Skater Dude (Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 (GC))

Member Name: nakedchoke

Product:	Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 (GC)
Date:	01/05/02 (228 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: lots to do, great value, lasting challenge

Disadvantages: no standard PS2 modem yet

** INTRODUCTION **

Well I'm sure most of you guessed already that this is the third in the series of Tony Hawk games that have appeared across many platforms. Now the game has made it to the next gen console and the improvements are huge.

Being such a busy man I don't really get much time to play in depth story led games so most the ones I actually do buy are of the quick fix type. THPS 3 is in a way just right, it's challenging and has plenty to do but even though the longevity is very high it can be played in short bursts.

** GAMEPLAY **

You get the choice of four main modes of play to begin with. Firstly the all important career mode, this allows you to choose and hopefully upgrade your skater as you make your way through levels and competitions gathering stat points and other extras along the way. Next up is the single session option that lets you and your chosen skater try and set a high score on one of the levels within time restrictions. Main mode number three is the free skate option where you can explore a level to your hearts content looking for secrets areas and trick opportunities.

Now you will find the multiplayer option so you and your friends can have some "friendly" competition. There are some great games that will have you frantically tapping buttons to try and beat your opponent. One of my favourites is the horse game where each player gets a time limit to try and pull off a high scoring trick then the next player takes his / her turn to try and beat it until someone fails and gains a letter. My other favourite multiplayer game is trick attack where you play together trying to get the highest trick on different sections of a particular level, the one that scores highest and tags the most sections wins the game.

There is also a network option that requires some kind of special modem that works through your Pc or something. As I haven't spent out for one of these I don&#
39;t know anything about the network play except that it's amazing they have included one.

If you want to fiddle then you can create your own skaters and skate parks to put them in and even get new clothes for the real skaters. There is so much to customise in this game and so many things to collect that it will take you ages to do everything. It's all very easy to handle and adds to the game.

Anyone that has played previous version will feel comfortable with the controls because they are similar and very intuitive. The learning curve is just right because it's easy to get into and once you start getting good you can keep improving for ages finding new combos. There is a new skill that needs mastering now though, the revert. This allows you to string together manuals and grinds with a half pipe trick and keep the combo going for some serious multipliers. All you have to do is tap R2 or L2 just before landing in a half pipe you can then pull a manual and connect loads of trick together. When your manualing it's also possible to pull some flatland tricks. Something I did notice is that the game is a lot smoother than before and seems to have been speeded up a little.

With the power of PS2 the levels are now huge and have many more interesting interactive parts to them. As you explore you also have to collect many things to complete the objectives and move onto the next area. For example on one level you have to stop the criminal by making a car fall blocking it's route. Compared to previous versions I found the level much better and they look outstanding.

There are plenty of real life skater to choose from all with their own styles and signature tricks and moves. If you actually follow the real world of skating I'm sure they would even look familiar in game. You can even be Bam Margera from Jackass and he does his special move, The Jackass! When you complete the game you will unlock more special characters, n
ot real life skaters though.

** GRAPHICS **

Everything moves smoothly and looks stunning. The huge levels are just amazing and the amount going on and attention to detail is utterly jaw dropping. All the animations have been improved a lot and it's instantly noticeable. I don't think there are many games out that look so solid, smooth and detailed as this. When your skater falls there are even some bloody patches left behind as well.

** SOUND **

As with all THPS the soundtrack is very important and matches the games audience very well. There are many great sound effects along the way whilst the licensed tracks play in the background. Of course if the heavy rock type music isn't your choice of tune then you are out of luck.

** FINAL VERDICT **

There isn't much you can fault this game on. There is so much to find and unlock that it's going to last for ages and the multiplayer options improve this even more. The value for money is incredible it really is a must own games. It's got a very finely tuned learning curve and even though some objectives are difficult this is suitable for most ages that can actually turn their PS2 on and load the game. Even for people like me that don't actually skate this game will appeal to you purely because it's one of the best game available.

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