SSX 3 throws you onto the slopes of a massive, interconnected mountain, letting you carve your own path down from the peaks of Mount Fuji and beyond. It’s all about mastering gravity-defying tricks, nailing races, and exploring the vast, open environments. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or just starting out, the sheer freedom and verticality of SSX 3 offer an exhilarating snowboarding experience.
This guide is your ticket to conquering every challenge SSX 3 throws at you. We'll break down the introductory controls and help you pick the perfect snowboard, then dive deep into advanced trick combos and race strategies for each of the three major peaks. Plus, we'll show you exactly where to find all those elusive hidden collectibles scattered across the mountain.
SECTION ONE: SYSTEM [GameplaySysOver]
Get the lowdown on SSX 3's groundbreaking physics, two control schemes (Standard & Classic), and the essential Rewind feature to conquer any mountain.
Alright, so SSX 3 is bringing some fresh ideas to the table, and it might feel a bit different if you're used to the older games. The biggest change is this awesome new physics engine. Seriously, you can ride pretty much anywhere and jump off almost anything. No more being stuck to the middle of the course like in the past!
They've also introduced a new default control setup called 'Standard.' This uses the analog sticks or the face buttons for doing tricks. But hey, if you're a longtime SSX fan, don't sweat it – there's a 'Classic' scheme that keeps the old-school layout you know and love. It's all about what feels best for you.
The other killer new feature is the 'Rewind.' You know how SSX loves throwing bottomless pits and instant death zones at you? Well, now you can rewind to an earlier spot on the track and try a different path. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of these features later in the guide, but for now, just know you've got options!
When it comes to controls, things can get a little confusing because there are two main schemes: Standard and Classic. In the Standard scheme, there are actually two ways to do most actions, which they call 'Sticks' and 'Buttons.' For example, when you're in the air, you can either use the Right Analog Stick OR the Face buttons to pull off tricks. Both do the exact same thing, so you'll often see them listed together. It's totally up to you which one you prefer!
The Classic controls are pretty much what you've seen in all the previous SSX games (except SSX Blur). If you've been shredding for years, this might feel the most natural. Honestly, neither is 'better' – it's all personal preference. If one feels too tricky or limiting, just switch to the other. SSX is super flexible with its controls, so there's something for everyone.
You can swap between control schemes anytime by going to RiderNet > Settings, or by pausing the game and selecting Gameplay Settings.
CLASSIC Controls
Master SSX 3 classic controls for PS3 and Xbox 360. Learn how to turn, boost, prewind spins, and more.
On the Ground Controls (PS3):
- Turn left/right: Use the Left Analog Stick or D-Pad (Left or Right).
- Build Speed: Push Up on the Left Analog Stick or D-Pad.
- Slow Down: Push Down on the Left Analog Stick or D-Pad.
- Crouch/Jump: Press and hold the X button to crouch, release to jump.
- Prewind Spins/Flips: While holding the Jump button (X), press and hold a direction on the D-Pad.
- Use Boost: Press the Square button.
- Nose Press: Push Up on the Right Analog Stick.
- Tail Press: Push Down on the Right Analog Stick.
- Grind Terrain: Hold the Triangle button.
- Get off rail: Hold Triangle and press any direction on the Left Stick.
- Use Oxygen (if equipped): Push Down on the Right Analog Stick (R3).
- Change Camera: Press the Select button.
In the Air Controls (PS3):
- Grab Board: Press any one or combination of shoulder buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2).
- Tweak a Grab: While holding a grab, press the Square button.
- Do late spins/flips: Press directions on the D-Pad.
- In-air Adjustment: Use the Left Analog Stick.
- Deploy Wingsuit: Press the X button while in the air (if wingsuit equipped).
Miscellaneous Actions (PS3):
- Rewind Boarder: Press the Circle button.
- Change Camera: Press the Select button.
- Pause Game: Press the Start button.
Xbox 360 Controls:
The source text does not provide specific button mappings for the Xbox 360 controller, only listing it as a platform.
- Experiment with holding the Jump button (X) and D-Pad directions to master prewinding spins and flips for higher scores.
- Utilize the Left Analog Stick for fine adjustments while in the air.
- Remember to hold the Triangle button to initiate and maintain a grind on terrain.
BUILDING A COMBO
Learn how SSX 3 builds combos: points added to score, combo bank, multiplier increases, and combo count.
When you perform at least two tricks in a row, several things happen:
- The points from each trick are added to your score, located above the boost bar. The value of each trick is always multiplied by your current multiplier. For example, if you do a 10,000 point trick and your current multiplier is x8, 80,000 points (10,000 x 8) will be added to the score on the bottom of the screen. The next time, you do a 5,000 point trick, which is then multiplied x9 resulting in 45,000 points being added to your score. Then, you do a 7,500 point trick, multiplied x10 resulting in 75,000 points added to your score, and so on.
- The base value of each trick goes into your Combo Bank. Your Combo Bank is located mid-left on the screen, and is the sum of all the tricks you've done, at their base value. For example, if you do three tricks, one worth 5,500 points, another worth 10,000 points, and another worth 2,000 points, your combo bank after these three tricks will be 17,500 points. None of the points in your combo bank are multiplied at all, until you "cash in" your combo by letting it expire or crossing the finish line.
- Your multiplier may go up x1 if your trick is good enough. In many cases, doing tricks that score above a certain amount (usually more than a few thousand points) causes your Multiplier to increase.
- Your combo count will go up. Your combo count is located mid-left on the screen. It keeps track of how many tricks you have done in your current combo string. Your combo count has very little bearing on the success of your trick run, other than a small combo bonus that you are awarded when you finish a combo.
- Keep in mind that none of the points in your combo bank are multiplied at all, until you "cash in" your combo by letting it expire or crossing the finish line.
- The Flow system is vital to maximize Trick It scores.
- Your combo count has very little bearing on the success of your trick run, other than a small combo bonus that you are awarded when you finish a combo.
CONTINUING A COMBO
Master SSX 3 combos! Learn to watch your combo timer, use nose/tail presses wisely, avoid duplicate tricks, and minimize rewinds for maximum scores.
Alright, so you wanna rack up some serious points in SSX 3? The key to a killer score is keeping that combo going as long as possible, aiming for at least a 20x multiplier. It sounds simple, but there are a few tricks to it. Let's break down how to keep that combo alive!
The Combo Timer is Your Best Friend (and Worst Enemy!)
First off, you gotta pay attention to your combo timer. It's on the HUD, right next to your score, shown as chevrons (>>> <<<). As you land tricks, these chevrons start showing up. One, then two, then three on each side. Here's the crucial part: the more chevrons you see, the closer your combo is to expiring! Once those three chevrons disappear, BAM! Your combo is over. You need to land another trick before that happens.
The time you have between tricks isn't fixed. It depends on how many points your last trick was worth. Nail a big trick, like 10,000+ points, and you might get 3-5 seconds to land another. But if you just do a small trick, like a basic 180, you might only have about a second before those chevrons vanish. So, bigger tricks give you more breathing room.
Nosepress/Tailpress: Use Sparingly!
What if you're in a spot with no good jumps or ramps? That's where nosepresses and tailpresses come in handy to keep the combo going. BUT, be careful! The game tracks how many you do in a row. Doing just ONE press is fine, but doing several in a row will actually cut your combo timer in half for each extra press. Do too many, and your timer will be so short it'll disappear in a blink. Some players prefer
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