Publisher: Activision
Ages: Teens & up
Parental
Advisory:
Crude humor, destructive behavior
The second in the Underground series, Activision's Tony Hawk's Underground 2 offers solid skateboarding action as a foundation-something that earlier Tony Hawk games perfected-and adds story enhancements. It's actually much like last year's Underground that was, well, somewhat ground-breaking in its day. But fans of the series will have fun with this one.
Players are chosen by Tony Hawk to take on Bam Margera in a globetrotting road trip that's called the World Destruction Tour. In this skateboarding adventure, player invade international cities and wreak havoc on their boards. Instead of trying to become skateboard stars, they're simply causing damage and destruction where ever they go. As in prior games, each level provides a series of goals that players have to accomplish.
The game offers some significant additions-moves such as the sticker slap and a slow motion mode. A freak out meter lets player to make their skaters mad after a fall to earn extra points. And if players want to superimpose their faces onto their characters, they can using an EyeToy camera, if they have one.
Players can design their own skate parks and play as themselves or as one of 20 guest skaters. A classic mode offers 15 levels with the traditional goals found in earlier titles: spelling S-K-A-T-E, high score and racing a 2-minute timer. There's also good online play that offers traditional games such as king of the hill, capture the flag and more, with a few new additions, most notably a scavenger hunt.
Graphics are excellent. While the game may sound like a sports title, it's actually a rather edgy one that's designed to appeal to teens. As a result, it depicts destructive and anti-social behavior that includes spraying graffiti tags, riding boards on objects, breaking objects and crude humor.
Tony Hawk fans will probably enjoy this game. And those who have never experienced the fun of skating in Tony Hawk's world can have fun as well. Despite the fact that this game is not a violent shoot-em-up, parents will want to consider the title's content before letting youngsters play it.
1/20/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
