Over the weekend I got my copy of SSX 3 that I won off ebay. First let me just say that buying games off ebay rules. For $32 shipped I got SSX 3 brand new unoppened. Can't beat that! I had originally played the game over Christmas when a friend of mine (who also happens to be a game dev out in LA) said I had to play it. I was instantly hooked. I'm not usually into snowboarding games, but this one stood out.

The game is amazing, and takes the simple concept of racing and tricks to a whole new level. I've played the original SSX, but 3 blows it away. First of all, any game with a race that lasts a full half hour (real time) is friggen incredible, but the open endedness of this game is what really makes it shine.

The game encourages you to take risks, to try to find new places (there are many alternate routes to each course). Tricks are a must (especially in freestyle events where that's the whole point), and even in a race, tricks give you more boost, which make them meaningful in all facets of the game. I'm sure many will compare the trick system to Tony Hawk, but it really harkens back to games like California Games, which I don't think gets enough due credit for the whole genre.

The number of customizations to your character, and items to find or buy is staggering. I can't even imagine unlocking them all. And the courses themselves are just amazing. What's especially cool is watching the replays, since they show the action from different angles, and you can see just how far you're actually falling. It's about as unrealistic as you can get in that sense but that's also what makes it so much fun.

This is also a game Annette has gotten addicted to. It's always fun when she really gets into a game, because then I finally have someone to compete against (well, except for when she kicks my ass, which, now that I think about it, is what usually happens). Anyway, SSX 3 is on all 3 systems, so if you haven't checked it out, you really need to. It's definitely close to the top of the best sports games I've ever played.