Now, three years later, SSX 3 demonstrates a new turn in its reworking. After something of a celebrity version in SSX Tricky, SSX 3 settles down with a much more relaxed and balanced feel, returning the series to its self-assured roots.

The chilled-out mood suits the offerings of the mountain locale. This three-peak mountain features a multitude of courses and a series of race and stunt events. As usual, there is also a free run mode, and this time the entire mountain can be seamlessly navigated.

Air and tricks are still over the top, and the usual rivalries between snowboarders are compounded by the opportunity for altercations on the mountain. As well as the ability to shove an opponent with the shoulder buttons, characters constantly engage in one-upmanship and yell comments at each other to up the ante.

The shoulder buttons also provide grab combinations, with the D-pad being used for spins and flips. Pre-winding before jumping allows your character to spin faster and therefore perform more tricks and rack up more points. This in turn fills your boost meter, and also allows you to perform your character's repertoire of uber (super) tricks while it remains full.

Falls can be recovered from by quickly mashing the square button, though in some instances it is wiser to use the convenient reset command, such as when you are trapped by rocks or other obstacles and would inevitably fall again or become stuck.

Pushing forward crouches your rider for a lower centre of gravity and less wind resistance. With the often deep piste of this version making for less of an easy ride, however, it is necessary to also use the control stick to alter the angle of your board whenever you leave the ground. Constantly pushing forward will result in the nose digging in at such a time and your rider will crash.

Music on the Radio Big playlist can be chosen in the menu, with a DJ keeping you up to date on happenings on the mountain. From the Chemical Brothers, to Jane's Addiction, the Ceasars, Basement Jaxx and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, there's plenty to select from.

The familiar characters of the series have been added to with a few new guys and girls with characteristics to complement the pre-existing line-up. Each character's skills is displayed at the front end, and personal details can also be called up with the square button.

Each peak has a series of routes that meet up at junctions. These can be tackled against other riders or simply for trick points. Alternatively, Conquer the Mountain mode lets you take your time in descending the slopes and to enter events as you come across them if so desired.

Earnings from all these events allow you to purchase new outfits and equipment from the mountain's many lodges. Also available are earnings bonuses to be obtained by hitting them while on the slopes.

What we didn't realise about the original SSX was how ahead of its time it would prove to be. Even now, the front end of SSX 3 still stands out, with sub-menus accessible via button controls rather than scrolling down the main menu. Replays also stand out despite not having changed much since the first game, with full runs available and comprehensive camera angles and speed controls. Save and loading times are reasonable, but the biggest technical strength of the series, its extraordinarily long courses, has been extended in SSX 3 to allow the Conquer the Mountain run, with its go-anywhere accessibility intact, to be navigated seamlessly.

Visually, SSX 3 is similar to the excellent standard of the original. The frame rate remains a little slow, but considering the performance of the game this is perfectly understandable.

Widescreen and surround sound modes are available. The two-player splitscreen is complemented by connected multiplayer options with the network adaptor. Network play incorporates the use of a compatible USB headset for voice communication and USB keyboard support for text messaging. Using the EA servers allows you to easily find your friends (up to 40 can be tagged) and meet up with others, check their statistics and engage in the action online.

Since it is not possible to take advantage of all the features in each available route, let alone take all routes in one run, variety and replayability are at the forefront of the experience. In terms of replayability, SSX 3 is ideal due to the single mountain structure, inclusion of comprehensive records, the extensive replay features and fine selection of half-pipes, ramps and race courses. About the only thing missing is a slalom section, but then SSX has never been about pure racing, preferring to exaggerate real life more than resemble it.