Uber Tricks & Monster Tricks
Welcome, shredders! This section is your definitive guide to mastering the most spectacular and point-scoring maneuvers in SSX 3: Uber Tricks and the legendary Monster Tricks. These aren't just for show; they're essential for racking up massive points, filling your Boost Meter, and dominating the slopes. Get ready to elevate your game!
Understanding the Basics
- Uber Tricks: These are advanced tricks performed by holding down a Grab button (L1/R1 or L2/R2 on PlayStation, L/R or Z/B on GameCube/Xbox) and pressing a direction on the D-Pad or C-Stick/Right Analog Stick. Each character has a unique set of Uber Tricks.
- Monster Tricks: The pinnacle of SSX 3 trickery! Monster Tricks are performed by executing a sequence of four different Uber Tricks in a single jump without landing. Successfully landing a Monster Trick grants a huge score bonus and fully charges your Boost Meter.
- Filling the Boost Meter: Performing any trick, especially Uber Tricks, contributes to your Boost Meter. A full Boost Meter is crucial for speed and activating Monster Tricks.
- Overcharging: After your Boost Meter is full, continue performing tricks to "overcharge" it. This allows you to chain multiple Boosts together for sustained speed.
Executing Uber Tricks
The key to Uber Tricks is airtime and timing. Look for large jumps, half-pipes, and natural ramps on the courses. The longer you're in the air, the more Uber Tricks you can string together.
- Approach a Jump: Gain as much speed as possible. Carve into the jump for maximum height.
- Launch: Press and hold the X button (PlayStation), A button (GameCube), or A button (Xbox) as you hit the lip of the jump. Release it at the peak for optimal air.
- Initiate Uber Trick: While airborne, hold down any Grab button (L1, R1, L2, or R2 on PlayStation; L, R, Z, or B on GameCube/Xbox) and simultaneously press a direction on the D-Pad or C-Stick/Right Analog Stick.
- Example: For Mac's "The Mac Attack," hold L1 + Up on the D-Pad.
- Example: For Elise's "Elise's Edge," hold R1 + Left on the D-Pad.
- Hold for Points: Keep the Grab button and direction held to continue the Uber Trick. The longer you hold, the more points you earn.
- Release and Land: Release the Grab button and D-Pad/C-Stick/Right Analog Stick before landing. Ensure your board is flat to the ground to avoid wiping out.
Mastering Monster Tricks
Monster Tricks are where the real points and style come in. They require significant airtime and precise execution of four distinct Uber Tricks. Each character has their own unique Monster Trick, which is essentially a specific sequence of their Uber Tricks.
General Strategy for Monster Tricks:
- Find the Biggest Air: Monster Tricks demand massive air. The best spots are usually the huge half-pipes, super pipes, or massive natural gaps found on courses like Peak 3's Metro-City or Peak 2's Happiness. The "Big Air" events are perfect training grounds.
- Full Boost Meter is Essential: You cannot activate a Monster Trick without a full Boost Meter. Make sure it's glowing blue before attempting.
- Launch with Power: Hit the jump with maximum speed and hold down the jump button (X/A) for as long as possible to get the highest launch.
- Activate the First Uber Trick: Immediately after launching, perform your first Uber Trick in the sequence.
- Chain the Remaining Uber Tricks: While still in the air, quickly release the first Uber Trick's input and immediately input the next Uber Trick in the sequence. Repeat this for all four Uber Tricks. You'll see the Monster Trick name appear on screen as you successfully chain them.
- Hold for Maximum Points: Once the fourth Uber Trick is initiated, hold it for as long as possible. The game will automatically transition through the Monster Trick animation.
- Land Cleanly: Release all buttons and prepare for landing. A clean landing is crucial to secure the points and the fully recharged Boost Meter.
Character-Specific Monster Trick Examples:
Each character has a unique Monster Trick name and sequence. Here are a few examples:
- Mac's Monster Trick: "The Mac Daddy"
- L1 + Up (The Mac Attack)
- R1 + Down (Rodeo Grab)
- L2 + Left (Stalefish Twist)
- R2 + Right (Indy Nosebone)
Tip: Mac's tricks are generally quick, making his Monster Trick relatively forgiving if you're fast with your button presses.
- Elise's Monster Trick: "Elise's Eclipse"
- R1 + Left (Elise's Edge)
- L1 + Up (Method Air)
- R2 + Down (Tail Grab)
- L2 + Right (Mute Grab)
Tip: Elise's Eclipse often requires a bit more height due to the longer animations of some of her grabs. Focus on hitting the absolute peak of your jump.
- Kaori's Monster Trick: "Kaori's Comet"
- L1 + Down (Melancholy)
- R1 + Up (Rocket Air)
- L2 + Right (Japan Air)
- R2 + Left (Seatbelt Grab)
Tip: Kaori's Comet is a good Monster Trick to practice with as her Uber Tricks have distinct visual cues, helping you time your next input.
Experiment with each character to find their specific Uber Trick inputs and Monster Trick sequences. The in-game trick book (accessible from the main menu) provides a full list for every rider.
Advanced Tips for Uber & Monster Tricks:
- Spinning and Flipping: Combine Uber Tricks with spins (Left/Right on Left Analog Stick) and flips (Up/Down on Left Analog Stick) for even higher scores. Just be careful not to over-rotate and wipe out!
- Grinding into Jumps: On some rails or ledges that lead directly into a jump, you can initiate a grind and then launch directly into an Uber Trick or Monster Trick for a seamless combo.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The best way to master these tricks is through repetition. Head into Freestyle events or explore the Peak in Free Ride mode to find ideal jump spots and practice your sequences.
- Character Stats: Characters with higher "Air" stats will get more height, giving you more time to execute complex trick sequences. Consider this when choosing your rider for trick-focused events.
With these strategies and a little practice, you'll be pulling off "The Mac Daddy" and "Elise's Eclipse" with ease, dominating the leaderboards, and looking incredibly stylish while doing it!