Grind Session

"It ain't a clone when it's better"

Why is it that I had never even heard of this game until the first time I played it? Probably because it was immediately dismissed as a Tony Hawk clone the very moment Sony announced it's production. However, I think it cannot be called a clone when it is actually better than Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

I first played this game on a Jampack demo at a Target store. It was already on so I just picked up and played. My very first impression was ''Wow, great graphics and fluid controls''. Infact, it was so good that I thought I must've been playing Tony Hawk 2, since it was similar to Tony Hawk in most everyway, only better. Later I found out that this game is Grind Session. I'm just glad I haven't gotten Tony Hawk 1 or 2, cuz this game bests both of them.

Graphics - 10: The skaters are very well detailed, and the animation is fluid. The courses look really good, lots of eye candy here.

Sound - 10: Every game made by Sony seems to have mindblowing sound, no exception here. A great soundtrack really gets you into the ''extreme'' state of mind, and the sound fx are top notch.

Bells and Whistles - 10: Two words: BART Train! But in addition to that, the courses are very innovative, and the selection of skaters is great. Only 6, but that's all you need for this game; each skater has strengths and weaknesses to fit your style.

Control - 10: Wow, when I press a button, something actually happens! A concept that was unfortunately overlooked in Tony Hawk 2. The controls are fluid, very responsive, and easy to learn. I'd like to see Tony Hawk do a 1080 mute grab. :b

Bottomline - 10: What can I say? Tony Hawk placed the bar, and Grind Session has jumped over it with a margin to spare. Tony Hawk is great, but if you haven't gotten that game yet, get Grind Session!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/02/00, Updated 11/02/00