Gaming Target - Xbox: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

Written by Ryan Smotherman on February 12, 2002

First Impressions: And the trilogy is completeЕ err, maybe not...

The third installment of Activision's insanely popular Tony Hawk series has already made its way to almost every gaming console and has earned high marks from both Sony and Nintendo Target. With the PS2 version earning an astounding 10 out of 10, while the Gamecube version received a just as respectable 9.5, Xbox owners have been stuck with 2X wondering Ц Уwhere's my Hawk 3?Ф Not to worry my fellow Xbox devotees, your Hawk 3 will be hitting the shelves next month, with Xbox enhancements to boot.

Honestly, there really just isn't a lot to say about this game. The series has been so popular and so inspiring over the past few years that just about everyone who plays games on a regular basis has had their fix of the games pure addictive nature. Of course, with a sequel you're going to need enhancements that make the game worth a purchase over the previous installment, and when it comes to gameplay, this can sometimes be a tough thing to do. With Tony Hawk 3, you'll have basically the same gameplay found in the previous titles, but with many new tricks, and most noticeably, the Revert move. This is without a doubt the biggest addition to the game. Sort of in the same category as the manual, the Revert basically lets you swing your board around in the opposite direction, allowing you to link more tricks for maximum combo potential. Plus, you'll also notice that the games physics engine is much more life-like, and the environments will be more active than ever, with many pedestrians and vehicles littering the streets.

Along with Tony, you'll also see all your favorites, and a few new faces, joining in the mix. All the characters include the following: Elissa Steamer, Jamie Thomas, Rodney Mullen, Eric Koston, Chad Muska, Kareem Campbell, Steve Caballero, Andrew Reynolds, Rune Glifterg, Geoff Rowley, Bucky Lasek, and Bam Margera (from MTV Jackass fame). Like in the previous versions, you'll be able to take your character through a massive career mode (which will be greatly improved), tear it up with no worries in the Free Skate mode, race for a two minute single session, or take on some friends in a variety of multiplayer options. The game is also supposedly going to support online play, but seeing as the online network will not be up next month, this won't be possible, atleast not immediately. So guys, get your Gamespy Tunnel software geared up, for Tony Hawk 3 will no doubt support LAN play. And lastly, we can't forget about the infamous Create-a-Player feature, which will also be much improved, allowing many new ways to design and personalize your own unique character.

Everything I've mentioned to far can be found in the other version of the game, so where's those Xbox enhancements I promised? Well, here ya go. Along with the 9 new massive levels in the game, the Xbox edition will also include a few extra levels not found in the other versions. While not vastly improved, expect this version to also pack the most impressive visual Уpunch of the bunchФ, however, this should be expected seeing as the Xbox hardware is superior. And finally, I can't for get the advantages the Xbox's built-in hard drive grants us. Everyone will surely appreciate the faster loading times, not to mention the rip feature that allows you to put any song you want onto the Xbox hard drive for use in the game along side the already massive soundtrack.