Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

"I deem it the best Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on the GBA, so far."

All the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (THPS) games have earned themselves a wealth of huge respect and popularity. The unique gameplay, the graphics, the skaters, everything in the game adds up to a quality tittle on whatever system they occupy, which was quite a few. The THPS games have become a staple in their genre- skateboarding games- and should be making money for some time to come.
LONG LIVE TONY HAWK GAMES!
THPS3 on the GBA is no exception to the series. It plays just like the other full-console games, only fitted on to a portable. Of course, the graphics aren't as good, the sound is not as inviting, and (finally, a good point), you can take it anywhere. I'll deem this the best portable THPS tittle ever, but of course, what can the future hold?
The gameplay is simply solid. Each button is assigned to a certain type of move, and it is done pretty well. The actual game isn't bad at all. Before each level starts, you are given certain goals to finish within two minutes. The goals are specific to the level, for example, in a foundry (where steel is melted and refixed), you'd have to drain pools of magma. As you continue to play, you unlock more and more things by completing certain tours with the skaters. The whole fact that this game is introspective gave it a basic Game Boy Color appeal, but I guess one can cope with it.
The music in this game most certainly pleases me, since I am a fan of all type of rock, even this light one. But, for those that detest all forms of rock, I highly suggest you turn down the volume. On the other hand, the sound effects are really nicely done. Everything, even the wheels turning on wood, stone, or grass (you know, if there was even grass in this game :). The graphics are very nice as well. The skaters look really nice, as do the levels. Also, you can set the brightness of the screen, so don't worry about the screen of the GBA, it has been taken care of.
The game dynamics are very fluid. I mean, the skaters' movements are pretty well-done. I mean, the game isn't as fluid as X-Games (who saw this coming!? =), but they are still really good.
So why did you give it a nine? Well, for one, the game is not perfect. There are way too many glitches and bugs. Such as freezing and messed up graphics. Also, the time it takes to learn this game is sort of long. It took me about two hours to land 30 tricks in two minutes. And let's not mention the fact that kid mode is so tempting when you can't land the nine...
Now, I can easily say that THPS3 is now a must-own. If anyone likes the Tony Hawk games, and owns a GBA, they should pick this tittle up. But remember, don't forget about THPS2 as well.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/01/02, Updated 06/01/02