one will wonder “How could things possibly get any better?” Well, not only has Electronic Arts created a far superior Snowboarding title, but also an Extreme Sports game that rivals Activision’s Tony Hawk franchise.

Above, I appropriately mentioned Activision’s Tony Hawk franchise and that’s not because SSX 3 is directly competing with Activision’s powerhouse game series (even though that may be the case). It’s because SSX 3 borrows many gameplay elements introduced in those games, as well as Acclaim’s Aggressive Inline, a game which would have never existed without Neversoft’s Skateboarding legacy.

SSX 3 features three monstrous mountain peaks simply named Peak 1, 2, & 3. Each Peak acts like a HUB world for you to explore. As you venture around each Peak, you come across different types of races, competitions, and tasks. However, if you want to skip the entire exploring/adventure aspect of the game, simply press the “Pause” button and you’ll be able to transport yourself to the specific area of you choosing.

SSX 3’s racing circuits will most likely be the first gameplay aspect you’ll dig into. Each Peak has four racing circuits, the first two being a race against a six other opponents, with the third being a race against your character’s rival on the mountain’s snowy outskirts, and finally the fourth being a race against the clock across the entire peak in a Peak Race. While that may not sound all too interesting, blame that on me… because each peak is divided into many different areas and courses with so much to do - - keeping your interest at all times. Peak 3’s peak race is probably the most interesting and longest one of them all. Since Peak 3 has tons of weather effects going on, with high speed winds pushing your rider, trees falling in your way, floors collapsing, etc… it’s already a tough challenge. But special the thing about Peak 3’s Peak Race is that it’s a race through all three of the game’s peaks, something which can take more than twenty minutes to finish. It’s a nice test of skill, but once you mastered each of the game’s tracks, memorizing shortcuts, etc… it shouldn’t be much of a problem, but you’ll still get a real kick out of beating the records you yourself will set.

The competitions I mentioned earlier are basically meant to see how well you can pull-off the game’s insane tricks. Fans of the Tony Hawk games will be very pleased with this portion of the game, since it basically feels like Tony Hawk on snow. Many obstacles (meant to give you the chance at getting some extreme air) are placed at your disposal, such as snow ramps, half pipes, and grind rails. Earn the most points within the given time limit, or make it to the finish line with the most points and you earn better trick rankings.

Now, the tasks you are given during the game are an Extreme Sports gameplay aspect first introduced with Acclaim’s Aggressive Inline. However, instead of your tasks being indicated by an NPC, green markers highlight each of the game’s tasks. Exploring each Peak reveals these tasks which ask you to perform a number of things from grinding a certain distance to performing a specific trick.

As far as performing tricks goes, with the more tricks you perform, the Uber and Super Uber bar located on the right sign of the screen grows, increasing your character’s speed. When the bar reaches Uber status, you’ll be able to perform some sick special board tricks. Performing these special tricks can even earn you a Super Uber, which earns you even more points and speed. Also, knocking down an opponent immediately gives you an Uber, but it also starts a rivalry and that you may want to avoid for future races, etc… It’s always best to watch your Uber gauge, seeing how it’s a key factor to perform well in any of the game’s gameplay modes.

Appeal
With tons of character customization from attribute points to a change in attire, there’s a ton of things to do in SSX 3, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s tons of unlockables such as concept art, secret characters, and the ability to create your own custom playlist. But the real bulk of your time will be consumed the game’s single player and multiplayer efforts, which offer a near never ending amount of fun.

Graphics
At first glance it doesn’t seem as if SSX 3 is much of an improvement over its predecessor, graphically… Well, after awhile you learn to appreciate all of the game’s visual pleasantries. SSX 3 is a beautiful game.

The game’s characters are nicely designed, animated excellently (with great facial expressions). The courses are just massive, with excellent draw distance and a nice amount of graphical effects used to create realistic snowfall, in addition to many other kinds of particle effects. Also, the fact that the game holds a near perfect framerate makes everything all the better. The ONLY time you’ll ever see any kind of drop in frame rate is at Peak 3 when all sorts of avalanches, howling winds, and debris consume the screen. Even then it isn’t anything drastic enough to be annoyed with.

Yes, much could’ve been done make the game look better than it already is. With better of use of textures (which aren’t heavily used) SSX 3 could have been best looking snowboarding game on the market.

Sound
SSX 3 is pretty much a complete audio package, with great humorous voice-overs for all characters (including the game’s DJ announcer) and excellent sound effects, from the sound of your rider tearing through inches of snow to the eerie howl of freezing winds. However, all pales in comparison the game’s soundtrack. Electronic Arts has quite possibly compiled one of the best licensed game soundtracks in recent memory. With the brilliant use of an excellent variety of licensed music from artists like Jane’ Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Queens of the Stone Age. SSX 3 has something for everyone. It’s so good that you’ll turn down all speech and sound effects during the game just to blast the game’s BGM.

Final Thoughts
While the only Snowboarding game worth owning on the GameCube, up to this point, has been SSX Tricky, SSX 3 easily replaces its predecessor. It’s an improvement in every way imaginable, providing the best Snowboarding experience currently available on any console, and also one of the best Extreme Sports titles alongside Tony Hawk’s Underground.