SSX 3

I am going to say it: I think that SSX 2012 is better than SSX3. Not only do the controls feel more organic and natural, but the design of everything is just better due to technological improvements. HOWEVER, SSX3 was the game that changed the SSX formula the most until that final gem of the series nine years later. While the races have always been agonizingly easy for me, the track design is hands- down the best in the older entries in the series. Add the absolute best soundtrack of SSX--PERIOD, no explanation needed--plus the many fun, whimsical characters that we've come to love, and you've got a high-speed experience that manages to pull off some amazing thrills despite the ease of the wins. My absolute favorite part of SSX3 will always be the various Freestyle events, with Slopestyle being the best due to its wide variety of paths to choose from. Only a true SSX champion can pull off collecting a platinum metal for every one of these events. At its heart, SSX3 speaks volumes about what makes this classic series so great--it's good, fast-paced fun. Everything from the music to the oftentimes bizarre costume choices to even the surprisingly calming design of the menus, speaks of a time when games could just be wholesome fun for the fun of it. Every time I play it, I just feel happy. I feel . . . like a child again.