EA Sports Big snowboarding at its peak, a huge open mountain to ride down. Acrobatic tricks, vertical races and a devastating hip-hop vibe. Arguably the most complete entry in the series and one of the best snow sports games ever. A real time capsule.
Your verdict
Category
Sports1 player3+
Description
Snowboarders tackle mountain slopes in this third EA Sports GameCube SSX 3. Published by EA Sports, released in Europe in October 2003. Snowboard game with spectacular tricks, open world with an entire mountain to explore and SSX series characters.
SSX 3 review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Carried by the virtual DJ Atomika and an ultra-rhythmic electro-hip-hop selection, the descent turns into a non-stop party. The music marries the speed and the tricks, boosting the flow as much as the adrenaline. This supercharged energy, inseparable from the series, keeps a devilishly effective groove.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
Bombing down an entire mountain in one unbroken run, chaining vertiginous jumps and Uber tricks to a driving soundtrack: arcade riding goes for pure sensation and grabs it. The open progression and rewarding trick system invite you to push every line. Still exhilarating to ride down, this peak of video-game snowboarding has aged beautifully.
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Bombing down a whole mountain in one go, from snowy peak to valley, chaining dizzying jumps and endless tricks: the sense of riding hits its high. The freedom to carve your own line and chase the perfect combo grabs you instantly. Smooth, exhilarating and overflowing with style, an absolute must of arcade snowboarding.
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Tearing down an open mountain while chaining jumps and tricks to swell your combo brings a rush that calls instantly for the next descent. Unlocking runs, gear and challenges rewards every attempt, and the urge to beat your score revives the session. The races start to resemble one another over time, but this fluid, generous gliding keeps a fearsomely rousing energy.
SSX 3 PAL is the European edition of EA BIG's game, considered the peak of the snowboard arcade sub-series. Collector value comes from the game's cult status and from the original licensed soundtrack never being reproduced identically due to rights.
Is SSX 3 still worth playing in 2026?
A peak of the arcade snowboard series by EA Big, SSX 3 offers an entirely skiable open mountain from summit to base with three distinct peaks. The colourful art direction, spectacular tricks and the eclectic electro and hip hop soundtrack sign a unique euphoric experience. Visually still very successful thanks to its assertive style, the title remains for many the peak of the series and an absolute must of the extreme sports genre. A warm recommendation still largely valid today on the console for any newcomer here.
