'Skate 2' (PS3)

Also available on: Xbox 360
Genre: Sports
Developer: EA Black Box
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release date: January 23, 2009

When it was released in 2007, EA's Skate went wheel to wheel with Activision's ubiquitous Tony Hawk series. While it did not necessarily leave its rival crumpled in a heap on the skate-park floor, it certainly added a few grazes and scrapes to those multi-million selling knees. This was largely due to the control system, which more tightly plugged the player into the feel of skateboarding, whether they had actually ever been on a real board or not. A few niggling issues hinder Skate 2 from being a triumphant follow-up to the first game, but it still delivers an enjoyable and worthwhile little run-around.

The game opens with a live action sequence in which your character is released after a spell in prison. This proves excellent, not least for the sharp sense of humour but also the way the credits have been cleverly worked into the moving pictures. Upon returning to the fictitious city of San Vanelona, you hear that a massive earthquake (the mysterious disaster featured in last year's Skate It on DS and Wii) has wrecked the city. This has enabled a group called Mongocorp to re-build San Vanelona as a skater's paradise which, curiously, they don't want anyone skate in. Through a mix of clamps and rigid devices, alongside some meathead security guards, the city wages a constant battle against board lovers.

Therefore, the mission in career mode is to reclaim the streets of San Vanelona. Or, at least, this is the idea. In practice, the story gets diluted pretty quickly in favour of some more traditional skateboarding protocol. The real goal is to re-build your name and reputation in the city by entering races, challenges and trick competitions. The open-world environment is immense (and packed full of advertising), although it lacks a bit of graphical sharpness when compared to Grand Theft Auto IV or Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Indeed, graphically Skate 2 does not feel as jaw dropping as you would hope. While it is a decent looking game, some of the textures are pretty low-res, grainy and a tad last generation. The game still comes across well but, when you have seen what is possible, it is hard to revert back to lowered expectations. However, this is slightly made up for by some quality character animation and an excellent 50-song soundtrack which really brings the game to life.

Getting around the city takes time, so the warping function to quickly reach challenges and events is a welcome addition. However, players are also incentivised to explore the vast metropolis not just for the sights and sounds, but also to find spots along the way. These locations feature new challenges and aspects to unlock, which definitely makes it worth the odd aimless skate into the middle of nowhere. Another interesting feature of Skate 2 is that your character has learned to walk. By pressing triangle, your skater hops off the board and goes walkabout. This feels a tad cumbersome but is still an immensely welcome addition in such a packed city.

While off the board, characters are also able to move items around to better favour a gnarly run. This works well at times, but also feels a touch poorly executed. Not only can your character shift items as heavy as dumpster bins with apparent ease, but these items can also drift around when hit by pretty much anything. This robs some of the realism from what could have been a neat idea. Another annoyance is the sheer detritus of the city. People, obstacles and even litter can get in your way which, while reflecting the reality of urban skating, can become remarkably annoying after a while. This also occurs in challenges when other players often get in your way just as you are about to run up for that killer trick.

Despite this, the control system again excels, with analogue sticks and triggers used to perform a wide range of tricks. This may take a while to get used to if you have spent more playing time on the Tony Hawk series, but it eventually feels utterly intuitive. Performing photo-shoots for cash and kudos is great fun. This, alongside freestyle high score trick challenges, holds the real joy of Skate 2. However, the beauty of the control system is also one of its downfalls. In challenges where precise tricks have to be performed to proceed, the particular nuances of the control system occasionally mean that the task has to be done over and over again, even after you appear to have nailed it. This means that even seasoned Skate players may find some of the challenges immensely frustrating.

The game offers both online and offline multiplayer options. The latter eschews split-screen for turn-based gameplay, which will not suit everyone. Online, the action reverts to a smaller section of the city rather than the whole territory, which is also a tad disappointing. However, the range of co-operative challenges available proves a worthy addition to the package. By using a dedicated tool, gamers can also edit 30-second replays which can then be shared online. Additional camera options, filters, effects and storage space will reportedly be made available later as DLC, although this could potentially carry an additional cost.

A final note should be given to the Hall of Meat system, in which bad skaters can earn cash from broken bones and gruesome injuries. By bailing in mid air, players can control leaps off tall buildings to guide themselves into fracture heaven. On a sick level, this a real treat. However, it can get in the way if you are trying to play properly. It also certainly cuts a chunk of realism out of the game as it's hard to take the skating seriously when your character should have died many times over in even an hour's game time.

Essentially, Skate 2 offers a worthwhile experience for both seasoned veterans of the series and complete skateboarding novices. While this may not be the defining moment in the pantheon of skateboarding titles or even a quantum leap from the first game, it is still a good value and fulfilling package. A few bugs and the odd irritating moment does mean that the game does not quiet reach its lofty expectations, but this does not detract from the feeling that there are plenty of new tricks ahead for the Skate series.


> What do you think of the game? Share your views