SSX3
After teasing us with a mountain-full of powder in SSX and Tricky, SSX3 finally delivered what we always secretly wanted - one huge peak full of fresh powder, neatly dissected into snow-topped chalets and easily grindable fences. Super %26uuml;ber tricks aside, SSX3 wasn't ground-breaking in its gameplay innovations - what it did brilliantly is to make the game feel like a unified whole, with goals and a career and a life on the mountain that goes beyond simple races and stunt events. After grizzling that their characters 'wouldn't like' being told what to wear, EA caved and let us customise our outfits to perfection, letting us tackle the slopes with bespoke salopettes and paper bags on our heads. Also, after two games of hooting from Godfather Of Noyze Rahzel, the radio chilled out - with a DJ keeping us informed about everything happening on the slopes. Most importantly, though, the progression took a tip from Tony Hawk, cramming every inch of the slope with cash, power-ups and challenges, and ensuring that even the most laconic glide down the run is rife with possibility. Brilliant.
Best course: Some tracks are easier, but Perpendiculous offers the best rewards for anyone prepared to eke out its air opportunities.
Best character: Little Nate Logan - he's only 11 - proves the obvious choice for tackling Career mode, although he's a cocky bastard.
Best course: Some tracks are easier, but Perpendiculous offers the best rewards for anyone prepared to eke out its air opportunities.
