Alpine Racer 3: Any impressions?

This game was released about a couple months ago, yet I haven't heard a peep about it. Famitsu gave it a dissappointing 25, yet I've heard some good blurbs for it from obscure sources. Does anybody have some good dirt on this title? I might pick it up for my import PS2.

By the way, anyone remember how insanely popular the first Alpine Racer was? I remember seeing people stand in lines for that game.