Skate Reviews

In Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, players were introduced to the manual--a move that greatly revolutionized the series' gameplay. This installment introduces the revert, and while it isn't as significant an addition as the manual, it does add another layer to the already deep trick system. The game features solid graphics, but a level of detail was sacrificed in order to make the game's levels so large. There are a few frame skips and polygon clips, but these occasions are rare and do not overshadow the stellar gameplay.

Career mode is as deep as ever, with eight objective-filled levels. In this single-player mode, players traverse their way through some brilliantly designed courses to achieve high scores, find the letters to the word "skate," find hidden videotapes, and interact with level-specific objects. Two players can participate in the five multiplayer minigames, which include king of the hill, horse, and trick attack. Up to four players can join Internet or LAN games through the use of the PS2 Network Adapter or numerous USB devices. Supported USB Ethernet adapters include LinkSys EtherFast USB100TX, D-Link DSB-650TX, SMC EZNET-USB 2102, and SOHOware NUB100. Supported USB modems include Zoom FaxModem 2985L, Pocket NetSurfer NMT00700, MultiTech MT5634ZBA, and Actiontec USB56012-01CW. USB keyboards are also supported, enabling players to type trash online.

We tested Internet play using the LinkSys and a DSL modem; the action was very smooth with no noticeable lag. On its own, this is a top-shelf title, but considering its Internet capabilities, there's no reason for fans of sports, action, and platform games not to own Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. This game will satisfy them all. --Raymond M. Padilla

Pros:

• First Internet-capable PS2 game
• Tight, addictive, outstanding gameplay
• Gargantuan levels and plenty of objects to interact with

• Some minor graphics glitches

The biggest addition this time around is the revert, which when combined with the manual introduced in the previous game, lets players string together some amazing vert and grind combos. Once again, every ledge you see in the game is grindable, and the massive levels are packed with switches, hidden areas, and other secrets that will take months to fully explore (and exploit).

Things are a little on the chunky side graphically, but that's to be expected with the PlayStation. Regardless, the animation is smooth and the frame rate stays high despite the enormous and complex environments this game lets players explore. The eclectic soundtrack--which features acts ranging from the Ramones to Del the Funky Homosapien--is another highlight, but it's still the Zen-like feeling you get from chaining together combo after outrageous combo that keeps you coming back for more. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Smooth animations
• Revert adds vert combos to the game
• Enormous skate areas

• No option to create female players

There are more than 100 tricks to master, which is necessary if you want to unlock secret levels or outrun the donut-eating cops. Since motion-capture technology was used to design the movement of each skater, each special move looks fairly natural when executed. In addition, each environment is completely interactive. For example, you will see leaves fall from a tree if you happen to hit it. Of course, you can also interact with objects to show off your skating skills. We had fun sliding down ramps and jumping over trashcans.

One of the strengths of Thrasher: Skate and Destroy is its phenomenal hip-hop soundtrack, which features icons like Grandmaster Flash, Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD, A Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, Sugar Hill Gang, Afrika Bambaataa, Public Enemy, Stetasonic, and Run-D.M.C. --Carrie Bell

Pros:

• Endorsed by Thrasher magazine
• One of the only freestyle skating games on the market
• Totally interactive environments

• Difficult to master
• Graphics could use some sharpening