Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
Score: 99% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Activision Developer: Neversoft Entertainment Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Miscellaneous
Graphics & Sound: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2's graphics are very comparable to the first game, if not better. There is the issue of distant objects being fogged out (which actually helps keep the speed of the game faster), but textures and levels look better than ever. Player models are equally rendered with very nice quality. Sound fx in the game are just as awesome as before. Also included in this edition (of the best skateboarding game ever) are kickin' songs from Papa Roach, Anthrax & Chuck D, Rage Against the Machine, Naughty By Nature, Bad Religion, Powerman 5000, Millencolin, The High & Mighty Featuring Mos Def & Mad Skillz, Dub Pistols, Lagwagon, Styles of Beyond, Consumed, Fu Manchu, Alley Life Featuring Black Planet, Swingin' Utters, and Born Allah.
Gameplay: Although the music and eye candy are great, what Tony Hawk 2 boils down to is straight out gameplay... and boy, does it have it!!! Building upon its predecessor, Tony Hawk 2 adds about twice as many goals to complete for each level. That means 8 levels of pure mayhem! Choose one of 13 real-life pro skaters (including Tony Hawk himself), and take to the streets in pure grinding enjoyment. Other features include Career Mode and 2-Player Mode (new 'Tag Mode'), not to mention the Create-A-Skater and real-time 3D Park Editor. Let me just say that this editor is AWESOME! You will be able to create exceptional parks in relatively easy fashion. Of course, they will be nowhere near the size of the huge levels included with the game. For those who enjoyed the first game, Tony Hawk 2 is gonna drive you wild!
Difficulty: If you've played the first, you'll easily be able to jump right into Tony Hawk 2. And even if you haven't ever tried your hand at making Tony spin a 900, you'll be able to learn fairly quickly. With this in mind, however, seasoned pros need not worry as Tony Hawk 2 offers just the right balance of difficulty for all. (Completing all of the goals in all of the levels is not that easy!)
Game Mechanics: Tony Hawk 2 offers even more tricks than before. With the same basic trick controls as the first Tony Hawk game (using directional pad combined with buttons), TH2 offers smooth gameplay with twice the goals as the original. Combining all of this with being able to increase the stats of skaters and build your own park makes Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 a MUST BUY for anyone, even if you're not into skateboarding. Seriously, pick up your copy today (or I'll have to come over and perform a 'face plant' on you!!!).
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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