Tony Hawk’s Underground 2: Remix
Score: 90% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Activision Developer: Shaba Games Media: UMD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Sports (Extreme)/ Adventure
Graphics & Sound: Tony Hawk’s Underground 2: Remix is a testament to both the power of the PSP and what a good developer can do with the system. THUG 2: Remix is as close to a pixel-perfect port as you’ll see and stands out as one of the real showcase titles for the system’s launch. Nearly everything from the console version of the game comes over in Remix, as well as a few extra tricks. You’d really have to look hard to find much difference between the PSP version and its console cousins. Environments are as alive as ever and teeming with things to trick off of and, of course, break. New levels, like Atlanta and Las Vegas, integrate well with older levels like New Orleans and Boston. Even elements like Create-a-Skater, Create-a-Graphic, and Create-a-Trick are around and look just as good as they do on the console versions. The PSP’s wider screen is an added plus and it gives you a little extra viewing space, allowing you to map out tricks and transfers a little more efficiently. All of the story elements are fully voiced. I was impressed to see that the voices were there, but at the same time they sound lower than most of the game’s other sound elements. I also noticed a slight clicking noise at the start and end of each line of dialog. THUG 2: Remix’s soundtrack is an eclectic mix of rock, metal, rap, and even some lounge music. When heard alone, some of the songs may not sound like they’d fit within the context of a skateboarding game; but, oddly enough, they fit.
Gameplay: Tony Hawk’s Underground 2: Remix gives you quite a lot of game for your dollar. Like other successful launch games, Lumines for example, THUG 2: Remix offers play modes that will cater to both the long car trip gamer or those just waiting at the bus stop. Story mode is Remix’s core mode. You, along with several other skaters, have been chosen to take part in a worldwide skate-and-destroy event led by Tony Hawk and Bam Margera. The event entails traveling to different locations, both in the U.S. and around the world, and turning them into large skate parks and completing goals. Think Pro Skater mixed with “Viva La Bam!,” and you’ve got an idea as to what to expect. At the start, you’re given a simple set of goals to complete, which include a combination of performing certain tricks and combos or causing destruction. For example, one mission requires you to grind four objects in the level, while another has you decapitating statues. You’ll also unlock special goals by finding your pro-skater partner or special guest skaters like West Coast Chopper’s Jesse James or Ben Franklin. These goals follow the same general pattern as normal goals, but are much, much harder. In order to complete a level, you don’t have to accomplish every goal. However, some goals are dependant on others. For example, in order to unlock the half-pipe truck and perform that goal, you have to complete one of Jesse James’ goals. Completing some missions also opens up new areas in a level to explore; usually opening up even more goals or making some of your goals easier. All of the locations from the console version make their way over to the PSP. In addition, new levels have been added, giving the game its “Remix” subtitle. The new locations match up nicely with the already existing levels and, if you didn’t know any better, feel like they’ve always been in the game. Aside from the robust Story mode, which makes up a large portion of the game, other modes from the console versions have been squeezed into the UMD. Classic mode plays like the original Pro Skater games. You’re given a list of goals, a target score, and a time limit. Time limits are short, making this mode ideal for gamers looking for a quick game. Classic missions are not as diverse as those found in Story mode, and usually involve stringing together combos or collecting letters to spell SKATE. Wireless multiplayer is also available and includes all of the console version’s multiplayer games along with a new one, Scavenger Hunt.
Difficulty: Tony Hawk’s Underground 2: Remix takes skill, creative thinking, and quick reflexes to succeed. I’ve never been that good at the Tony Hawk games, but I still found the game enjoyable and not too hard. Rarely did I find areas that were so frustrating that I turned off my PSP in disgust. Goals are varied enough that all skill levels should be able to squeeze some enjoyment out of the game, and the forgiving level progression, which only requires you to obtain a minimum number of points to continue, allows even lower-skilled players to get somewhere. Classic mode is the most difficult of all the game’s modes, and will more than likely appeal to the Tony Hawk vets rather than casual players. Goals are much more structured and not as forgiving. Still, the mode is enjoyable and makes a nice goal for casual players to work towards.
Game Mechanics: The absence of two additional shoulder buttons makes adapting to Tony Hawk’s Underground 2: Remix difficult, at least for those trying to transition between the PS2 and PSP versions. Certain combos are a little harder to pull off and there might not be that perfect flow, but the overall system translates very well onto the PSP. Nearly all of the moves and combos (at least all of the ones I’ve even been able to pull off) are still around. Vets will take to the new intricacies a little quicker than newcomers, who may find the amount of things you’re able to pull off intimidating at first. A training level, which takes place in a warehouse, should be familiar to long-time Pro Skater fans, and is available for both newcomers trying to learn the system and vets looking to adjust. THUG 2: Remix may be one of the many ports that have made their home on the PSP, but the differences are enough that long-time fans may still want to check it out. The game remains largely unchanged from the console versions, which is both a good and bad thing. Still, enough new things have been added to give the game a little extra life. Tony Hawk’s Underground 2: Remix is one of the better launch titles available for the PSP and, aside from Lumines, ranks as one of the more addicting titles, which should put it high on your “to get” list.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Tekken 5 Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade