Been returning to this game very often over the past few weeks, it really is kind of special actually. So fascinated by SSX 3's world structure in particular; One seamless route from the mountain's peak to its foot, punctuated by all of the race tracks and stunt courses. The veneer is this implication of an open-world, replete with fast travel, hubs, collectables, all chained by forks in the road that always link back to the critical path. What this does is make the game incredibly fucking lean and mean. No loading screens and no desolate open-world padding - a sole screaming path from one heavy bespoke causeway to the next. The very definition of all killer no filler. If you squint a little you can practically detect hints of pilfered Sega arcade sauce. Not only surprisingly unique structurally, but also manages to be incredibly technically impressive! HOW did this game come out in 2003??

Really, really well put. Another banger from you, Stray. The older I get, the greater this game becomes. It's the true finale to the Sonic series in my eyes and I couldn't see it ending things in a more compelling and honest way.