Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

"A series that never fails continues"

In 1999 Neversoft and Activision gave us a reason to play skateboarding games. In 2000, Neversoft topped it's hit with THPS2, which included the much needed manual. The people at Neversoft must have creative minds, because they can manage to come up up with a THPS game each year. THPS3 came out a year later (in 2001) and was looked highly upon for it's online multiplayer. Unfortunately, Sony decided to hold back with the Network adapter until half a year later, so Tony 3's online abilities weren't fully recognized. Now, you can enjoy that. So before I review this GAMECUBE version, remember, if you have a PS2, that's the way to go. Let's start on the GC version now, why not?

I think that for Neversoft's first time on a new system, they did an awesome job on the graphics. I looked at the game and was like 'HOLY... WOW!'. I was stunned. It was such a huge leap over THPS2, it wasn't even funny. Right now (on this day, as we speak) the graphics aren't much of a big deal. It's pretty much how THPS4 and THUG look like, along with all other Extreme sport games. So it's nothing new. But back when it was actually new, well, then it's a different story. I remember thinking that the Gamecube system choice was the best choice and was happy and content with my decision. It was so cool. Right now I can't score it a 9 or 10, but I certainly would have in 2001. Very clean, regardless. 8/10.

From Alien Ant Farm to Xzibit, they have a wide variety of music and 20 tracks of it. It really is some good tunes. I remember thinking that they were total crap when I first tried the game, and it took some getting used to. But after some play time I adjusted and enjoyed the music. Now, I'd actually say it's the best music that the series has ever seen. Neversoft must have really chosen carefully here - it works, and it's near perfect. An excellent choice to put in artists like Redman and bands like Bodyjar. It attracts many different kinds of music lovers, and appeals to avid players who are a fan of the particular track. Plus, now if you don't like one song, you can turn it off. Great. Oh yeah, the noises like the grinding and etc. is still intact. You don't notice it, which is a good thing. 9/10.

The first game re-defined extreme sport games. The second threw in the Manual, the ultimate trick extreme sport games will ever see. And now, they give us the Revert. The gameplay is pretty much the same as always. You get 2 minutes to get this, do that, and so on. And you may notice that some of the Sick Scores are super high. Why? Because they included the Revert, of coarse. The revert is a required move in this game. If you don't use it, it's impossible to get some sick scores (Well, not really, but if it's your first time into this). The revert counts so much here. Oh yeah, what the revert actually does is allow you land an air trick, and then slide (like a power slide) from one position to the other and go into manual. This means you can now link big-score tricks like the 900 around 5 times into your combos, which will really keep the score up. Besides the revert, the level designs are awesome. The only one I can imagine myself thinking 'Oh no, not THIS level' is Suburbia (which is a pretty bland level) but besides that, these are the best levels the series has ever seen. Not only that, but we get 3 levels from the original THPS (Warehouse, Burnside and Roswell). These could be considered the best levels of THPS, so no problems there. I agree with that selection. And, finally, the Multiplayer. While our Gamecube forgets online all together, we still get something pretty fun. A few modes like Trick attack or Free skate keep it real and allow you to enjoy the fun of a THPS game with a buddy. Not to mention it ups your skill. 9/10.

I've said this a billion times before. Extreme sport games last forever. Seriously. You can create new players to complete career mode all over again or go to free skate and just enjoy it. While I no longer play this game anymore, but that's because I have it for the PC (which has online play). Had I not, I'd still be playing this, years and sequels later. It's fun, it's great, it'll have you coming back for more. And unlimited replay value means a top score. 10/10.

Closing Comments - THPS3 isn't the most important in the series (that would be THPS2) but it's still miles better than THPS2 and much more advanced. Think THPS2, then times it by 10, add the revert, up the graphics, better the sound and BINGO! You have THPS3. Some may not want to buy it because it's too similar. Well, hey, they're missing out, not my problem. This is a game that is truly the most advanced. Not another THPS game after this makes an accomplishment like the Revert. This is brilliant.

Verdict - Buy this. I don't care if THPS4 is on sale for just as much, or if THUG is. This has to be recognized first, and you won't regret it. It's crafted with superior talent, and you'll never let this go. 9/10. Wonderful.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/03