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'the first next-gen snowboarding game'
 Developer: 2K Sports
Publisher: Take 2 Interactive
Category: : Snowboard
Official Site
Platform: X-Box 360 ONLY
Might look like: Amped 2 ?
Date posted: 18 May 2006 (update)
Written By: Matt
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Amped returns ... with full force
I have been playing games for several years now (heck, even more then 10), still I don't call myself to be a real 'hardcore gamer'. I do have a social life and I do spend time with family, girlfriend etc.
Playing games for fun and for a job is still fun for me and regarding snowboarding games there is always some competition between the well known "SSX" brand from Electronic Arts and of course the "Amped" series from Take 2 Interactive.
There was also the excellent "1080° Avalanche", only on GameCube and it's sad that we didn't saw a sequel of it.
Some gamers do find the SSX series among the best if not a lot better then Amped but there are also people who just thinks Amped rocks, whatever version they play (at this time only 3 are released, Amped 1 & 2 on X-Box and Amped 3 for X-Box 360).
At this very moment only Take 2 newest snowboarding game "Amped 3" for the X-Box 360 is available so some of the SSX fans are definitely enjoying it since right now Amped 3 is the only next-gen snowboarding game.
with a weird design and humor
When loading up "Amped 3" for the very first time, it was quite a surprise. It's probably the most bizarre game I have ever played. SSX on Tour has a fantastic art style and managed to be both humorous and attractive. Well Amped 3 just take this formula and multiplies it by hundred.
The game plays much like its predecessors and it sits much closer to a real simulation then SSX. It allows you to gently or with force ride down that mountain. The 'trick' system is a bit loose when comparing it to any SSX game and you won't get that explosive SSX adrenaline rush. However, after a few tries it does work pretty good and in no time you'll be pulling off amazing combos, grinds and other aerial tricks.
If you manage to hit enough tricks during a specific period, your character will enter 'awesome mode', surrounding him in a wicked crazy graphic style.
It looks very nice so does the rest of the entire game!
  
Wide variety and phenomenal draw distance
Graphically Amped 3 is amazing! Really, the draw distance in this game is phenomenal since every little tree and structure can be seen from far far away. In detail that is!
Even the mountains or when you leap from one of the many ramps, the powerful X-Box 360 and the graphic engine of Amped 3 really shows off. That's what I like about the term "next generation gaming". The graphics are outstanding and so are the sound effects. Music is sometimes bizarre but hey, this is "Amped 3", a snowboarding game with a wicked design style.
Developer "2K Sports" hasn't only worked on the fancy graphics but also included a wide variety of things to do in Amped 3. The game offers snowmobiles, sleds and much more. It isn't just about the 'board' anymore.
Unfortunately these additions doesn't offer the precision and skill of the snowboard. A good distraction but in the end, you still want to return to the main key in the game and that's your own snowboard.
Amped 3 offers 7 different mountains which are pretty enormous and they are quite close to the size of those found in 'SSX On Tour'. Enough variety and plenty to do (many challenges and modes) makes this a game worth purchasing.
  
Live! support. Arghh
I still have no idea why 2K Sports didn't include any 'Live!' support into this title. Imagine, going live with other players, riding off that mountain with your snowboard and showing off by performing amazing combos? Wouldn't that be awesome? I think so but unfortunately 'Amped 3' doesn't support any Live! mode so you'll have to perform it all ... "offline". The amount of choice and the many challenges makes it a bit up for the loss but it's still a shame.
Lets hope that 2K Sports include multiplayer support in their next version of Amped. Fingers crossed!
Conclusion
The very first next generation snowboarding game hits the X-Box 360 with a very bizarre design and humor. The characters, menus are so polished with a wicked twist that makes "Amped 3" a very compelling game.
Graphics are awesome and that draw distance is absolutely phenomenal.
The trick system still could use some work as it never touches the 'real deal' of SSX On Tour.
Still with plenty of challenges and choices, Amped 3 will never disappoint you. A must-have for every gamer that loves snowboarding.
-Matt
Ratings
Manual:
/ % |
Graphics:
93% |
Music & Sfx:
91% |
GamePlay:
85% |
|
This game scores
on our 5-point Rating System
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