Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

It's safe to say that the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series has made its mark in the gaming industry.  A few years ago no one would have guessed that an alternative sports title could be so successful in the market, but this series has proved it possible and opened up the doors for many other similar game developments.  Not to anyone's surprise, Activision and Neversoft have once again delivered a topnotch skateboarding title to the gamers of the world with the release of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (THPS3).  This game packs some new features that make it a must have for every PS2 owner, posers and diehard skaters alike.

There is always a critical question that must be addressed when creating a sequel to an already awesome game. That is, what should be changed or added to make the new release different from the last?  If too much is changed in the game, many fans may be lost and conversely, if not enough is changed gamers won't be able justify the purchase.  As we'd expect, such questions were all answered appropriately and the result is a game that's as close to perfection as we've seen.  Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 doesn't only look better; it also offers more realistic and fluid game play, along with a currently unequaled multiplayer mode that will keep gamers coming back for more.

A significant addition in this third series release is a simple trick called the revert, which is simply a 180 degree slide on the ground.  Just as the manual, introduced in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, allowed multiple tricks to be connected together for huge combos, the revert takes this concept one step further.  The problem was that if a player caught air on any sort of vert ramp (quarter/half-pipe) there was no way to work this into a combo because it wasn't possible to manual when landing back on the ramp.  With the addition of the revert skaters can work vert ramps into combos by reverting upon landing and going immediately to a manual.  As a result, trick combos can be more diversified and longer, yielding huge multipliers and big points.

The controls in the Tony Hawk Pro Skater series have always been superior to those in other similar games.  This is because they are easy to learn and at the same time very effective during game play.  The trend has continued in this release with the addition of a few new features.  Now, for example, in order to do a double kickflip you can simply hold press the d-pad or analog still in the left direction, hold it, and then press square twice.  Also, the right analog stick can now be used to change the camera angle, which can then be locked into any position desired.

Just as in the previous two games in the THPS series, this release is based on a single-player career mode.  In this mode players complete various challenges, such as getting a high score, collecting SKATE (letters placed around the level), finding the secret tape, etc, in order to open up new levels.  In addition to these classic challenges are new interactive challenges, such as blocking a high-speed chase in downtown Los Angeles, bringing tickets to a friend at the airport and burying a bully in the snow.  These new challenges are more dynamic in nature and this adds significant entertainment value to the game.  There are also three competitions in which medals must be earned by impressing the judges.  Just as before, each time the game is completed, new videos are opened up (depending on which skater you use).  Additionally, new levels, skaters, and cheats can be opened up if you complete all necessary goals.  Depending on which skater is used to in career mode, the challenges differ and this makes replaying the game more interesting.  Therefore, this game offers quite a few hours of game play if you're interested in seeing all the features contained on the disc.

Other single-player game modes include single session and free skate, which allow new level records to be set and for players to work on their skills in a low pressure environment, respectively.  Additionally, a much needed tutorial mode has been added to help newcomers get a feel for the game.  The top dog himself (Tony Hawk) narrates these tutorials which range from demonstrating the basics of wall riding to introducing skaters to the new revert feature.  Another new aspect that helps less experienced players complete the game are level challenge videos that show the location of the various challenges in each level so less searching is involved.

Gamers can choose from 13 pro skaters, who are all found in the second release except Bam Margera (a star of MTV's Jackass) who has replaced Bob Burnquist in the game.  The create-a-skater option can also be used to make a customized player if none of the pros appeal to the user.  Through this interface just about every aspect of the skater can be changed, such as: skating style (vert/street), stance, height, weight, skin tone, facial hair, clothing, tattoos, and much more.  The choices for each category have been increased in this release so no one will have a problem finding something they like.

Eight new high-quality levels have been included and are as follows: Foundry, Canada, Rio (contest), Suburbia, Airport, Skater's island (contest 2), Los Angeles, Tokyo (contest 3).  All levels offer a heightened sense of interactivity because the various bystanders shout out phrases when you skate near them.  Be careful though, as some of them can be quite hostile and they'll pummel you to the ground if you run into them (especially the cops/security guards!).  Some of these levels are significantly larger than those found in THPS2, but they don't compare to the immense levels found in Dave Mirra's Freestyle BMX 2.  In a way this is a good thing though because such large levels cause a great deal of frame-rate slowdowns and quality loss.  Resultantly, the levels in THPS3 are extremely detailed and object/environmental clipping is never an issue.  The park editor is still available to use for those who get bored with the regular levels (including those that are hidden) too quickly.

While single-player mode is fun (and necessary to get a feel for the game), the major highlight of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is unquestionably the multiplayer mode in which gamers can test their skills in head-to-head game play.  Therefore, it is appropriate that it is the first PS2 game capable of multiplayer gaming via the internet or a LAN (up to 4 players).  Unfortunately, the PS2 network adapter/modem isn't available to purchase just yet, but for those too anxious to wait for it, a compatible USB network adapter/modem can also be used to compete against others all over the world (or within your own private network).  The "trick attack" mode allows skaters to see who can earn the most points within a given time period, while "graffiti" lets players tag objects by busting the biggest tricks on them.  "King of the hill" is a variation of the previous version's "tag" in which a player must hold the crown until time runs out to win.  "Slap" is a new addition to the series and the object is to knock the most players down (by going faster than them).  All of these multiplayer modes are available online along with "free skate," but the classic "horse" is not currently supported by network play.  The GameSpy engine heads the online mode, but individual users act as the game servers, which others can connect to depending on their relative geographic location (ping time).  Network setup is very straightforward and there are detailed instructions to get gamers up and running.  If a USB keyboard is plugged into the PS2 players can interact with each other to brag about their awesome skills, but those who do, better be prepared to prove their claims.

As well as this game plays, it's hard to believe that it looks equally impressive, but it definitely does.  The environments are extremely realistic overall and all textures are smooth and detailed, even when viewed up close.  There are no major aliasing problems such as found in the last release and frame-rates are blistering fast.  I only stumbled upon one clipping problem when playing the game, and most likely I'll probably never experience it again.  The environmental effects are beautifully presented, including an amazingly reflective (waxed) floor in the airport level that will take your breath away.  Player animations are more accurate than in THPS2, including bails, which now vary considerably depending on how awkward the skater lands.  Sometimes the board just flips over on the ground and slides, while other times a cracking noise can be heard and the player will fall to the ground (ouch).  Occasionally the players will bleed if they fall hard and while it's a little dramatic, it definitely looks as painful as it was intended to.  The players are less stiff in THPS3 and their bodies now move more appropriately when performing tricks.  No grainy videos can be found in this game, as the quality of the videos has also significantly increased.  This is due to the greater processing power of the PS2 and also the high-capacity DVD disc format. 

The sound effects are as realistic as they come in all respects.  As skaters roll over different surfaces, whether it is a sidewalk or a wooden fun box, the appropriate sound is heard.  When skaters bail, the degree of the fall determines the sound used and the bone cracking will surely make anyone cringe.  Pedestrians in the game also speak distinctly different depending on where in the world the level is based in.  The most entertaining of these accents can be heard in the Canada level, where the locals often say "eh," as a stereotypical Canadian should in the minds of most Americans.  To compliment these well done sound effects is a soundtrack that also packs some major punch.  It contains something for just about every taste, including: Alien Ant Farm, House of Pain, Redman, The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, KRS-One, Motorhead, and more.  The playlist can also be edited to customize which of these bands are heard while skating because well, some songs can get real annoying real quick.

Built on the premise of an already classic game series, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is packed with new features that warrant it a must buy for all PS2 owners.  Even those who have only a remote interest in skateboarding will find this game enjoyable, especially with the newly added tutorial mode and the challenge videos.  The THPS veterans will undoubtedly appreciate the addition of the revert trick and most importantly, the ability to play against others online to truly test their skills.  This game is an instant classic and now the only question becomes, "how will the next release in the series be enhanced to keep gamers interested?"  Only time will tell, but we'll definitely be waiting in anticipation...

This game is rated "T" for teen and it takes up 87KB on your PS2 memory card.
 

Gameplay: 10
Most importantly, this game is fun to play and it also offers a significant amount of replay-ability.  The controls are simple yet extremely effective, allowing for skaters to be controlled with precision and accuracy.

Graphics: 10
All graphical elements in this game are crisp, smooth and extremely realistic, including the reworked player models.  The environmental effects, such as shadows and reflections, are of the best quality possible.  Lastly, there are never any frame-rate slowdowns, even in the most intense situations.  This game is simply beautiful.

Sound: 9.5
Accurate sound effects and an equally strong soundtrack make this one easy on the ears.

Difficulty: 9
This release caters to those who don't have experience playing such games with the inclusion of tutorials and videos that allow challenges to be more easily completed.  While the first few levels are on the easy side, the game gets progressively harder as new levels are opened up.  Although it is still only moderately difficult for those with significant THPS experience.

Concept: 8.5
Many small tweaks have been made to keep this game interesting, though I think it could have been expanded even further.  The interactive levels are a start, but more challenges and less redundancy (in order to complete the game) would have been nice.

Multiplayer: 10
Being the first PS2 game that offers multiplayer action through the internet /LAN makes this one heads above the rest.

Overall: 9.6