The good, the bad and the ugly!
The good: They kept the winning formula with good add-ons that don’t hinder the superb controls. The add-ons include: getting off your board, moving objects around, invert plants, footplants, fingerflips and ollie variations (boneless and no comply). The new game modes this time around are Thrasher’s Hall of Meat mode which can be accessed online and off, and online co-op objectives. The bruises you get from falling and dirt that builds up on your shirt just adds to the realism of this game. The pro rider line up in this game is the best ever in a skateboarding game, you get classic skaters like Ray Barbee and new comers like Braydon Szafranski. The photo challenges are improved as well with your character is able to do frame by frame photo captures. The way you get a board sponsor in this game is better than the first as well, at anytime in the game after you get your first board sponsor you can call up a pro and ask for his affiliate company to sponsor you no questions asked. The addition of Cougar Mountain is also very good, all you speed demons out there, you’re gonna have a ball.
The bad: Getting off your board, while it is good, the animation is too clunky which is bad. The story, it’s unoriginal, you get out of jail, San Van is rebuilt, and you have to rebuild you’re reputation and save San Van from the evil Mongo Corp, who has placed caps on the great skate spots. The ‘rebuild your reputation’ plot is ripped straight from T.H.U.G (Tony Hawk’s underground). I guess I was just looking for a better story but this really doesn’t hurt the game. The customization is a step up but then again a step back, there are less products to be bought but more options in how to wear your equipment.
The ugly: EA Blackbox the developer of skate recently had to dissolve, we miss ya Blackbox.
Score: A-
Check out the gameplay vid below.
1love, Peace
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