SSX 3

Xbox
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Playboy
    100
    While other snowboarding games run out of steam mid-shred, the SSX series continues to gain momentum. [Dec 2003, p.44]
  2. Cheat Code Central
    100
    It offers something for everyone and while it is harder, the game grows with the player.
  3. 100
    While many courses here are modeled from past runs, most are barely recognizable, at best. They're like the ugly kid from high school who turns out to be a model ten years later.
  4. 100
    It’s the kind of game that can be played indefinitely and a player’s performance will continually improve. The tasks ahead look daunting at first, but the depth of the game quickly becomes a player’s best friend as each new play session introduces new surprises.
  5. 100
    This third game in the snowboarding series features a complete overhaul, dropping the whole race-circuit idea and taking a more open-ended, Grand Theft Auto–like approach to snowboard competition.
  6. From the huge open mountain to the convincing radio station to the numerous events, this is one cool experience.
  7. One of the tightest games out there... there’s nothing that stands out as a negative, and everything else is a glaring positive. The abundance of ‘stuff to do’ keeps the gameplay fresh and makes 100% completion a task for the gods.
  8. It combines superb graphics with deep gameplay to bring gamers a great gaming experience. It’s not often that a game gets every aspect of the game right.
  9. Game Informer
    95
    The beauty of SSX is that I don't have to do the race events if I don't want to. In this game, you choose where you have your fun; and fun you shall have. [Nov 2003, p.158]
  10. 95
    Possibly the finest snowboarding game ever, SSX 3 offers an insane amount number of challenges, near-limitless replay value, and tight gameplay from start to finish.
  11. The visuals in this game are simply amazing. The levels and backgrounds look sharp and are filled with shades of blue. The sun demonstrates realistic reflectivity, it can shine in your eyes and even create shadows.
  12. 94
    The best snowboarding game I ever played. It's arcade-centric, trick heavy, and on the third peak, it's brutal, but in the end, nothing comes close to SSX 3.
  13. This game has exceeded my expectations far beyond my belief.
  14. If you enjoyed "SSX Tricky," you will love SSX 3--it's as simple as that. Even if you hated "Tricky," you still might dig this sequel.
  15. Official Xbox Magazine
    91
    We had some minor issues with course design; there are simply too many "holes" in the geometry - places where your boarder can get stuck and has no reset... That said, you can learn 'em and avoid 'em. [Dec 2003, p.140]
  16. The snow effects are unrivaled, the framerate is consistently high and the colors are vibrant. Add to that great animations (particularly during tricks) and an intense sense of speed, and you wind up with one of those rare games that can be as much fun to watch as to play.
  17. Play Magazine
    91
    It's a game that's just incredible fun, mixing in all sorts of gaming ideas with the thrill of the real sport, painting a final touch of extreme excess and color for scintillating effect. [Nov 2003, p.86]
  18. Xbox Nation Magazine
    90
    A smooth framerate, flawless camera, and spot-on control makes the experience nothing short of sublime, and the game a near-perfect mix of exacting artistry and technical wizardry - not unlike snowboarding itself. [Dec/Jan 2004, p.91]
  19. Whether it's speed or stunts, manic or mellow, big air or backcountry, SSX 3 does it all, and it does it all with style.
  20. It's just so massively detailed, so thoroughly improved and so gloriously playable that we have to recommend it. We haven't even touched on the multiplayer aspect, which we'll be doing in our PS2 Online review very soon, but to be honest it wouldn't have to be good - the rest of the game is enough on its own.
  21. The game's new, open-ended structure, excellent audio, enhanced trick system, and improved graphics combine to make this a superlative sequel to a series that's always had high standards.
  22. The difficulty curve is perfect. Can't win a particular race? No problem. Take a practice run to look for shortcuts or shell out some prize money to upgrade your character, and you'll be right back on the road to snowboarding superstardom.
  23. A worthy sequel that takes the series in a new direction of an open-ended structure while improving upon the sheer fun of the over-the-top trick-heavy gameplay.
  24. Embark on the ride of your life as you prepare to careen down SSX3's three peaks with your favorite characters, including four new riders. It's you versus the mountain in this extreme snowboarding challenge.
  25. If you've got "Tricky," you'll find more of the same without the clarity of the level design and structure - but if you're new to the series and just want some fast action, you'll probably love everything there is about it, so enjoy!
  26. games(TM)
    70
    Given the constraints of the sport, SSX 3 does a great job of keeping the game as open as possible. If nothing else, the SSX series represents something of a benchmark for snowboarding games, a trend that continues with this instalment. No one title of this generation can claim obvious superiority. [Dec 2003, p.102]
  27. TotalGames.net
    70
    There's no denying that Amped is a far more accurate depiction of snowboarding as a sport, but if it's fun you want you can't go far wrong with this.

Awards & Rankings

5
38
#38 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
19
#19 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2003
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Negative: 6 out of 34
  1. Jul 2, 2022
    9
    Probably the best sports game that I’ve ever played! Best of the ssx series, make lack charm from tricky but comes back with the best soundProbably the best sports game that I’ve ever played! Best of the ssx series, make lack charm from tricky but comes back with the best sound track in the series. A must play for snow board and skater fans! Full Review »
  2. Dec 13, 2020
    10
    Anyone who gives this game a negative rating because of how “unrealistic” it is, is missing the point entirely and shouldn’t be critiquingAnyone who gives this game a negative rating because of how “unrealistic” it is, is missing the point entirely and shouldn’t be critiquing games in general lol. This is the holy grail of extreme sports games, controls like butter, utilizes a moderately deep control scheme, and feels more fluid and fast than any other snowboarding game out there by far, to this day no less. Not to mention the masterful soundtrack and unbelievably breathtaking and atmospheric visuals and environments, for 2003 ESPECIALLY. Full Review »
  3. Apr 17, 2020
    0
    Ma magnanimité me perdra mais j'irai jusqu'à 1, au moins justement pour la version Xbox, laquelle via le programme de rétrocompatibilité enMa magnanimité me perdra mais j'irai jusqu'à 1, au moins justement pour la version Xbox, laquelle via le programme de rétrocompatibilité en version améliorée sur la Xbox One X, permet de profiter du jeu en 4K ! et pour un jeu de 2003, il reste tout-à-fait joli dans son genre un brin cel shadé je dois dire.

    Je dois dire également qu'il reste également super peu intéressant et extrêmement ennuyeux : c'est simple, on se se fait chier en moins de 2 minutes chrono. Il faut dire que par défaut, je n'aime pas le ski, ni le surf, ni les planches, ni toutes ces conneries de sport d'hiver de mes couilles. Je hais les skieurs, le snowboarders et tous ces crevards qui vont polluer la nature et la neige.

    Alors voir ça en jeu, voir la débilité des figures à kévins kikoolols, ça me fout les nerfs, tu comprends, Kévin ? ah et puis merde, je suis énervé du coup et j'ai pas pris mes cachets ! alors, je redescends ce sale étron à 0 ! 0 point et puis c'est tout !!
    Full Review »