Tony Hawk's American Wasteland

"First dissapointing game in the Tony Hawk's series?"

From what I can gather alot of people have become disillusioned with the THPS games since the focus shifted from pro skaters and skateparks into story modes and skateable cities. This change happened most noticeably between THPS4 and THUG1. I am one of those that enjoyed the THUG games regardless of the criticisms from many THPS fans (i.e too many new moves, poor jackass influenced story mode, lacklustre new levels). This game is the second major shift in the series and it distances itself even more from its original Pro Skater origins than the THUG series of games. So how does it shape up?

Graphics: THPS games have never really been known for their graphics, but it is hard to fault the graphics in THAW. The only criticisms I have are that the visuals do glitch more often than I would expect, particularly in the tunnels between areas.

Sound: Again nothing of note to fault here. You get a Tony Hawk's game and you know what to expect from the soundtrack. The ingame sounds are dead on as well.

Gameplay: And this is where the game falls on its ass. Whereas previous THPS games were fun just to skate around and mess about in this one is not. Save for 2 levels the design is terrible and most levels feel very similar. The addition of BMX's to the game is pointless since you only use it for 1 storyline mission. The new moves are also very pointless, especially the off board moves. They could be a useful addition but they are implemented very poorly. The worst part of the main storyline is that you cannot do many moves until halfway through the game as you have to earn them. If you have been playing THPS games before this one you will very frustrated at not being able to manual/revert/wallride from the start.
Classic mode is also a big letdown. After THUG2's very impressive range of levels THAW only has 6 classic levels, with many of them being from the PSP versions of THUG and not the remade versions of levels from THPS 1, 2 & 3 that I'm sure most people were hoping for.

Longevity: Story mode lasts for around 8 hours and ranges from insultingly easy tasks to near impossible ones. Classic mode could be completed within 2-3 hours if you know your way around the levels. The main lasting point comes from completing the game on the three separate difficulty levels as you get different unlockable characters for doing so.

Overall: I have liked every single THPS game, but this is the first one where I have really had my doubts. It almost seems like it was made just so there was a new Tony Hawk's game out in 2005.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 10/31/05