|
|
Intro...
|
|
The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series has been a huge success for all platforms because of its addictive gameplay, great graphics, featured bands, and more. I'm going to assume you've played this game and know how good it really is. Enought talk, lets see how it compares to the GameBoy Advance version!
|
|
Gameplay
|
|
Activision has achieved quite an accurate port of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (THPS2) for the GameBoy Advance. The levels found in THPS2 for the consoles are designed the same for the GBA.
There are various modes of play including Career Mode, Free Skate, and Single Sesson. Career Mode features 13 Skaters, each with a few starting tricks. Additional tricks, and player stats are all accumulated as the game progresses. Free Skate and Single Session are pretty much the same as other versions, pretty self-explanitory. One let down in the gameplay department for THPS2 is it's lack of multiplayer mode, the entire game is one-player.
|
|
Graphics
|
|
Graphics are stunning on the GameBoy Advance. Pre-rendered backgrounds make up the skating areas of ramps, benches, and obstacles etc. The skater is made up of polygons, and so ineffect is true 3D. There is no lagging or slowdown during play, proving the power of the GBA once again! In THPS2s console big-brothers (e.g. PSX and N64), The camera trails behind the skater throughout each level. The GameBoy Advance version is different. The camera stays still, above the area giving a isometric view of the skater. Potentually visually imparing obstacles turn transparent as the skater passes by, this results in an effective way of being able to see your skater at all times.
|
|
Sound
|
|
One thing the Tony Hawk series of games has been renowned for is the great selection of licensed music. Sadly, the GBA doesn't feature any bands. However, the 11 songs contained in THPS2 are all very catchy and really get the adrenalin pumpin'! Activision have sampled some sound FX from the PSX and N64 versions, and they sound sweet. You won't have to turn down the volume on this game!
|
|
Controls
|
|
The new control configuration (when compared to the console versions) take a little getting used to. Nevertheless, you will soon find them fairly instinctive and, for lack of a better phrase, like butter!
The L and R shoulder buttons work well, as L executes flip tricks and R is used for grabs. A Button is used for grinds. All-in-all, you'll find it easier that the console Pro Skater series as far as control goes.
|
|
Final Comments
|
|
This game is addicive in almost all resects. It shows just how far handheld gaming has come, and was one of the best, if not the best, launch title for the GBA. I highly recommend it to anyone. Go check it out, you will not be dissapointed!
|
|
Score
|
|
Gameplay: |
 |
|
Graphics: |
 |
|
Sound: |
|
|
Controls: |
|
|
Personal Opinion: |
|
|
|
|
Final Score: |
94% |
|
|
DETAILS
|
Game By:
Activision
Genre:
Sport/Action
Players:
1
Save:
Battery Save + High Scores
Released:
June 2001
Reviewed by:
GameBoy Guru
|
|
