Skate

"Skate up, Tony Hawk down."

Introduction:
As a fan of skateboarding games, I enjoyed any Tony Hawk game that was released. But now, a new game has arrived, called skate. Just "skate". Skate is the start of a new series to the skateboarding games, although it is unknown that there will be a sequel to this game, so it is not certain that there will be a new series.

Game play:
Unlike the Tony Hawks series, there is a cool and awesome feature in this game that allows you to use the right thumb stick to flip you're skateboard in the air, and perform many tricks just by moving the thumb stick in certain directions. This feature, makes it feel like you're actually skateboarding. In the Tony Hawks series, you were able to get off you're skateboard and walk or run around, and even climb on top of a house, but sadly, you can not do that in this game, but it doesn't matter anyway because it's a skateboarding game after all. Another thing that makes skate a realistic game is grinding. Yes, what good would a skateboarding game be without being able to grind some rails or benches?. Unlike the Tony Hawks series, you had to jump off the ground and press a button to grind, but in skate, all you have to do is just jump on top of the thing you want to grind. You can also play as some famous pro skateboarders in the "free skate" mode.

Story:
Actually, the story in this game wasn't very good at all. It's a lot more fun to just skate around, instead of doing missions with the pro skaters. But anyway, in this games story mode, you can create you're very own skateboarder. You must get sponsored and skate with the pro skaters. And that's about it for the story, not much to do.

Graphics:
The graphics are amazing. The way the town looks, and the skateboard design would make just about anyone feel the realism of skate. Also very artistic with the way they use light in this game.

Sound:
I can't believe how great the sound is in skate. The way you're board just moves over stones and pavements is incredibly realistic. Especialy the sound it makes. And when you flick you're skateboard off the ground. Super awesome sounds used for this game. Almost perfect.

Rent or buy:
I would say "rent" because of the story lacking in effort and all. It would be better to try it first and see if it is to you're liking.

Overall:
Overall, I think this game is a lot better than the Tony Hawks series. If you are interested in a very realistic skateboarding game, then you should definitely get skate.

Game play = 9/10
Story = 5/10
Graphics = 9/10
Sound = 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/08/08

Game Release: Skate (EU, 09/28/07)