SSX3 (PS2)

When the Playstation 2 came out, there was one game that caught everyone’s attention. That game was SSX (or Snowboarding Super Cross). It was a huge step forward in the genre, from the PS1 classic Cool Boarders, and was the main reason to own a PS2. It encompassed easy controls with great graphics, and as a result became the ultimate extreme sports game. A few years later SSX Tricky was unleashed, and added the Uber trick set-up, which would go on to become a staple for the series. This was heralded as the best game it possibly could be. They were wrong!

SSX3 is exactly what Tricky was meant to be and even more. Both the previous games had forced you to select tracks from a menu, while the sequel places you on a huge mountain to explore. It’s the focus of the game and makes you feel like you’re actually going on this mountain domination. You can transport yourself to various tracks to compete in them, but the ability to free ride them is a worthy edition. This doubles the games length as you can retrieve collectables and complete ‘Big challenges’. The game is split into three peaks, which allows a steady curve in the difficulty. Even so, none of the tracks are hard to get a medal on, but once you reach gold level you’re in for a rough ride. You can even ride down the whole mountain, which takes a whole 30 minutes (You better not make any mistakes).

The setting isn’t all that’s changed, the controls have had a revamp. You can still pick the original control method, but the new one feels much more responsive. You use the directional buttons to spin and flip, which allows for late tricks. Even though this isn’t as close to real snowboarding as the old method, you feel more in control. Using this method allows for skilled players to get huge points, and for new players to get some points too. The peaks are separated into special courses each designed for a different event. The Freestyle and Race events return in the same form as previous games, but the new Big Air and Superpipe events speed into the spotlight. Big Air is basically 3-5 huge jumps. These are navigated easily, as they are often in a straight line. While the Super Pipes are just that, a huge Half Pipe. These new events require different gameplay, and even SSX veterans will find them tough. The updated ubers also allow for a different experience, allowing you to customise the tricks you can do and how long they will be. The preparation before a major race or freestyle becomes as important as the event itself.

There are over 1000 customisations that are on offer here, which just heightens the experience. Anything can be customised, from the board you ride, to the hair on your head. Even though this is just a cosmetic touch, you will feel a different person, once you put boxing gloves and a skeleton head on. There are a huge amount of rewards available at The Lodge, where you can also buy stats and tricks. These rewards range from pictures of the tracks to cheat characters. The game is so expansive and features so many different things to win, you’ll play it for ages.

When playing SSX3 you feel like a snowboarder and the game wants you to. It’s the biggest and best extreme sports game around, and keeps you hooked constantly. It also doesn’t try to force an awful story on you. It just allows you to snowboard, and that’s what we’re here for.