boarding and blading

This has to be my favorite game. And i have 25 games. SSX 3 has a total of 3 peaks and all of them will keep you playing them until you have to go to bed. Especially if you play as Elise and get to the 3rd peak so you can put her in a swimsuit!! haha. - best part. I've played this game for 3 weeks straight right after i got home from school, and i have unlocked all of about 20 secret characters and....again....the swimsuit for Elise. So, if you want to see A hot woman tear up the mountain and stay airborn for about 10 seconds so you can see all of her body.......then get the game. I guess you could play as a bunch of other people....but i haven't tried out them yet.SSX 3 TOTALLY OUTSCORES SSX TRICKY!!

Those worried that SSX 3 would merely be a facelift to the series (much like Tricky was for the original SSX) have nothing to fear. SSX 3 packs so much new gameplay into an absolutely massive package, delivering hours upon hours of challenge and fun. Instead of a string of isolated courses, as in the previous installments, SSX 3 goes for a more cohesive design, with courses and freeride elements that blend seamlessly into one another. There's a lot to do here, from countless trick showcases, to mad dashes down the mountain.

Graphically, SSX 3 is amazing, with excellent special effects and great animation. In the sound department, SSX 3 also shines, with excellent sound effects, and a extensive licensed soundtrack. If there's one complaint that could be lodged, though, it's that the music doesn't follow the action as well as it did in Tricky, and personally, I miss the RUN DMC riff every time your boost bar was maxed out. The new DJ follows the action well, and provides a lot of commentary and info about the tracks you are about to tackle, but I sort of miss the beatboxing of Rahzel from Tricky.

SSX 3 controls very well. New this time is the addition of the ability to grind the nose of your board as well as handplant. These additions are not just cosmetic, as just like in the Tony Hawk games, these grinds allow you to string together tricks ad infinitum. The only control complaint that could be lodged is that even right off the bat, the characters control way too easily and pull off tricks way too quickly. The last game gave you more of a sensation of building your character.

With all the tracks, all the areas to explore, and all the hidden features and unlockables, SSX 3 offers a ton of gameplay for your money. I highly recommend this game.

SSX 3: Out of Bounds Review

*Sound 5/5

Ok, with so many songs, and the ability to make your own playlist, this soundtrack rocks!
Here are a few of the artists who make a great appearance on the soundtrack:

Red Hot Chili Peppers (remixed)
Fatboy Slim
Andy Hunter
Yellowcard
Finger Eleven
N.E.R.D.S.
X-ecutioners
....and more!

Also, the sound is great. When you're riding down the mountain, you'll be immersed.

Voice-acting is top-notch, although in the cutscenes after a race when your rival approaches, you can't really hear them talk; the music is drowning them out. However, this is one flaw in an otherwise perfect sound category.

**Replay Value 4.5/5

Ok, SSX 3 can be played in a lot of different ways. While Peak 1 somewhat resembles the SSX Tricky courses, Peak 2 and Peak 3 are very unique. You'll be even more glad you bought this game once you try the freestyle mode on Peak 3---lightning, rockslides, and high winds make the gameplay explosive.

There are many different characters, all with a different feel to them, although it's not terribly noticeable. There are also tons of cheat characters, so the roster is quite large. However, the cheat characters are freeride only, and you can't change their clothes or gear. The cheat characters don't seem to have gotten the same graphic overhaul either; but since they're more of a fun addition, this factor doesn't detract from the game.

I would say that you have an unlimited amount of replay value, as you can try to go a different course with your character, or try beating the game with all the characters. Or just simply try to get a better race Medal or a better Freestyle score. You've also got the 2 player mode, which allows you to ride an unlocked course with a friend.

There are also tons of toys, posters, art, trophies to collect/earn. This adds more replay value, and it gives it a SSBM/SC II sort of feel. However, the trophies are for accomplishments, so there aren't too many, but there is a reasonable trophy count.

***Graphics 5/5

This game has great graphics. The characters look great, the courses look great, and the lightning and special effects are clear and awesome. I'd say the visuals are in the same league as Metroid Prime, and that's a major compliment.

****Control 4.5/5

The controls are tight, and although they're loose at first, they tighten up as you buy experience. The trick system is the same as SSX Tricky, except for the Uber-tricks. You can buy tons of new uber tricks for each trick category, and assign one to the required button combinations.

The tricks are easy to pull off, but timing is crucial to rack up major points. This game very challenging for all you hardcore gamers, but a casual gamer can still enjoy it.

*****The Final Score: 5/5

SSX 3 is a ton of fun. It's cool to customize your rider from head to toe, and it adds to the gameplay experience a lot. You can receive messages from other riders and your rival, making you feel more immersed in the gameplay. You can't send messages, but hey, this isn't Animal Crossing.

The effects are great, especially on Peak 3---I love the lightning, wind, and snow effects. Even if you have Tricky (like I do), you'll be glad you have it. If you're somewhat cautious about buying it, at least rent it. SSX 3 is the best snowboarding game I've played, and a great game for everyone.