By: Activision

Launch titles are usually difficult to rate, since there really isn�t anything yet to compare them to and no one really knows to what limits the console can achieve. It can take some time for a system to have a benchmark game that everyone tries to imitate. Amazingly enough, The Game Boy Advance already has such a title. Tony Hawk�s Pro Skater 2 is a perfect example of an overachiever.

Already a very successful franchise on various home consoles, Tony Hawk games are a great mix of sport, stunts, music, pain and hilarity. The only disappointing versions of the Tony Hawk series have been on the Game Boy Colour. Whether this is because it was an 8-bit system or that it had only 2 buttons to work with, the game kinda lost something in the translation.

This handheld version is much different. If you�re familiar with THPS games on home consoles, then you�ll feel right at home. All of your favourite pro skater�s are here: Tony Hawk (duh), Bob Burnquist, Kareem Campbell and everyone�s favourite, well at least Droopy�s favourite if only for the fact that I think he either likes saying his name or has the hots for him, Steve Caballero. I sincerely think it�s the latter of the two. Needless to say, this game features 13 skaters, each with their own move list. It also has 7 vast levels, which are based from previous Tony Hawk games. That is definitely the greatest aspect of this game. When Droopy

"...[T]he colours and details are very impressive."

came over with his Dreamcast version of THPS2, I was amazed that I knew my way around certain levels based solely from playing the GBA version. The career mode is also based on the THPS2 formula, where you complete goals to earn cash, which in turn can increase your stats, learn moves, buy boards and unlock levels.

Graphically, this game looks great and runs fluidly as well. By using a diagonal-side view, you get the impression that you�re playing in a 3 dimensional environment. And when the lighting is right, which is a lot to ask for from the GBA, the colours and details are very impressive.

The controls are topnotch. The use of the new left and right shoulder buttons add depth to the control of your skater. And there�s a short tutorial that will teach you the ropes and guide you along the path towards boarding supremacy.

The cool soundtrack that usually dons Tony Hawk games is in here too. But due to the limits of the system, it�s not in the form of the CD quality songs from the other THPS games. So even though the sultry sounds of The Dead Kennedy�s, Primus and Bad Religion are gone, the tracks we�re left with are still really addictive. And as a nice touch, even some of the samples are taken from the home console versions.

It would have been nice to have a create-a-skater option and a multiplayer mode, but this game rocks as is. Just imagine what Activision has planned for Tony Hawk�s Pro Skater 3. As a launch title, this game has delivered the goods and then some.

JBo
Ace