.co.uk Review

They say the third time's a charm, but what if everything was already done right the first and second time around? That's the hurdle Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 faces, as previous entries in this series are regarded by most gamers as perfect. But difficult as it is to believe, Pro Skater 3 introduces enough new features and great skate parks to make it another must-buy for PlayStation owners.

The biggest addition this time around is the revert, which when combined with the manual introduced in the previous game lets players string together some amazing vert and grind combos. Once again, every ledge you see in the game is grindable, and the massive levels are packed with switches, hidden areas, and other secrets that will take months to fully explore (and exploit).

Things are a little on the chunky side graphically, but that's to be expected with the PlayStation. Regardless, the animation is smooth and the frame rate stays high despite the enormous and complex environments this game lets players explore. The eclectic soundtrack--which features acts from the Ramones to Del tha Funky Homosapien--is another highlight, but it's still the Zen-like feeling you get from chaining together combo after outrageous combo that keeps you coming back for more. --T Byrl Baker

Manufacturer's Description

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 delivers realistic, cutting-edge graphics, action-packed gameplay, seamless video cinematic sequences and crisp special effects. The game extends beyond the boundaries of the traditional skateboarding genre by setting players in living environments that evolve. Players can choose to skate through realistic urban settings complete with pedestrians, cars, traffic accidents, natural disasters and changing weather conditions.

Players go high flying through some of the hottest skating locales in the world, including Skaters' Island in Middleton, Rhode Island, Rio, Los Angeles, Canada, Tokyo, and Paris. Fluid animations let gamer pull off hundreds of combo moves and tricks including nollies, manuals and lip tricks using the franchise's signature solid control scheme.

Elevating the game's overall excitement, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 delivers a star-studded line-up of skateboarding pros that join Tony Hawk, including new-to-the-roster Bam Margera of MTV's Jackass fame, and returning riders Steve Caballero, Rune Glifberg, Eric Koston, Bucky Lasek, Rodney Mullen, Chad Muska, Andrew Reynolds, Geoff Rowley, Elissa Steamer and Jamie Thomas. Additionally, fans can create their own skateboarding idols and personalise their skaters with glasses, hair, armbands and tattoos. The game's expanded multi-player modes increase re-playability for the ultimate in skateboarding fun.