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The "current-gen game in a next-gen package" syndrome; It happens at the start of every new generation of gaming. A few more polygons here, some added bits of flare, and a shiny new texture effect, and behold, a next generation launch game. This will happen at the launch of every console, from the Xbox 360, to the PlayStation 18, and yeah, we've grown to expect it. It's a bit different this year, as the average retail price of game will be on average $10 more, so consumers will be understandably more selective when plopping down $60 on a game. So here it comes - Amped 3 is one such game.

Amped 3 is a weird conglomeration of Amped, Tony Hawk's Underground, and Napoleon Dynamite. From the instruction booklet and loading screens to the bizarre storyline, the game is over-the-top weird, wacky and unpredictable. Previous games in the series took the sport of snowboarding somewhat seriously, but Amped 3 eschews that idea entirely. The game literally beats you over the head with humorous bits and parodical content, ranging from 8-bit games, to anime and action figures. I personally don't mind the weird sense of style, probably thanks to the high production values. However, if you have a low tolerance for borderline funny bits, then Amped 3 will most likely rub you the wrong way. There's no escaping it once it gets started.

I expect to repeat this phrase a number of times in subsequent Xbox 360 reviews: For a current-gen game, looks quite nice. As an Xbox 360 game, it's a bit disappointing. Amped 3 is still a nice looking game, with a rock solid 30fps framerate, expansive environments with very little pop-in and some nice lighting. But the obvious next-gen glitter is few and far between. Close-up character models feature some shiny shader effects, and the amount of items on-screen can be impressive on occasion, though it's pretty obvious the Xbox 360 isn't breaking much of a sweat in rendering the game. I doubt the current generation Xbox could display the game properly at HDTV resolutions, but in regular old standard resolution 4:3 it seems possible. Amped 3 just doesn't scream "I'm a next generation game".

There are a number of fans of the first two Amped games who have been less than amped at the changes that the series has undergone. Amped 3 appears to cater more towards casual gamers than the hardcore snowboarding crowd. The gameplay is extremely easy to grasp, and the trick system feels somewhat dumbed down as compared to other games. For example, you don't even need to press a button to grind a rail, you'll just stick it automatically. The ability to spin/flip off of jumps, or perform grabs are of course there, as is the new ability to "butter" your combos via some simple ground tricks. There are still a good amount of gameplay options available, although extreme precision isn't needed in most cases in order to rack up good times and high scores. The various challenges, races and tasks are designed primarily for easy-going fun. For variety, they've even tossed in some snowmobiling and sledding elements. Amped 3 plays well, but just don't expect a deep or realistic snowboarding experience.

Before you even get started, you have the option to create and customize your rider. A fairly deep selection of options apply, with anything from hairstyles, to body shapes, to clothing being available. Amped 3 mostly revolves around one giant mode of play which is packaged into a nice interface. The flip-out box menu system itself is attractive and functional, as is the interactive 3d overhead map of the mountain resorts.

Easily, one of the game's most interesting features is the Xbox Live Aware leaderboards. For nearly every single challenge you complete, your stats are uploaded to the Amped 3 leaderboards and instantly compared to everyone else doing the same. I would have normally just moved on to the next challenge once scoring a gold medal, but the ranking feature kept me replaying certain challenges over and over just to jump up a spot on the leaderboard. The same could be said for the game achievements. The idea of having every single Xbox 360 game contain a number of unlockable achievements, all of which are automatically added to your GamerCard and tracked online, is ingenious. At a glance, it allows you to compare the progress you've made in a particular game with others, as well as keep tabs on your own gaming habits. Both features do a good job in keeping you coming back for more, even once the story mode and done with and all the challenges are completed. Speaking of Xbox Live, Amped 3 is missing one hugely important feature... online gameplay, either cooperatively or versus. Leisurely shredding down the mountains with a few friends would have been a great addition, and it's unforgivable that the feature was present in Amped 2 and somehow didn't make the cut for 3

I went into the Amped 3 expecting to not really like it, and surprisingly I've come away feeling mostly the opposite. I believe that the completely over-the-top sense of style and the lack of obvious next generation attributes will work against the success of the game, but it's worth at least a rental for anyone into the series, snowboarding, or the extreme sports genre.