SSX 3

"Ugh, A Sport-Related Game...I Actually Enjoy!"

I enjoy sports during the summer, and in real life, but I have never been able to enjoy any sport video game, that is, until now. SSX 3 changed the way I look at sports in the video game world. I can't believe I was able to like this so easily. I had first played this at a friend's house, and I had thought I was going to lose so bad. It actually turned out to be quite a thriller. Therefore, I figured I should introduce its greatness to everyone, as even a person who dislikes these types of video games has been able to say this game is amazing.

Story-1/10

Yes, there isn't much of a story. I dislike video games without a story most of the time, because there's no plot to the game. You simply run around doing practically nothing until you drop of boredom. Stories add a lot of effect to the game, and that's mainly why I don't enjoy video games involving sports. Without a story, the game's basically useless.

Game-play-10/10

Snowboards has its own world in sports. Unlike basketball, baseball, soccer, and football, snowboarding is not on a court or field. It all takes place on a mountain. The racers start at the top, and race as fast as they can to the bottom without injuring themselves. You are allowed to fall over, but it causes you to lose valuable time. You continue down the course, watching out for any competitors, and grind rails, jump slopes, and complete mid-air stunts. It is nothing like the other sports, which take place on just one boring court or field. This takes place on several mountains, which you can choose before you begin.

Graphics-10/10

There is no sport game I have played where the graphics are this detailed. The graphics for this game are very unique. It offers a digital three dimensional mountain top, with city buildings, rail ways, and the snow boarders, all completely flawless. When jumping off a ledge, you can see the bottom of a deep cliff, and even rocks and branches on the side. When falling over, the snow isn't stiff. Bits of snow and twigs scatter as you knock them out of their places. A thin and properly sized trail follows each snowboarder as they head down to the finish. I haven't seen any game has even comes close in comparison to this game. Every detail was securely glued to perfection.

Sound-10/10

For once, I have found a game where they don't over-do the volume of the music. When the stage starts, most of the time, all you hear is music. However, in this game, they tone the music down just enough so that you can hear all the sound effects as well. You know when you're grinding a rail, jumping a ledge, flying off a slope, or even when you're falling down. They have it all! There is not much to offer in the music, but what they do have fits each mountain perfectly.

Control-10/10

Moving the snowboard has never been this easy and fun. All you have to do is go left or right. Because it takes place on a mountain, the movement is done for you. Jumping a ledge is only one button, and the tricks are as well. The control is simple, and to the point. Though there are still difficult stages, at least this allows you to worry more about the race, and not about where your fingers are.

Difficulty-10/10

My, the difficulty is quite hard. The computers actually are more advanced, and are able to pull off very complex moves. This is a real challenge for all those masters out there. Many people can easily play, and have some good competition, whether you're with your friends, or up against computers. Though I believe it is quite easy to take down within a week or so, the difficulty from the start was amazing.

Re-playability-8/10

Alright, the computers are as hard as ever, and you're doing the exact same thing. You already know how to play, therefore, it is quite easy. However, it is still a lot of fun, and enjoyable to play with a pal, so it isn't good difficulty-wise, but it's still a lot of laughs.

Overall-9/10

Excluding the fact that the game has no story, I thought this game was amazing. There were many unexpected turns they had from the other sports, and this is the first sports game I have not returned, or given back from renting. I have this game snug on my rack, and I hope to keep it there. Let the races begin!

Rent Or Buy?

It's rather awkward for me to say this, but I believe you should buy this game. It offers a whole new look to the video game sports, and I feel it is enjoyable, and the graphics are worth a look. If you feel like renting it first, that is great as well.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/25/07