Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

"If you've ever found yourself interested in a skateboard, you'd be hurting yourself to pass this one up."

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is one of the first REAL skateboarding titles that we've seen on the PlayStation. Earlier in the year, Electronic Arts released "Street Sk8er", which semi-flopped due to inadequate testing and sloppy presentation. Anyone who is the least bit familiar with skateboarding could play that game, and think "this simply isn't a skateboarding game". However, when playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (THPS for short), you think the exact opposite.

Presentation: 10,291

WOW. Neversoft/Activision did a GREAT job polishing this game off. Everything from the in-game skate clips to the beautiful and friendly interface gives this game a perfect 10 in the Presentation category.

Graphics: 9

Vastly improved from the various demos; the graphics in this game are unsurpassed. Fluid character animations, different visual responses from tricks, slams, etc. The courses in this game are also stellar. Very little slowdown and occaisional map glitches keep this one from a perfect 10.

Sound: 9

Again, the sound has been remastered and added upon from the demo. TONS of new sound effects, including multiple-terrain rumbles, the sound of metal scraping when you grind a rail, and the sound of bones cracking and flesh thumping when you hit the ground. The music in this game; while being a mixed bag, sticks to the Rock/Ska genre. While most people would feel cheapened by this, it actualy does a good job flowing with the game.

Gameplay: 9.5

The gameplay in THPS is also very sharp. You can choose how "sensitive" your turning is by loosening/tightening your trucks (the metal things that are screwed to the skateboard, and hold the 4 wheels). You can change decks, and wheels as well.

Lasting Appeal: 9.5

Hidden skaters (Officer Dick!), hidden levels, hidden decks, hidden everything. Plus, this game is hands-down fun. You'll be playing this game 'til you're senile.

Overall: 9

Easily the best skateboarding game to date, by far, on any platform. Many magazines have predicted this games' wellcoming, and has also been considered one of the best games of the year. So if you've ever found yourself interested in a skateboard, you'd be hurting yourself to pass this one up.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 01/13/01