Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

Ok, So this isn’t new. If you have a Playstation and have NOT tried one of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games, it’s time to join the party. Unlike it’s predecessors, this one was developed by Shaba Games, the makers of 2001’s “Grind Session”. Neversoft created the first two in this series, but have handed over the reins in lieu of focusing on newer platforms such as PS2, X-Box and Nintendo’s Game Cube. Shaba Games had quite a challenge in keeping the franchise fresh and fun, while being limited to the (now seemingly) low graphics of the PSX processor. They did a fine job.

You may not need actual pads and a helmet for this game, but I sometimes wondered if it would have helped. Learning the moves was not a problem. Being able to execute them correctly, and timely, WAS a problem. Take plenty of time in the Free Skate area if you are new to virtual grinding and grabbing.

You will need to know the moves, as they are what get you to the next level(s). In “Single Session”, you must go through each level and accomplish tasks, while racing the clock. You are given a list of moves to complete, and the items or actions needed to finish the level and move on. You begin in the Foundry, but if you succeed, your subsequent levels include Los Angeles, Suburbia (my fav), Canada and Tokyo, to name a few. New to this version is the “revert”. At the push of a button, you are able to make one move into a combination. Talk about scoring!!

In two-player/multi-player mode, you can play a variety of games. There is a version of “H.O.R.S.E.” that allows you to show off against a friend. “Do what I do” is the theme here. “Graffiti” was another challenging version in which you go head to head with the other player trying to complete moves in a race--  via split screen.

The music was bright, high energy and appropriate. The opening scenes are fun enough to sit back and watch, as Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” keeps your speakers pumping. There’s nothing like grinding a rail while the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” keeps your adrenaline flowing. Hey ho—let’s go!! Other artists contributing include KRS-One, Alien Ant Farm, Zebrahead and House of Pain. The skating sounds are good, and I appreciated that my skater did not scream too loud if I made him fall a couple stories from a botched trick.

The graphics are great. It’s tempting to compare it to the superior Neversoft PS2 version, but I won’t. On it’s own, it looks good. I would like to see more “colorful” clothing to choose from in the “create your own skater” area, but maybe next time. I’d love to do a Wallride in a 3 piece suit. Who says all skaters have to dress like they just got out of the Juvenile Detention Center? How about a clown suit?

Overall, the game is a great experience that I highly recommend. The hardest thing is learning the moves, and then being able to execute them when appropriate. Takes practice, but it’s all fun. There are plenty of options to play alone, or against a skate savvy friend. Maybe the first two in the series were better, but I think this one is strong enough o stand on it’s own. Shaba Games had big shoes to fill, and did not disappoint. Neversoft may have left the franchise in the hands of another, but we are left with a challenging, adrenaline fueled experience to keep the heart racing.  

Install: N/A

Gameplay: 8.5
Great, smooth feel to it. Plenty of challenges to keep you glued to the controls for hours and hours.  

Graphics: 7.5 
Not up to the standards set by previous versions, but still good.

Sound: 8
High energy soundtrack with some very authentic skating noises.

Difficulty: 7
Easy to maneuver-- once the moves are learned. Use Free Skate mode!!!

Concept: 7 
It’s been done (well!) before, so the idea is not unique.

Multiplayer: 9
One of the best features of Pro Skater 3 is the head to head fun, and the various methods in which that can be achieved.

Overall: 8.5
Tempting to compare & criticize against previous versions, but stands well on it’s own.