[img align=right width=200]http://www.sofacinema.co.uk/guardian/images/products/1/60241-large.jpg[/img]For my first review, I've decided to take up SSX 3 for the PS2.

SSX 3 is the third installment in the SSX series by EA, following the succesful launch title SSX (2000) and SSX Tricky (2001).

SSX 3 continues on the succesful formula of the previous two games in the series. In short: smooth, fast and easy to pick up gameplay combined with nice graphics and good soundtrack.
New however, is the fact that all tracks are located on the same mountain, devided into three peaks. To get access to the next peak, it is sufficient to complete the challenges in one particular aspect of the game (for example, the race events)
Depending on which character you're playing with; another character will "challenge" you on every peak. In the off-course area called "The Backcountry" you have to show him/her who's boss.

Gameplay of SSX 3 is rock-solid and the main reason I enjoyed this game as much as I did. Learning curve is very short and you'll be throwing out "Uber-tricks" in no time. After doing enough of these to spell out the words "SUPER UBER", you'll get unlimited boost for a relatively long time. The events you can take place in are: "Race", "Slopestyle", "Super Pipe", "Big Air" and "Backcountry".
By winning events and picking up collectibles on the tracks, you get the necessary cash to outfit your character as you see fit or to (more importantly) upgrade his/her attributes such as "Speed", "Tricks", "Acceleration", etc which will noticabilly improve your boarders' abilities.

Graphics of this game are very nice for a PS2 game with the snow and ice beautifully depicted as your rider glides through it. Once at the top of the mountain, you can get to the bottem of it (which takes about 30min) without a single loading screen.

I like the soundtrack of this game, which sets the atmosphere well as you participate in one of the events with songs from Basement Jaxx, Black Eyed Peace, Fatboy Slim and others. Particulary well done is how the music fades out when you're in the air for a longer period of time or when entering a cave. While not racing you get to listen to the never irritating "DJ Atomica" who briefs you in with all the latest updates on the mountain news.


All in all I can say this is a great game with solid gameplay, nice graphics and funky soundtrack which can appeal to both less experienced gamers aswell as the hardcore.
SSX 3 gets a 9.0/10 from me and I recommend it to anyone who owns a PS2.

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