Amazon.co.uk Review
Tony Hawk, famous for his 720 move (a mid-air 360-degree somersault done twice), is widely credited as being one of the best skateboarders in the world. Hawk lends his technical advice and character likeness to this nine-level title. While it is cool to play as Hawk, would-be skate pros can also choose to play as one of eight other skaters. Each character has a different riding style and at least three unique tricks to master.
Solo players will skate to win the world championship, with over 100 moves available to score points, including slides, grinds, and landing tricks. A split screen allows players to compete against each other. During this head-to-head mode, you can score style points, race between obstacles, or play tag. If you opt for graffiti mode, both players compete against each other by "tagging" objects while performing their tricks. A replay mode is available for players to view highlights at the end of a game.
The level design is enormous, with 10 interactive courses, including skate and pool parks, half pipes, and a downtown area. Each skating environment is filled with secret places, shortcuts, and obstacles. Once you get the moves down, you can perform a trick off of just about any object that you see. Tony Hawk is not the only star in this game--the music stands strong on its own. Cool cuts come from Primus and the Dead Kennedys--which can be inspiring during the frantic onscreen action. While game control is relatively solid, there are some minor problems in tight areas.
This title is so large it is overwhelming, given the enormity of levels and available moves. However, persistent skate pros will master this game with a little practice. (Fortunately, there is a practice mode to scrape your knees on.) --Kasty Thomas
Pros:
- Variety of moves and tricks
- Excellent course design and graphics
- Solid controls
Cons: - Control problems in tight areas
Product Description
Tear up the asphalt with the speed and agility of a seasoned pro in the ultimate skateboarding experience. Skate as champion Tony Hawk, with all the insane and technical moves that mark his signature style--or as one of eight other big-name skateboarders. Work your way up the ranks, performing suicidal stunts and entering brutal competitions in an effort to become the highest-rated skate champ.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. It's time to go pro. Skate as Hawk: perform the radical moves of the most famous skateboarder in the world--Tony Hawk. He not only "stars" in the game, his design contributions lends authenticity to Pro Skater's gameplay style. Plus, try out the signature tricks of eight other recognised pros, including Bob Burnquist, Kareem Campbell, Rune Glifberg, Bucky Lasek, Chad Muska, Andrew Reynolds, Geoff Rowley, and Jamie Thomas.
Fully Skateable, Interactive World: ride multiple, realistic courses, including skate parks, pool parks, downhill courses and half-pipes, plus street courses, such as a school, a downtown area and a shopping mall. Each non-linear path is littered with secret areas, shortcuts, ramps, and interactive objects--allowing you to ride off of just about everything.
Sophisticated Trick/Combo System: pull off hundreds of motion-captured move combinations and stunts. Skate forwards, backwards and perform combos on-the-fly, including airs, grabs, slides, grinds, kick-flips, and landing tricks. An intuitive interface and easy learning curve allow you to gradually progress to more difficult moves.
Intense Head-to-Head Competition: take on two-player, split screen Point, Battle and Time Attack modes, the Half-Pipe Challenge, and a single-player career mode in which you perform stunts and enter competitions to become the top-ranked pro. For added realism, falls and accidents result in "face plants", scrapes and broken bones.
