This is by far the best PS2 game I've played so far. The gameplay is excellent and involving. Its relatively easy to learn, but more time allows you to improve and pull off the "Misty 1080 with and Unethical Experimental" and other insane tricks.

Which brings us to the best aspect of this game... the tricks. The racing is fun, and I'm a huge fan of racing, but the tricks are what makes this game special. For one, you can get huge air and land things that must be impossible, but are impressive. You can even do a grab(experimental) where your rear foot leaves the board in the air. Clearly, this game isn't meant to be a simulation.

Most tracks can be played in Race, Freeride or Showoff modes. As you race a character, you gain experience, which improves the rider. Some characters are heavier and can bowl people over, others are light and quick. Each has their own personality, from the set of boards to the set of outfits, to the control characteristics.

This is really a marvelous game, and amazingly addictive. I have wasted all my free time for about a month tweaking every character out and beating all the levels. Buy it now!

Recommended: Yes