Tony Hawk's Underground Review - XBX

On this episode of "X-Play," we take a look at "Tony Hawk's Underground." The four previous games in the series are classics, though some might say they've been lacking one thing: emotion. Sure, the franchise has consistently delivered incredibly tight gameplay and intense skateboarding, but pshaw! It must be that sensitive rock music the kids are listening to, because gamers have clearly cried out, "Tony Hawk, where is your soul?"

Tony Hawk goes emo

"Tony Hawk's Underground" (THUG) casts you in the role of an amateur on the path to becoming a pro ripper. The game starts you off in the armpit of New Jersey. Eventually, you ollie your way out of the Bon Jovi state, land a sponsorship, and grind your way around the world. But that's only half the plot, because "THUG" also throws in some good, old-fashioned drama. Not only must your character overcome adversity and prove him or herself, but a rivalry also develops with a longtime friend. It's not quite 'The Karate Kid' of skateboarding, but in some ways it's reminiscent of the '80s BMX movie, 'Rad.' And just like at the end of 'Rudy,' you may get misty-eyed at key victories, like when your character first wins a competition or a real pro, like Chad Muska, flows you a free deck.

THUG life

The game is broken up into chapters and uses cinematics to set up the challenges and progress the plot. There are over 100 separate goals, ranging from landing combos to performing specific tricks or finding scattered items. You can take on most of these challenges in whatever order you choose. "THUG" also keeps the "Pro Skater" influence, with many of the professional skaters from the previous games making an appearance, and some have supporting roles along your path to half-pipe glory.

Fans of the franchise will instantly recognize basic controls, and the slew of tricks remains in game. There are some new special moves and maneuvers, such as pulling off wall-plants. Vehicle driving is also added, but given the poor handling, it's rather frustrating.

The major addition is that you can now hop off your board, as well as jump and climb to reach higher parts of the level. Awkward at first, but being on foot allows you to attack some of the game's challenges and access elevated areas. It also adds new gameplay elements, like the stealth mission in the game's first level. You can also hop off the board within a combo so you can string together six- and seven-digit runs.

Looks and locations

"Tony Hawk's Underground" allows for a high level of customization. With an online connection you can import your own face into the game. It works well, and the editor allows for a decent level of accuracy. Make an athletic version of yourself, or treat the game like a digital makeover and see how you would look with different hairstyles.

The player models are excellent. While performing tricks, they move with a natural grace and articulation. However, there are a lot of close-ups in the game's narrative scenes, and when zoomed, the facial textures look creepy.

Amongst the new locales are San Diego, Hawaii, New Jersey, Tampa, and Moscow. They are more detailed and varied than previous settings in earlier "Hawk" games. Unfortunately, the PS2 version's textures are the least smooth and colorful of the console versions. The PlayStation 2 version also slows down occasionally and the imperfect in-game camera will occasionally view the inside your skater's back. You can use the right analog stick to adjust it.

Underground online

The major benefit of the PlayStation 2 version is its extensive online options. In addition to putting your mug in the game, you can also download created skateboards, skate parks, and tricks created with the new in-game trick editor. There's also support for up to eight players at once in the trick attack and king of the hill modes, as well as a new deathmatch-style game. All combined, it's yet another PS2 online exclusive that will anger Xbox and GameCube owners.

THUG immortal

The new single-player mode may alter the experience for some, but the core gameplay still offers endless replay value if you just want to skate around while listening to an eclectic mix of punk, rock, and hip-hop. Combined with the online options and unlockable content, it's hard to find an extreme sports game that compares. PlayStation 2 owners definitely have the edge, but overall, the "Tony Hawk" series is now five for five, because "Tony Hawk's Underground" is yet another must-have title.

"Tony Hawk's Underground" (PS2)
Also available on GCN and Xbox.