SSX3 Preview
We get an exclusive look at the next game in Electronic Arts' slick snowboarding series.
Ever since the first info on SSX3 was released, anticipation for the latest installment in Electronic Arts' snowboarding series has been running high. The series has quickly garnered a healthy following thanks to two strong entries, the original SSX in 2000 and its follow-up, SSX Tricky, in 2001. While the series has certainly continued to evolve over the course of both games, developer EA Canada has opted to take a dramatic leap forward with SSX3. In addition to features such as new playable characters, new courses, new music, and improved graphics, SSX3 offers an entirely new sensibility that expands everything about the game. We had the chance to get an exclusive look at the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox versions of the game and are pleased to report that EAC's ambitious vision is coming together very well. SSX3 is shaping up to offer a slick combination of the strongest elements from the previous entries in the series and a heaping helping of new content that should please longtime fans and make some new ones as well.
When you first start the game you come to one of the few traditional menus that lists the three modes from which to choose. Single event lets you play any of the events you've unlocked. Conquer the mountain is a career-style mode that lets you run a variety of races to unlock peaks and build up your character. Finally, multiplay lets you take on a friend in race or freestyle competitions on any of the courses you've unlocked in conquer the mountain. PlayStation 2 owners get the added benefit of online play (which we'll touch on in the coming weeks).
Once you select a mode, you're brought to the character select screen where you'll see the 10 initially selectable characters. Old-timers Psymon, Elise, Mac, Kaori, Zoe, and Moby are joined by Griff, a pint-sized "sugar stoked engine"; Viggo, a reasonably hip boarder described as "20 pounds of cool in a 5 pound bucket"; Nate, an older gent "driven by rock-solid ambition and an indestructible attitude"; and Allegra, a new female rider who's described as "fresh, fierce, and barely constrained by gravity." Each character has meters that track various stats, like acceleration, edging, speed, and overall ranking. When you start the game, all of your rider rankings are at a thoroughly unimpressive "1." Beefing up rider abilities requires you to go through the conquer the mountain mode.
Once you select a character, an cinematic intro sequence sets the stage, highlighting the mountain and your plane trip up. The sequence shifts from CG to the game engine as you hop from the plane onto the mountain and begin a run. A voice-over from the local "EA Radio Big" DJ clues you in as to what's going on. As he speaks, you begin passing markers that direct you to different color-coded areas for the race, slopestyle, big air, and mid-station areas. Navigating by the signs, as you board down the mountain, effectively replaces most menus in the game for the rest of your play time. As you head down, you'll see question marks that reveal messages on your in-game PDA; these messages offer gameplay tips and hints. If you miss a turnoff, you can pause the game and select a "transport" option that lets you move to set points on the mountain.
SSX3 uses a slightly different structure from its predecessors, although it is still mission-based. The game is set on a single mountain composed of three peaks. When you start the game you're only able to access the first peak. Each peak features four main goals. Successful completion of a goal yields a pass that lets you access the next peak. The four goals offer some variety, which should allow players to progress even if their skills are weak in a particular area. The race goal requires you to earn a medal in all race events. The freestyle goal requires you to earn a medal in all freestyle events. The freeride goal is a bit more involved, as it requires you to find collectibles that are strewn about the mountain. Finally, you must complete the big challenges you come across as you go through the mountain events.
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