Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

"The best skateboarding game out there..."

When I first played this game, I though't, ''Hmm...i'm not so sure about this one''. But the more I played it, the more I became addicted. Why is this?? Well...

Graphics:(9/10)-The computer models look real, the skating places are well designed, everything is flawless. There are a couple of problems with slowdown, but it really doesn't effect the gameplay much...

Control:(10/10)-Wow. The control is pretty much flawless. Tricks can be pulled off with ease, combinations range from easy to do, to hard to do, which flows real easily. Everything flows fast and furious at times, and it is good to know that you are well under control. Analog control is there too, so that ups the points.

Sound:(10/10)-Things do not dissapoint here, eiher. There are some pretty good music tracks, which get your blood pumping, although some are kinda dumb, but cool, nonetheless (when will a game have some hip hop??!!). The SFX are crisp, and sound realistic.

Gameplay: (9/10)- The game falters just a tad here. The game goes like this: You go to levels, and try to collect ''tapes''. These tapes can be obtained by Completing certain objectives on the level. once you get, say, a couple of tapes, you can open up anothe level, to which you can get more tapes, and open up more levels. Sound repetitive? Well, no, not really. You can also compete in 3 competitions, where judges can grade you on your prformance. All this is only in one mode, too! Besides this mode (carrer mode) you get 3 cool multiplayer modes, a free skate mode (where you just go around a level-that you unlock in carrer mode-and do tricks) and single session mode. So what's wrong? Well...

Replay value: (8/10)- A big problem (whch really isn't THAT big) is the games replay value. Sure, it will take you awhile to collect all tapes, open up all the levels, and see all the FMVs...but it gets boring doing so. The free skate option if fun, but it's like, ''Been there, done that''. maybe a couple more skaters/levels and it would've gone to a ten, but there is still enough stuff there to keep you busy.

Recap: So let's recap
+great sound
+great graphics
+excellent control
-some slowdown
-somewhat no lasting appeal...

Rent or buy?: I'd have to say buy if you are anyone. If you don't like sports games-you'll like this. And sports/skatng fans are sure to like this. it's fun, fast, and easy to get into. It is-the best skateboarding game out there.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/26/00, Updated 01/26/00