8 / 10
26 Jul 2004 at 17:10
Review by: faustshausuk
How do you tell how much you like a game? - the time spent playing it? The number of times you laugh/whoop for joy/swoon? That inner feeling of smug satisfaction after a hefty session? These are all valid methods, but for me it all comes down to one thing: Just how sore are my thumbs?
Right now, my thumbs are so sore that I have to wear rubber gloves in the shower. My thumbs really, really hurt and I have SSX 3 to blame.
Prior to getting SSX 3, I owned SSX Tricky for all of a few days. I just didn't understand the appeal - it was just a bad Tony Hawks on ice, but with even fiddlier controls. How could I fall in love with something so horrible? It was soon hastily traded in and I vowed to avoid the series.
Somehow though, SSX 3 won my heart over. The game is now a free-roaming romp with collectables, races, competitions and much more to explore over three peaks of a colossal mountain.
In many ways, the developers have stolen from game du jour Grand Theft Auto 3/Vice City (doesn't everyone these days) but with a multitude of loveable characters, loads of boards, clothes and items to collect and a perfect learning curve, there's a little more depth to this excellent extreme sports title than Rockstar Games' crime-'em-up.
From the sumptuous graphics (only when you get up close to the trees littered around the mountain do you get a glimpse of imperfection) to the excellent radio system, the game's presentation is among the best I've ever experienced.
I think I should go into a little more depth on the radio - contextual comments from the DJ, music that responds to the action (with instruments and vocals being faded in and out depending on your riding), a vast selection of music both recognisable and composed specifically and great use of surround sound - unlike most games, you'll be whacking the volume UP.
Many places sell the game for under £20 now. You owe it to yourself to buy this game. Even if you don't get the appeal at first (the controls are a little impenetrable to a newcomer), persevere for the best sports title the GameCube has to offer.
Overview
User Reviews
Prices
Reviews
Change Country
RSS
