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Overall Rating: 8.6
Graphics: 9
Sound: 8
Gameplay: 8
Lifespan: 8

Get out your snowboard, buy your lift tickets, breathe the cold mountain air, and get ready to be thrilled. SSX 3, the latest in EA Sports' acclaimed snowboarding franchise has arrived, and it’s been worth the wait.

Before you know it you will be speeding down those snow-covered slopes at breakneck speed, jumping, twisting, turning, and doing tricks so extravagant that no real snowboarder would try. It is crazy, fast and fun in the way console games were meant to be.

All the action takes place on the three peaks that make up the huge mountain at the centre of SSX 3. And, in the game's central playing mode, it is this mountain that you are out to conquer.

First, however, you have to decide which of the hip young snowboarders you want to be. That done, it is time to hit the slopes and familiarise yourself with the snow. Even though there are a number of controls, the basics are quite simple, and getting the hang of it doesn't take too long. And, after a bit of practice, you will be pulling off tricks like an old pro.

As in most of EA Sports' recent titles, you have to build up your character's attributes. So, you can buy anything from increased acceleration and trick moves, to a new board, or whatever gear or clothing you might want.

To this end, you have to complete challenges and earn money by competing with five other competitors in races or freestyle events. So, whether you want to race all the time, or just do tricks, you can make your money doing either. And once you've earned enough, you can buy a lift ticket up to peak 2, and eventually peak 3.

If however, you do not feel like competition you can explore the slopes at your own pace. Whether you are trying to find the best line down, or just enjoying the scenery, you are bound to be impressed by the degree of freedom that the game allows you. Unlike most games in the genre, SSX 3, does not force you to take a particular route down the slopes, but offers a multitude of possibilities.

Whether it is glimpsing the sun over a snowy ridge, or looking down into a valley as you fly through the air, the game's stunning visuals are integral to the experience. It is an excellent example of the PS2's graphical ability. It is smooth, fast and beautiful to look at.

While speeding down the mountain, you can listen to Radio Big, the in-game radio station, consisting of a few modern rock tunes with occasional comments from a super cool DJ. But, as well as that works, I suggest switching off the radio, and simply listening to the sound of your board skidding over the virgin snow with the wind howling in the background.

In so many ways, SSX 3 is what a console game should be. It doesn't tell you what to do at every turn, but instead gives you free reigns to explore its huge environment. This freedom, along with the challenge of building up your character’s attributes, and conquering the mountain, will keep you at it for a long time.

It is hard to find anything wrong with the game. Yet, it could have been smoother, allowed the rider even more freedom and it is not inconceivable that the gameplay could be even better. But such concerns are hardly worth mentioning. Though not quite perfect, SSX 3 is as close as any snowboarding game has gotten.