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The SSX 3 Weekend!

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From: ssx4ever | Posted: 8/6/2003 1:46:11 AM | Message Detail

Lol @ grandmort.

I was think of asking DG something similar, but it wasn't going to be worded anywhere near as well. More along the lines of where the **** do you come up with this stuff ;) Jeez, it's mind boggling how you've not only come up with the questions, but then have enough patients to type it.

There's a good reason why I say this since it seems whilst the A-list are only too keen to answer specific questions, they seem to struggle a little bit with the open ended stuff. It's also the same for the rest of us, we (read me) find it difficult to ask questions 'cos we just don't know what to ask and wish they could just do a brain dump of what they know and that in turn may trigger something for us to ask.

Anyway, I don't have another question just yet, but no doubt will do soon enough ;)
---
"These pretzels are making me thirsty!!"

From: ssx4ever | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:04:26 AM | Message Detail

*Thinks some more*

Maybe writing a magazine preview?
---
"These pretzels are making me thirsty!!"

From: FirebrandX | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:21:15 AM | Message Detail

Just a comment on the weather questions:

I talked to them about this while up there and mentioned games that used the console's internal clock to determine weather and time. Unfortunately they were too far in to development in order to add something that major, but it's something they will consider for SSX4.

I was also told that SSX4 is a given and that they will pretty much begin work on it as soon as SSX3 is out the door.

One thing I will point out that I never really knew before is that when you see magazines with "previews" of games, they are actually looking at very early and buggy pre-build versions. I realized that many magazines like to make you think that they get a full version of the game months before it is released, when actually they are playing nothing more than a buggy demo with lots of missing features. Sort of sheds new light to me on the video game mags. I'm also amazed at just how stressful such game deadlines can be for the programmers and artists. They really have to deal with intense "crunch-time" months.

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Workshed

From: FirebrandX | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:24:53 AM | Message Detail

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

From: FirebrandX | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:26:29 AM | Message Detail

BTW, did anyone talk about the real-time "disasters" that happen?

My first time down the top peak, I got flattened by giant snow bolders that hit me from behind as I went for a cliff. It scared the pee out of me when it first happened. Imagine racing along and then suddenly... SMACK!! Your face is in the snow.

I remember later watching Chuck deal with some falling timber in a forest stage. That was really cool too.
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Workshed

From: pilgrim | Posted: 8/6/2003 9:13:54 AM | Message Detail

Thanks a lot for all this info guys. Great work!

I have a question that I couldn't find in all the pages of questions and answers; how is the carreer mode? Same as in SSX Tricky or change in any way?

Thanks in advance.

From: vix | Posted: 8/6/2003 10:20:22 AM | Message Detail

How did all of you come across this opportunity? That's what I want to know.

From: krispy24 | Posted: 8/6/2003 11:22:26 AM | Message Detail

"Career" or World curcuit is now known as Conquer the mountain, where you do just that, riding around the mountain to various events, or just explore, and do challanges. Add in all the elements already mentioned. It's very different than the previous games, to answer your question.

How do you get picked...stay active and interested is all I can say.

From: toxicduck | Posted: 8/6/2003 1:42:30 PM | Message Detail

Well is there a name yet? because there's been rumors of it being called SSX 3: Out of Bounds.
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merqurycity.com - check it out if you think your good at SSX!

From: yeloway | Posted: 8/6/2003 1:53:48 PM | Message Detail

Hey Krispy, when are you going to post your character impressions? Im looking forward to it! (i wonder how much more Kaori changed)

From: grandmort | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:04:02 PM | Message Detail

"SSX 3" is the final name.
No "Out of Bounds" or any other kind of subtitle.
This info was actually directly confirmed by Larry Lapierre...

Lol, where is Dreaming Gamer?

:)
---
Grandmort
"...I've seen things you people wouldn't believe..."

From: FirebrandX | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:07:10 PM | Message Detail

The name will just be "SSX3". The new logo, which none of you have seen yet, is much cooler looking than the ones on various web sites. It's got a wicked "icy" look to it.

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Workshed

From: FishEye | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:07:33 PM | Message Detail

Wow, simply amazing.

I've already spoken with gondee, so most of my questions have been answered. And if they weren't answered talking to him, they certainly have been looking over this 11 page thread! lol

I've been out of the SSX/SSXT loop for a little while (in more ways then one ;_; ) but I'll definitely be right there the day it's released, picking up my copy.

And, while it seems like a particularly daunting task this time around, I'd love to create another exhaustively long and detailed character guide for this one as I did for Tricky. The characters are one of the things that I really love about the SSX series. Speaking of, it sounds like they've done a great job with them this time around, I'm really excited about all the add-ons and customization each character has. I'm a little disappointed that almost none of the old voices are returning. Particularly Kaori (my favorite boarder) and Moby (who's voice I always got a kick out of).

Other comments:
- It's nice to hear there is still a "theme" for each track, this is also something I was a little worried about after hearing about the "one mountain" idea

- It's too bad that more than 2 people won't be able to compete online. I'd love to see like 8 of us trying to race down the mountain. No matter who you pushed, you know it wouldn't just be an AI opponent! >=)

- Seems like some elements have been incooperated from the Tony Hawk style of games (handplants, grinds, customizable characters, etc) and even Freekstyle (holding tricks, all characters the same stat-wise, etc). Both of which aren't a bad thing at all.

Anyway, sounds like you all had a great time, too bad we couldn't all be there. ^_~ ... ;_;
It's nice to know you were still thinking of us though, thanks for sharing that, grandmort. =)

-FishEye
---
"I have the energy of a bear... that has the energy of two bears!"

From: yeloway | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:25:55 PM | Message Detail

Yea i wus sorta dissapointed in Kaori's voice change but ill keep and open-mind to it 9maybe it'll be better than her voice in Tricky?)... i hope it matches her (her more mature voice) Oh well we just have to wait until Krispy posts his impressions to see how Kaori has changed.

From: Dreaming Gamer | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:44:23 PM | Message Detail

Thanks again to gondee, happymachines, and FirebrandX for anwsering my newest bundle of questions. :)

Heheh...No offense taken grandmort, ssx4ever. Looking back at all the pages of questions I've typed out, I was beginning to wonder if someone would suspect that I'm a reporter or spy. ;)

Truth is, while I'd love to be able to compile a SSX 3 preview report based on your experiences in Vancouver, I'm just a really avid (some might say obsessed ;) ) SSX Tricky fan who can't wait for this game to come out in October. I sort of stumbled into the GameFaqs SSX boards while looking for preview information about SSX 3.

Actually, I was initially surprised that more people hadn't come bursting with questions, but ssx4ever's explanation makes the most sense. To begin with, I thought I'd only have a few questions to ask too, but as I began writing, more and more stuff came to mind and I just couldn't resist putting it all down (almost all my posts and fanfics tend to balloon out beyond what I'd initially intended ^^;;).

Plus, since gondee has been trying to write about SSX 3 and has been eagerly requesting questions, I've been more than happy to oblige. To that effect, I've been trying to think in terms of what sort of items might go into such a report. I tend to "leave no stone unturned" (my perfectionism showing through, I guess *shrug*).

Also, because there hasn't been any (to the best of my knowledge) type of live gathering between many SSX players, much less all of the elite talents, in one place, I was really curious to know how you all got along. The fact that the setting was so plush only piqued my interest further. ;)

Whew...told you I tend write on and on and on... ;) Anyway, thanks for asking! Thanks again, too, for being so kind in answering all my questions! I'm sure I'll have some more later on...unless others ask them first. ;)

Until next time...see ya! :)

From: happymachines | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:44:57 PM | Message Detail

i don't mind weather effects. the weather effects are great. i even used to play ssx with the vertical hold messed up just to make things more challenging.

what i mind are the environmental hazards like the boulders that firebrand mentioned. boulders falling out of nowhere, ruining what would otherwise be a perfect run annoys the cheese out of me.

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:46:06 PM | Message Detail

We were very much thinking of everyone - I know I mentioned Fisheye and TypeZero at least once, and we all wondered where PD CofC had gone, heheh. I also dropped several other names to the rep at EA, and we all relayed our stories of the different competitions on certain tracks over the years - just know that if you weren't with us in person, we tried to put you there in spirit. :)

I hope Dreaming Gamer doesn't leave - even if he/she was a game journalist, Gamer was asking excellent questions.

For those who have been reading, "bolt-ons" is the term used by the creators to describe all the different customizable things you can do to your character. It's a proper term, since in some cases the items weren't "bolted on" yet - Viggo was missing some of his hair styles and the back of his head was missing! You could turn him around and look through his eyes since his head was hollow - spooky! ;)
---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: Vivi FF | Posted: 8/6/2003 2:59:07 PM | Message Detail

Too much to read... :-) Hope you guys had fun!

I have some questions which may have been asked before so if they were asked before, just copy-paste the answer or tell me to look for it... :)

1. Are the controls the same as SSX Tricky? If not, what is changed? Also, what new additions to the controls have been made?

2. Are the tricks the same speed or are they faster? From the vidoes I've seen, I saw the characters doing a bunch of tricks so quickly. Is that how it is? Also, how hard is it to do board presses: is it easy or is it a pretty big chore?

3. How is Zoe? Is she more like she was in Tricky or in the first SSX? Glad Bif Naked is doing her voice again!

4. LOL, have they told you the release date?

5. Dunno if you'll know about this but how easy is it to get cash? And what will you use the cash for other than new clothes and boards?

6. Dunno if you'll know about this but do we have to complete the 100+ challenges with every character (so we have to beat the game 10 times) or will it be like TH4 in which you'll only need to do everything once and it'll coutn for everyone?
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Don't be reading this! Go back to the message!!!

From: Vivi FF | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:02:20 PM | Message Detail

Whoa there's weapons!?!?!? :) Can you use 'em as ways to attack and knockdown people or are they there for show? Also does each character only get oen weapon or will they have more?
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Don't be reading this! Go back to the message!!!

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:24:40 PM | Message Detail

Thanks for the questions, ViviFF.

There are some answers I can copy and paste:

1. Are the controls the same as SSX Tricky? If not, what is changed? Also, what new additions to the controls have been made?

Fighting no longer uses the right analog stick - it uses the shoulder buttons on top of the controller when you are on the ground (in air, shoulders still do grabs). L1 punches left, R1 punches right, and R1+R2 block. The cool thing is that you can POWER up your punches, and your fist starts to glow. But the fact is, you need to power up your punches now because just tapping R1 and hitting a person will no longer knock them down, just make them spin out.

2. Are the tricks the same speed or are they faster? From the vidoes I've seen, I saw the characters doing a bunch of tricks so quickly. Is that how it is?

The first level tricks are pretty quick, the level 2's are, in general, the same basic length as the ones in Tricky, but you can hold them if you want to make them longer.

Also, how hard is it to do board presses: is it easy or is it a pretty big chore?

2) Tail Plant/Face Plant (i.e. Manuals) - These are critical in trying to continue your combos and racking up combo scores. One thing I didn't see anyone mention in previous reviews is the fact is that the Plants are now completely assigned to the right analog stick. You push Up/down to start it, and then rotate it as needed to keep your balance, and the character spins right along with you. There was still some tweaking that needed to be done, as the window to do a Plant off a jump was a little liberal - you could tap Up/Down halfway into the jump and hold Down and the character would land in the Plant. You jump just fine out of the plant, but it's rather tricky to hold your balance on the rail with it for a long time.

3. How is Zoe? Is she more like she was in Tricky or in the first SSX? Glad Bif Naked is doing her voice again!

No, no, she's more like SSX Zoe! :D She has her old hair back as one of the selections (but it has bangs in front now and looks very pretty), her attitude is back as well, but less butch and more toned down. To be honest, even her default hair (what you see in the video) is very pretty, and she's more glammed up this time around with eye shadow and lipstick as well as facepaint, much more beautiful than in Tricky.

Her outfits are varied - she's got some outfits like her tighter/butch-like Tricky outfits, like her tight blue suit in the game. But most of her outfits all have those bright, SSX-like colors that we came to associate with her in the first one. (One of her baggy pants are made up of multi-colored puzzle pieces, heheh.) However, in one selection, she just sports a wife-beater t-shirt as her top and she does have several selections of baggy pants as well (thank god). She has a couple of really strange selections as well - including a "legs" selection that reminded me of nothing other than medieval samurai battle armor, heheh. Overall I would say she's a conglomerate of SSX and Tricky Zoe, but more leaning towards SSX Zoe.

The funny thing is, we complained about her hair in Tricky during the tour, and the programmers all laughed and said that the character designer who implemented that got SUCH a hard time from the producers. No wonder they put it back as one of the selections.

4. LOL, have they told you the release date?
October 14 for PS2. Gamefaqs has release dates on the site.

5. Dunno if you'll know about this but how easy is it to get cash? And what will you use the cash for other than new clothes and boards?

Pretty easy - you get $$ for landing perfect, there are little crystal snowflakes you can get for more money, you get money for winning events, it's pretty liberal. Some of the items are pretty expensive however - the most expensive we saw was $50,000.

Krispy mentioned you can also use money to buy songs, so you may be able to use money to unlock additional pieces as well.

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:25:00 PM | Message Detail

6. Dunno if you'll know about this but do we have to complete the 100+ challenges with every character (so we have to beat the game 10 times) or will it be like TH4 in which you'll only need to do everything once and it'll coutn for everyone?

There are selections in the character select screen that are the same for every character, so I'm thinking that the challenges will be used for these, as well as additional items. Seriously, if you had to do challenges each time for every character, that would be over a thousand times - which is ridiculous, so I'm thinking it's once and done.

Whoa there's weapons!?!?!? :) Can you use 'em as ways to attack and knockdown people or are they there for show? Also does each character only get oen weapon or will they have more?

Some characters have no weapons, Zoe has two or three (can't remember). It depends on what they use their character selections for - and yes, I'm assuming they're used in fighting. I mean, what other use would a crowbar be? ;)

---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky
---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: vix | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:25:19 PM | Message Detail

I've asked this question twice, I'm not trying to be a pain in the arse here but my question is very simple. How did all of you get the chance to go to EA and play the game? It's not like I'm asking you to describe some crazy insane thing. :-) I'm just curious how all of you got to experience this.

As for what all of you have been saying, I'm very impressed with the way the game sounds and looks. I'm more excited about SSX 3 than I am about Tony Hawk Underground. But if you are looking for something that compares to SSX, you should try Downhill Domination. Basically the only major difference is that it is a biking game.

I've looked at many screen shots of SSX 3 and I can't wait. I just don't want the game to be too much like the Tony Hawk series. Just like I'm a bit disappointed that Tony Hawk Underground is starting to sound like the GTA series.

I'm very intrigued with the one mountain premise. I've read about there being a lift ticket that takes you to the top, is that still part of the game?

Too bad the game doesn't come out till october. I can't wait, it's gonan be some good times.

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:29:46 PM | Message Detail

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:31:55 PM | Message Detail

How we got picked? It's been covered - read vix, read! Heheh, ;-) j/k

As to how we got picked, well, it was mostly a matter of being "well known" from previous games. After Tricky came out, the developers took note of who was helping others, who others seemed to listen to. Grandmort is old school from SSX, I help everyone and run the guide, and FBX and happymachines are the most well-known competitors. Dolphingirl is also well-known from the old days and from the SSX and Freekstyle boards. Also, the developers may have paid attention who was most active on the SSX 3 board here at Gamefaqs (I'm assuming that's how Krispy got picked.)

I got a e-mail followed by a call from a product manager at EA, and sent her the e-mails of everyone else that she asked for. From there it was just a matter of clearing our schedule - EA Big is in the three week process of testing the game, so it had to be really, really soon. (In other words, last weekend or maybe never.) Luckily everyone realized what an opportunity this was and cleared their schedules as best they could.

---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: vix | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:34:17 PM | Message Detail

That's really neat. Just being a fan of a game finally paid off for all of you. Very cool. I'm jealous. :-)

From: vix | Posted: 8/6/2003 3:35:13 PM | Message Detail

Oh, and I'm sorry if that was already answered but I couldn't find it anywhere. Keep the info coming.

From: vegeta420 | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:03:38 PM | Message Detail

WOW! Let me say it again...WOW! How awesome of EA. I can't think of much to ask after reading all that except, Does anyone at EA got game? I always kinda wondered.

Now, i'm sure this was no "chore" for you guys but i want to thank you! There is nothing greater than a game that is the direct influence of those who truly love it. This is really the coolest video game community i've ever come across.
---
Still watch what you say to me punk,
Cause I'm off probation in less than six months. -Eminem

From: krispy24 | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:10:46 PM | Message Detail

vix, the EA people HATE SSX being compared to Downhill Domination.

From: yeloway | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:24:30 PM | Message Detail

>>What are ur character impressions on Kaori?

>>Can you change the hairstyles on all the the Characters?

>> IM sorta confused.. but do the things that u unlock apply to all of the characters? Or dus the character have a certain amount of unlockable items that are specific to each character?
(for example.... if you collected a pair of sunglasses, could you equip it to any character you like? )

Thanks guys for answering all of our questions!

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:37:23 PM | Message Detail

>>What are ur character impressions on Kaori?

She's pretty good - I didn't study her as much as I did Zoe and Elise, heheh. Krispy can also help you out here. Overall, she's more mature, her clothing styles are more varied, and she has cuter hair as well (her default hair is two pigtails coming out of the top of her head.) Her face is much more beautiful now, and her eyes are very anime-inspired. Her clothing ranges from the usual bright colors to bold colors with even bolder patterns (hence my observation that she looks "like a hippy."

She also has very J-pop inspired bolt-ons, like a cell phone (she holds it to her ear the entire time, heheh.) Her voice is considerably different, with a deeper tone and let "quirky" speech patters. She may speak English a little more this time as well.

>>Can you change the hairstyles on all the the Characters?

I believe so. Moby and Zoe are probably the most liberal at this - Moby has about 17 different styles of dreadlocks, and I've already covered Zoe. Other characters with shorter hair also have clothing that can cover it up, like helmets and hoodies.

>> IM sorta confused.. but do the things that u unlock apply to all of the characters? Or dus the character have a certain amount of unlockable items that are specific to each character?

I think there are both kinds. I know there are items that once you unlock, can be used by all characters because they were on every character we picked. But I'd have to say the majority of bolt-ons for the characters were solely for that character (and some are very clever.)

---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: yeloway | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:37:27 PM | Message Detail

oh yea hehe just another question

i heard gondee mention more unlockable characters. whoaa Is this true?

thanks

From: vegeta420 | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:53:35 PM | Message Detail

Having seen the characters in action, which one will each of you be building up first? Who would you recommend from Alegra, Grif, and Mac?
---
Still watch what you say to me punk,
Cause I'm off probation in less than six months. -Eminem

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:58:02 PM | Message Detail

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 6:59:31 PM | Message Detail

a) Yes. ;-)

b) I'll probably build up Elise and Zoe first, but it's a matter of person preference. All characters are blank slates so it really doesn't matter.
---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: ssx4ever | Posted: 8/6/2003 7:07:27 PM | Message Detail

OK a few more Q's.

If it makes any sense, how many tracks are there? Are there any solely for "showoff" events? Is there anything like an "untracked" course? Do you still need to unlock tracks?

Since it's all the one mountain, can one track lead into another by either swapping midway or linking them together to make one big supertrail?

When playing online, can you see where the other player is (eg split screen, or a tiny overlaid miniscreen) or can you only get a rough idea by the position indicator (assuming there is one).

You said that Moby's voice has changed, which for me is really disappointing. What's the new dude like? Is it somewhat similar or have EA gone in a completely different direction. Will PAL get stuck again with Marty, or can we have Mac?

Did FBX demonstrate his awesome tap boost technique?

BTW, gondee have you cleaned out your inbox yet?
---
"These pretzels are making me thirsty!!"

From: yeloway | Posted: 8/6/2003 7:27:28 PM | Message Detail

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

From: yeloway | Posted: 8/6/2003 7:29:58 PM | Message Detail

**Hey thanks gondee for giving me ur Kaori impressions and answering my questions!**

>>Hey Krispy, now that Gondee's given his Kaori impressons wut are urs of her?

Thanks

From: Vivi FF | Posted: 8/6/2003 7:49:25 PM | Message Detail

Lol you guys should make a FAQ or like a "Pre-Launch Guide" like in FFX-2 (I think they're still going on). You should also include reviews/impressions of all of the characters... :)

If you want to know who I'll be building up first, I think I'll start with Mac, then move on to Kaori then Zoe. True, Zoe is my favorite character (in SSX3 anyways), but Mac is trickier and will probably be easier to complete the challenges with. Then I'll build Kaori cause my sis likes SSX too and she uses Kaori mostly so I'm not going to be rude...
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Don't be reading this! Go back to the message!!!

From: jump33 | Posted: 8/6/2003 7:53:26 PM | Message Detail

Damn, I have to log on every 10 minutes just to keep up with this thread!

From: Dreaming Gamer | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:06:12 PM | Message Detail

[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:08:22 PM | Message Detail

Answering ssx4ever's questions:

If it makes any sense, how many tracks are there?
Over 20 total. There are like 7-8 for each peak. Someone may be able to give you better specifics per each peak, though.

Are there any solely for "showoff" events? Is there anything like an "untracked" course? Do you still need to unlock tracks?

1. Yes. There are individual slopestyle, big air, and superpipe courses.
2. The whole mountain can be considered one big untracked course, but a lot of the higher courses in Peak 3 are that way.
3. Yes. We didn't, because we had codes because the creators wanted us to play the whole mountain and give our opinion.

Since it's all the one mountain, can one track lead into another by either swapping midway or linking them together to make one big supertrail?
Not sure what you mean here...you can ski down the entire mountain ("individual" tracks included) after you master the entire game...it takes 27 minutes according to EA's timing.

When playing online, can you see where the other player is (eg split screen, or a tiny overlaid miniscreen) or can you only get a rough idea by the position indicator (assuming there is one).

I'm assuming that online you will be playing on one screen, so this would be like racing the computer. Your opponent is located by a colored beam of light that beams down from the sky onto them. It's pretty easy to follow.

You said that Moby's voice has changed, which for me is really disappointing. What's the new dude like?

I didn't listen to Moby - in fact I didn't even play him since he's my least favorite person other than Seeiah. Krispy can give you a good idea on what his voice is like now.

Will PAL get stuck again with Marty, or can we have Mac?

No mention of Marty, I think EA learned that everyone likes Mac better. I wonder if Mac will have an option German accent though, heheh.

Did FBX demonstrate his awesome tap boost technique?

Yep - he did after he saw I was tap boosting as well (you really had to since the boost bar depleted sooo fast. EA mentioned they would change how fast it depleted.) Then he smoked me like a J, heheh.

BTW, gondee have you cleaned out your inbox yet?

Did you try to send me a screenshot or something for the scoreboard? If so, send it to ssx_screenshots@yahoo.com. My gondee5 account is getting perilously full.
---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: Dreaming Gamer | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:08:50 PM | Message Detail

Hi again!

This thread keeps getting more and more interesting. :)

Here's some more questions, if anyone wants to answer them. *grin*

Following up ssx4ever's question, are some or all of the courses interchangeable between modes? For example, can a certain trail or path be utilized in both a race and a slopestyle event? If so, do any features of the trails change depending on which event/mode you're playing?

Are some of the environmental hazards, such as the falling boulders FirebrandX and happymachines described, automatic, or are they always triggered by actions performed by either the player or other characters?

Do either the computer opponents or environmental conditions increase in difficulty as a player's character's stats are improved?

During either freestyle or Conquer the Mountain, can a player suddenly stop in the middle of one event and switch over to another event without hitting the reset button? It would be like jumping out of the middle of a race and coasting over to a slopestyle event or vice versa. Not sure why'd anyone would actually do this, but since nearly everything's interconnected, it seemed the possibility might exist.

Can you unlock bolt-ons and extra characters during any event, or does it just have to be during the Conquer the Mountain mode?

Other than the obvious new rail ubers and tail/hand plants, did any of you find that you needed to drastically alter your playing style or approach to do well in SSX 3?

Gondee mentioned holding the punch buttons now to "power up" before knocking down opponents. Does it take long to power up effective punches and how well does this new feature work during gameplay? Also, are there additional controls for forward or backward shoves, similar to what was in Tricky?

Were loading/lag times any more detrimental than in any other game? Happymachines mentioned being irritated by this. Are the developers hoping to improve or address this issue?

Any particular bolt-ons that you really liked or found humorous?

Sorry for the never ending river of questions...I just can't help myself, heheh. ;) Thanks again! :)

From: krispy24 | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:13:12 PM | Message Detail

Hey guys, I'm ready to give you my rough character impressions. I really want to give the world to you guys, but it truly is hard to say anything. I'm so sorry to have kept you exited and give you this half-assed stuff. It's not really detailed, but remember we played for a day. Please post follow up questions!

Elise:
First off, thank god she shed her snow-queen façade of Tricky. We all liked Elise as the girl next door with the drive of a wolverine. The non threatening ponytail really set that tone. Now that it’s back, I hope it stays for good. From the few mini-movies of her she keeps a low profile, but acts like she owns the mountain. And that’s how I feel we should see her. Fortunatly this time, her look can turn from high fashion for the girls, to every young boy’s fantasy. So she’s probably one of the most agreeable characters. And her voice is just smooth as butter because it hits the highs of her sexiness to the lows of her toughness towards the others. But there’s no point about going on about Elise because I think she’s flawless, and theirs no way you guys would remove a staple character. So keep up the good work with this one.

Mac:
I’m not too big on Mac, but I never have been. I guess he’s for those who really just want to snowboard with an actual snowboarder. His clothes are realistic and his voice is street, not to mention familiar, due to the presence of Ryan Wall. The thing I dig most about changes in Mac is the longer hair that curls over the bottom of his hat. All of his other minor revamps seem to work. I feel about Mac like I do about Elise: don’t tweak it more than it needs to be. But I can’t say too much, since I didn’t play him too much.

Moby:
Going into EA I was ready to tell them that I think Moby is getting stale. But I slowly changed my opinion when I noticed the tight leatards were gone and Moby has a little more room to chill out. I know it’s a bad dreadlock stereotype that a guy has to be a Rastafarian, but I like the new carefree Moby. But the fact that he can turn tattooed and long haired makes him still seem like “the funky one,” so I doubt their will be too many disappointed Moby fans.

Zoe:
Zoe is the “bad girl” you secretly love. And since she can take on many personas, everyone can find something they like about her. At the drop of a hat she can turn into a tomboy, a rock star, or even a street thug. So basically you can cause some trouble, act like a celebrity bad-ass, or cause trouble…to a greater extent, respectively. Biff Naked as Zoe is back and I’m glad she wasn’t kicked to the curb because of her “celebrity status.” Notice celebrity status is in quotes because I never heard of her earlier, ha ha ha. But her voice is perfect and tough, with a raspy touch that makes you feel like she is just one of the girls… on the inside. Oh, yeah, but I don’t want to hear excessively about Joey Ramone, R.I.P.

Kaori:
The Japanese boarder has probably had the best change, in the fact that it was subtle, but it made a big difference. I love the fact she’s not this “ball of cute” just ready to explode, which we all loved anyway. She’s still cute and energetic, but has this gentleness and beauty that makes me think the super-awesome Kaori from the Japanese Tricky Box art has come to life. And her clothes bring that out, I especially like the geisha look. Her voice couldn’t be better. It has the pitch and tone that only a maturing Asian girl could have. I love it.

From: krispy24 | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:13:31 PM | Message Detail

Allegra:
I was really wondering why Allegra was put in this game, since Zoe has already taken the position of “punk.” But at second glace, it’s well established that Zoe is “punk music” and Allegra is “punk sports.” I was also scared that she would take on the tie and ripped clothes of a certain red-haired pop artist, but she’s rather clean-cut. The earth tones really establish that. I actually thought Allegra was overhyped, but whatever designers did to make playing as her so comfortable, I’d say keep it up. Her voice takes on different highs and lows, I guess I didn’t get into it too much in the loud room.

Psymon:
I didn’t really get the chance to play Psymon too much. From what I saw he’s still the psycho we’re used to, with just a tone down on the colors of his clothes. And I guess his voice actor is alright; I feel bad on badmouthing it so much.

Griff:
Griff isn’t as annoying as most kids in videogames. I guess it’s the fact that he has cool hair and wears up to date clothes, and doesn’t look or act like one of those brats teenagers take care of to make extra spending money. His voice is alright, and like FirebrandX stated, will be fun to use to make your competitors to feel bad for being creamed by a kid. The only problem I would have with Griff is the fact that his model changes so much. Sometimes he seems like the Pillsbury doughboy, short and pudgy, and other times he seems taller and leaner. So he kind of changes in between nine and twelve years old. Stick with a model, and keep this puppy going.

Nate:
At first glance his personality would be “almost Jurgen.” But I believe he is above and beyond the boring space filler in the original SSX. Nate is an all American hero, and we like to joke that he’s Vin Deisel. The funny thing is, that’s why he has appeal. He carries around clothes that make him tough and guys will like to play him. And he seems like a smooth talker who get the girls. Female players will probably like the fact that he’s good-looking. I think he brings that balance of being on the other side of the spectrum than Kaori. But than again, he probably doesn’t have enough zing for me to miss him if he were to leave for future installments.

Viggo:
Let me start off by saying, we all hated Viggo. Nobody gets what his personality is supposed to be. Why? Because we were told he was a crazy Swede by press releases and the only videos we saw had him staying in the backround or creeping up in front of you. And by his clothes, especially the tight maroon pants and the blonde feathered out hair, we all expected him to be Euro trash. But you play the game and you just get disappointed. His voice is the most outstanding aspect. It doesn’t sound European. It doesn’t sound like a snowboarder, or even a surfer. He sounds like a middle-aged guy from Minnesota who was taken off the street to pretend to be a surfer. I’m not saying the acting is bad, but the things he says are laughable and it just doesn’t work. He sounds like Mac with a part of his brain removed. He makes Marisol from last year sound like Eleanor Roosevelt. Hey I just gave you the idea for an unlockable character! Just kidding. But seriously, this kid has nothing outstanding. His clothes are an unhealthy mix of Euro and “party animal,” or in other words, he has a ridiculous amount of tuxedos. His bio only says that about him, that he likes to party. Every character hints at that, but you really shouldn’t base one entirely of that. I want to like Viggo, since he is the character who lays low, but he just isn’t likeable. I really wished he would be creepy; it would be an unusual direction to see that guy who stands behind you and breathes on you shoulder. Maybe partying will get him into an accident in the off season and he’ll have a life affirming moment in time for SSX4.

From: Dreaming Gamer | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:20:43 PM | Message Detail

Here's a real quick one. ;)

Gondee, you mentioned everyone taking pictures during the Vancouver weekend. Any thought to making a "virtual" scrapbook or diary of the event to put on the Merqurycity website? Anyone considering to put one up elsewhere? Although it couldn't include pictures of the EA tour itself (given the security and such...darn), it'd be fun to see pictures of all of you hanging out, playing one another, and generally enjoying EA's hospitality. :)

From: ssx4ever | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:26:50 PM | Message Detail

Thanks for answering my questions guys, here's a few follow ups.

Your opponent is located by a colored beam of light that beams down from the sky onto them. It's pretty easy to follow

So if you're in the lead, you can't really how far in front you are?

Did you try to send me a screenshot or something for the scoreboard? If so, send it to ssx_screenshots@yahoo.com

Is it big enough to hold a 8.7M vid?

Also, DG, I forgot to mention before, I'm glad you didn't take offence at my comments, I certainly didn't intend any. And yeah, the more Q's you ask, the less I have to think - which is always a good thing ;)
---
"These pretzels are making me thirsty!!"

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:28:07 PM | Message Detail

More questions! Bravo! :D

Following up ssx4ever's question, are some or all of the courses interchangeable between modes? For example, can a certain trail or path be utilized in both a race and a slopestyle event?

Nope. Individual courses are designed ONLY for that particular mode. You cannot race on slopestyle and you cannot showoff on racing courses. I suppose you could "unofficially" do so if you just went to the course without activating the event in exploration mode with two people (sort of like racing down Untracked), but there's no official optional modes.

Are some of the environmental hazards, such as the falling boulders FirebrandX and happymachines described, automatic, or are they always triggered by actions performed by either the player or other characters?

Some are automatic, some are optional - depends on what you do and where you go.

Do either the computer opponents or environmental conditions increase in difficulty as a player's character's stats are improved?

I'm not sure...it would make sense that it would. I know that there will be ABSOLUTELY NO RUBBER BAND effect in this one, because we asked them, heheh. FBX might be able to answer this a little better.

During either freestyle or Conquer the Mountain, can a player suddenly stop in the middle of one event and switch over to another event without hitting the reset button?

I think at some point you can do this, but again, FBX is the person to ask about this as I'm unsure. I know he definitely wanted it to be an option. As to whether you have to beat the level before you can "warp" the via cable car, I don't know.

Can you unlock bolt-ons and extra characters during any event, or does it just have to be during the Conquer the Mountain mode?

They are there all the time, so I'm assuming during both. This could be changed, however.

Other than the obvious new rail ubers and tail/hand plants, did any of you find that you needed to drastically alter your playing style or approach to do well in SSX 3?

FBX and I did, since we primarily use the control pad to both steer and prewind (the control pad was much LESS sensitive to steer with, and we made sure they knew we didn't like that.) Other than that, I think everyone will have to change their style somehow, or get left behind since the trick system is so more detailed in this one. For example, happymachines was the quickest to change his playing style in slopestyle and he smoked all of us that were just looking for ramps to jump off of.

Does it take long to power up effective punches and how well does this new feature work during gameplay?
I would say it took a second or more - it wasn't an instant thing, you really had to time your punches well.

Also, are there additional controls for forward or backward shoves, similar to what was in Tricky?

You know, I think they took these out - I never was able to do one. They may find a way to do it using the shoulder buttons, but at this point I don't know if it is even in game.

Were loading/lag times any more detrimental than in any other game?

It wasn't a problem for me. Nobody else seemed bother by it - really, the loading times are pretty good, all things considered. Krispy even mentioned that he thought the loading times were non-existent - they aren't IMO but they are broken up by clever little cinemas of your characters in the cable car.

---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:29:51 PM | Message Detail

Sorry about the italics on that last one- I really wish Gamefaqs had an edit post feature. To finish up your questions...

Any particular bolt-ons that you really liked or found humorous?

Certain ones for certain characters are pretty good - Zoe's got some really good ones IMO, and so does Elise and others. Really, it depends on the character - Nate has a lot of western stuff (cowboy hat, lasso, etc.) Mac has a hooded sweatshirt in every color of the rainbow...Viggo's are mostly stupid (he's got one or two good ones.) But trust me, there are some truly, truly bizarre bolt-ons that you can get if they keep all the ones we saw.

---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

From: krispy24 | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:37:24 PM | Message Detail

I'll tackle these :)

-> Following up ssx4ever's question, are some or all of the courses interchangeable between modes? For example, can a certain trail or path be utilized in both a race and a slopestyle event? If so, do any features of the trails change depending on which event/mode you're playing?

No. Every course has only one event tied to it.

-> Are some of the environmental hazards, such as the falling boulders FirebrandX and happymachines described, automatic, or are they always triggered by actions performed by either the player or other characters?

It's various really. Sometimes you trigger things by knocking into them, other times they are random, and other times, for example, an avalanche comes from a certain place every time you pass it.

-> Do either the computer opponents or environmental conditions increase in difficulty as a player's character's stats are improved?

I can let someone answer this, but we really didn't fool around with stats too much.

-> During either freestyle or Conquer the Mountain, can a player suddenly stop in the middle of one event and switch over to another event without hitting the reset button? It would be like jumping out of the middle of a race and coasting over to a slopestyle event or vice versa. Not sure why'd anyone would actually do this, but since nearly everything's interconnected, it seemed the possibility might exist.

You may think everything is interconnected, but it's not. You ride around a backcountry and transfer yourself anywhere you want, but if enter one of the events at the bottom of the peak, it's like your in a different place and you have definite borders.

-> Can you unlock bolt-ons and extra characters during any event, or does it just have to be during the Conquer the Mountain mode?

Yeah, you do in Conquer the mountain. Single session is only to replay courses you've unlocked.

-> Other than the obvious new rail ubers and tail/hand plants, did any of you find that you needed to drastically alter your playing style or approach to do well in SSX 3?

It seems you put two moves together. Nose/tail presses connect your tricks into chains, and hand plants are mainly for going over half-pipe walls. But nothing else, really.

-> Gondee mentioned holding the punch buttons now to "power up" before knocking down opponents. Does it take long to power up effective punches and how well does this new feature work during gameplay? Also, are there additional controls for forward or backward shoves, similar to what was in Tricky?

I don't like it. From how I played you can only punch to the side and it seemed to take too long to power up. You also have to innitiate punches more, but moving into the character instead of just blindly punching.

-> Were loading/lag times any more detrimental than in any other game? Happymachines mentioned being irritated by this. Are the developers hoping to improve or address this issue?

I thought they were fine. Most of the time they are disguised by a clip of the character inside the lift, or getting ready for the course. Happymachines doesn't care for the characters, so he just wanted to play, which is understandable.

-> Any particular bolt-ons that you really liked or found humorous?

Oh, my god. I don't want to spoil anything, but they range from risky, to completely unrealistic, and there's even some halloween costumes.

From: gondee | Posted: 8/6/2003 8:47:52 PM | Message Detail

DreamingGamer:

Gondee, you mentioned everyone taking pictures during the Vancouver weekend. Any thought to making a "virtual" scrapbook or diary of the event to put on the Merqurycity website? Anyone considering to put one up elsewhere?

Yes, we will be setting this up, but we need to get everyone's permission first and also know what we can and can't post from EA. So it may be a few more days - I get my film back tomorrow.

ssx4ever
Your opponent is located by a colored beam of light that beams down from the sky onto them. It's pretty easy to follow - So if you're in the lead, you can't really how far in front you are?

Nope, and that was one of the problems we had. Additionally, if the opposing character gets too far ahead, you lose track of that beam of light and have no idea how far ahead they are. In speed modes, there is a percentage bar on the right side of the screen that tells you how much of the track you've completed - I assume that will also show the opponents location as well, but for now it wasn't in the build we got.

Additionally, there are single character challenges where you have to score more trick points than a computer character, but when we went down the track, there was no meter telling us how many points the opponent had. We requested they change that as well.

Did you try to send me a screenshot or something for the scoreboard? If so, send it to ssx_screenshots@yahoo.com

Is it big enough to hold a 8.7M vid?

Lord no! Heheh. Wait about an hour and I will send you a separate e-mail address via e-mail you can send it to.

---
Think you're good at SSX Tricky? Prove it! Visit the Merqurycity.com SSX Tricky Scoreboard:
http://www.merqurycity.com/ssxtricky.html

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