Tony Hawk's American Sk8land

"surprise! A good skateboarding handheld game!"

Wow. Tony Hawk's American Skateland is a good game. Everything which has been seen in the countless tony hawk titles to grace consoles, is in this title, and a nice little package it is.

To start off with simple appeal, the graphics are standard. it is easy to understand why the developer chose to go with a cel-shaded cartoon esque style with this DS version. If the graphics were realistic, they would look much worse, because people would naturally compare it to the console versions. This other graphical approach is only to be expected, and it does the job nicely. Above that though, the game runs VERY smooth, never lagging nor stalling in any form or fashion.

The controls are spot on. With a title such as this, a diversion from the set controls TOO much, especially on a handheld, would cause a familiar fan of the series to become uncomfortable. The hardcore fans should feel right at home, as the control settings are excellent and entirely on par with the console titles.

Where the game faults to a varied degree, is in one simple and unavoidable fact. It is just like the console games. You see nothing new here gameplay wise, beyond the fact that it is wi-fi compatible and is on a handheld. The story follows very similar to American Wasteland, the most recent game in the Tony Hawk franchise. The game itself follows a path we have run and skated too many times. the only high appeal is the crisp and new graphical style seen on a handheld, and playable against others online.

As a hardcore player of the series, you will find nothing to hate here. All the newest moves are included, neither knocking out the levels seen in American Wasteland. Though the bike is not included, the game is equally as long with the nice mixed challenges and famous skaters you encounter. But too much of a good thing, simply becomes overkill. Tony Hawk himself, has been milked to a point of retiring, but his games always end up slightly above sub-par in presentation, but always respectable in entertainment.

Ollie off to another acceptable entry in the THPS series, as we wait patiently for the inevitable return of our favorite skater.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/27/06