Review by: Snes101�
For most of you who played the THPS series, you would know that they're damn good games. Combining great graphics, music, audio and gameplay, it was no wonder! That was why I was a little skeptical about the new cel-shading for the DS incarnation of Tony Hawk. But like Zelda: Windwaker, they don't distract you from the gameplay at all! I got this as a Christmas present in 2005, played through a couple of levels, and from what I played so far didn't disappoint. Read on to find out why.
After dominating one of Tony Hawk's skate competitions, Tony takes you on a road trip. First stop? Hollywood. Mindy is a local skate chick in Hollywood writing a comic called American Sk8land (based on a skate park around the area). Tony used to skate there himself, so he agrees to check it out with Mindy. The place is pretty worn and old, so Mindy and Tony get you to restore the park to its original glory by adding new parts to it and making you a pro in the process.
This isn't about the 3D models themselves; it's more about the cel-shading. Cel-shading in THAS adds a unique and refreshing style to the Tony Hawk franchise. None of the gameplay is spoiled by these graphics as objects are still clearly distinguishable (and the map adds to that). The new board and graffiti editor enables you to draw custom patterns to use as graffiti or on your board. Cutscenes are drawn by hand, and look very vibrant while being simplistic at the same time. One minor complaint however, your character's face isn't very detailed and some graphics can look pixilated (both faults of the DS hardware).
The sound effects in this game are very realistic, from grinding to doing an ollie. Heh, even my dad could tell it was a skateboarding game. For the music, 10 songs from the console version (American Wasteland) were picked, and with pretty good quality! The whole song doesn't get played, but that doesn't bother me much. Another new feature taking advantage of the DS microphone is the option to record a sound for 'good and bad news'. The 'good news' is for when you cross a gap, and the 'bad news' is when you bail. It's a neat little feature in my opinion, and is fun to mess around with.
Some of you guys may be skeptical about playing a Tony Hawk game with the D-Pad after so many years of playing it with a Xbox, PS2 or GCN controller. Let me just say that you will get used to it within the first few shots (usually first) of playing it. The buttons are mapped just like on the Xbox or PS2 controller - X to grind, B to jump, A for Grab tricks and Y for Flip tricks. Those are just basic controls though. There are advanced tricks such as manuals, spine transfers and wallplants you will learn throughout the game. Vicarious Visions didn't forget about the touch screen however, and added some features utilizing it. There are three special tricks that you can perform just by touching one of the three special icons. When your special meter is full (by doing tricks), an eye icon will appear in the corner. Touch it and the game will go into 'focus mode', making the game so in slo-mo for a limited amount of time. There is also 'Freak Out' mode. If you bail a combo, touch the three scrolling bars a their highest points to recover lost combo points.
There are 4 modes of gameplay in THAS. Story is completing missions set by people dotted around the level. Rather then running up and talking to them, I just choose 'View Goals' from the pause menu. While Story mode is fun, it's just too short in my opinion. Classic is just like the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games. You have a set of goals, and 2 minutes to complete as many as you can. These goals range from Collect S-K-A-T-E (go to certain points in a level), C-O-M-B-O (like SKATE but all in 1 combo), and Secret Tape (a hidden point in a level). Free Skate is simple. You roam around a level skating however you like.
There's no time limit, no goals, no worries. There is no score in this mode. Next is Wireless. This mode allows you to play multiplayer games against friends online or in the same room as you (no DS Download Play). Multiplayer games include HORSE, Free kate and Trick Attack.
Closing Comments
This game is well worth your money and any fan of the THPS or THUG series will love this just as much. You may want to have your friends get this game or a wireless access point and broadband connection for more multiplayer enjoyment though. Thanks for reading this and expect some more from me soon!
Graphics: 8.7/10
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Sound: 9/10
Lastability: 8.5/10
Overall: 8.8/10
