andycharger's Full Review: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 for PlayStation 2
For those of you that dont know, the little bits of flat wood that zoom past you on 4 rubber wheels carrying "dudes" onboard are more commonly known as skateboards.
Thats right. Skateboards.
And for those of you that dont know, its a HUGE sport!
As with all huge sports, there are superstars involved and none are bigger than Tony Hawk.
Those clever people involved in Computer games programming realised this and created one of the best skateboarding games available today and involved Tony.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.
Now im not one to really get into a skateboarding game as I thought "once you have done a few tricks, you will get bored".
How wrong can one guy be.
Instead im hooked on the game on my PS2. Let me tell you about it.
Theory.
Using the Skateboard, perform loads of big tricks on it in skateparks around the world. The better the trick, the more points you score. Simple.
Gameplay.
Superb! The game (as with most skateboard/BMX games) allows you to access certain levels from the start of the game. These are normally quite easy to master and well planned out.
However, the harder and more complex levels are "locked" away from the user until certain tasks are completed. Basically, you need to complete these tasks to advance onto other levels. Its all a learning curve and it will benefit your play to pass these tests first. So play it in Career mode before you get your mates aover or they will get bored of playing on one skate park.
Controls/adaptability.
This may take some getting used to. Its not the easiest thing to stop in real life, never mind on the PS2! The skateboard seems to have a mind of its own sometimes and getting him in the right position for landing after performing a stunt can also take some practice. I say persevere with the controls until you get used to them. You can also edit the buttons to perform the stunts easier if needed. This is done in a button definition screen.
Even on 2 player game you are locked out of the levels. This means you must complete and save most of the levels before you can have a serious game on 2 player mode.
2 player options.
Terrific! Rather than 1 V 2 you have some more options to try. You can have a straight head to head battle which awards the winner to score the most points.
A more complex version of the game is called Graffiti. This means you compete against each other and "tag" the ramps. The player with the most points from one ramp changes the colour of the ramp. It is the other player's job to beat the score and change the colour back again.
So you are battling for ramps rather than points. The player with the most ramps wins the game.
You can also play Slap Attack. This relies on one player skating into another. The faster skater stays standing up. The one with the most slaps wins!
King of the Hill.
You hold a crown on your head. While you hold the crown you are winning. The other team will try and slap you down as you are skating slower with the crown on.
Lots of options for 2 player games.
Set up options.
Music.
Brill! You can edit and select the music you want in the game from a big list of tracks. WE had "the ace of spades" on constantly but there are others.
Skaters.
Oh dear. Let your imagination run wild. You can give the players a unique look. I had Tony hawk wearing a USA Flag Top Hat in a denim Waistcoat with black spandex hot pants and a pair of clowns boots! You can also dress them sensibly and even give them scars and tattoos!
Platforms.
Of course it is out for the PS" but also the PC, X Box and Gamboy advance. No excuses guys!
Pricing.
Its about £35 ($45) to buy for PS2. Slightly cheaper for the X Box and PC.
Overall.
A very interesting fluid game. Even those without a knowledge of skateboarding or the tricks would like it as the instructions are very informative. Controlling the skater is very easy and enjoyable. Worth buying just for the costumes!
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