GENRE
	Extreme Sports
	DEVELOPER
	EA Canada
	PUBLISHER
	EA Sports BIG
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	no
	WII EXCLUSIVE
	gcn
	EXPECTED RELEASE DATE
	October 23, 2003
	BUY NOW AT

Only three years after the release of SSX on the PS2 and the launch of the EA Sports BIG brand name, the guys over at EA Canada are ready to throw us another extreme sports title from the same name. SSX 3 is nearly upon us and we’ve got some goods to share with everyone. After SSX Tricky was released to multiple consoles, more titles from the same brand were released for the GameCube, as well as the Def Jam Vendetta and the NBA Street series. While SSX 3 has online capabilities on the PS2, Cube Gamers should still be happy they’ll be getting both SSX 3 and 1080 Avalanche in time for the holidays. Read on for more information.

Media

Impressions

While most people consider SSX Tricky to be SSX 1.5, this latest installment has enough new content to make up for 1.5 sequels. First off in SSX 3 is the ability to seamlessly transition from one spot on a mountain to the next. The player will have roughly four goals to complete on each peak of the mountain: Race, Freestyle, Freeride, and Big Challenges, which are present throughout each run on the mountain. The Race and Freestyle goals are fairly self-explanatory; simply collect the medals in all of the race and freestyle competitions. In Freeride, the player must collect all of the hidden items throughout the peak. Completing all of these goals is necessary in completing the Conquer the Mountain career mode.

In addition to the different gameplay, SSX 3 offers plenty of new characters as well. While returning favorites Elise, Mac, Zoe, Moby, Psymon, and Kaori are all back, there are four new characters who join up: the crazy Swede Viggo, the mature mountaineer Nate, 12-year-old prodigy Griff, and Allegra, the newest female in the cast. The game also includes a new collection of Uber Tricks which can be extended for as long as the player can hold them. With new board press tricks (the manuals of snowboarding), the combo string can go on for miles. The new soundtrack, featuring the usual EA Trax system found in other titles from Electronic Arts, will feature such bands as the Chemical Brothers, The X-Ecutioners, and Fat Boy Slim, and other bands suitable for some high-speed adrenaline pumping action.

The visual aspect of the title looks amazing and is definitely an improvement over SSX Tricky. Featuring an even larger poly-count, SSX 3 is the penultimate in art design within the EA BIG line of videogames. Considering the game takes place on one giant mountain, the amount of detail given to the surroundings is astounding. While you’re going from peak to peak, the variety of the visuals will definitely catch your eye. The best part of it all is that it flows by at a beautifully smooth 60 frames per second.

Word on the Street

jdccb: I enjoyed SSX Tricky thoroughly; just thinking of it makes me begin to chant ‘Tricky, tricky, tricky, tricky’ in my head. The game was just a pure blast to play; I never looked to win necessarily. I just went out and enjoyed the over-the-top goodness. The single mountain-concept that lots of people seem to be on these days is a very interesting idea. Add that to SSX's gameplay, and this game is going to be awesome. That is not to say there is no market for the more sim-like games like 1080 out there, I look forward to that one as well, but SSX Tricky was just so well done, so enjoyable, that I fully anticipate the third games release

HeavyC: [1080] may be more realistic, but it wasn't all that fun. SSX looks like it would be a lot more fun to play overall. If I were to buy either of them, I'd probably give SSX a look first just because the N64 1080 trick system left such a bad taste in my mouth.

From the Horse’s Mouth

• Open Mountain Environment: Get dropped onto the lower peak of the biggest mountain you've ever seen. You'll seamlessly board from one awesome area to the next - entering competitions, taking on Big Challenges, and discovering hidden collectables. Master the Challenges on all three peaks in your quest to Conquer the Mountain... and make it your own.
• Characters: SSX3 has four new rivals joining six returning SSX Tricky characters. Mac, Elise, Zoe, Moby, Psymon, and Kaori are back. They are joined by the crazy Swede Viggo, mountain man Nate, 12 year old phenom Griff, and the ultra hot, ultra talented Allegra.
• Rich, Natural Graphics: SSX3 boasts amazing graphics like incredibly detailed shadows and snow that sparkles, reflects light, and even blows in the wind. These are just some of the rich environmental details created by an Oscar nominated, Hollywood visual effects wiz. The amazing visuals will come together to totally immerse the user in the SSX3 world.
• More Tricks: The tricks are completely blown out in SSX3. There is a collection of new Uber Tricks where users can combo and hold. Not only will SSX3 have the addition of specific Uber tricks on rails, users will even be able to perform hand plants. With the new board press tricks, gamers can extend a combo string - forever!
• Soundtrack: An adrenaline charged soundtrack that promises to be one of the game industry's best yet - featuring a broad range of music from such artists as the Chemical Bros., the Executioners, the Red Hot Chili Peppers - and many more.
• Play How You Want: With SSX3, users will be able to choose how they play - and how they progress. Users will have the option of competing in a variety of events (Race, Big Air, Slope Style, and Super Pipe) or at the last minute opting to take off and freeride.
• Big Challenges: Take on any number of unique challenges as you explore the extent of the mountain world. Grind billboards, board press logs, even hand plant the fence line. There are over 100 challenges that will have you trying again and again.
• Customization and Rewards: SSX3 has also expanded the character customization and rewards system. You'll earn medals and trophies to fill up your trophy room, level up your riders' abilities through a deeper attribute system, and even rename the peaks as you master them. Along with characters being fully customizable (including over the top cheats to equip them with) you can customize your personal play list - and much more.

Conclusion

So far, SSX 3 looks like a beautifully crafted title that not only makes a good sequel but an extremely impressive snowboarding title in its own right. If things go according to plan, 1080 may very well have some competition this holiday season. However, we’ll see as things draw to a close. Stick with us for a full review in the coming weeks. For now, I need to get in some time with Zoe… err… Tricky.

media

impressions

word on the street

press release notes

overall