Tony Hawk 4 doesn't "feel" much like a Hawk game, but it's still lots of fun.
On the surface, THPS4 seems like a perfect sequel to a series widely regarded by skaters and non-skaters alike as one of the best in all of gaming. There's a huge slew of changes to the formula that aren't really evolutions in the vein of the revert and manual, but slight touch-ups on a formula that nears perfection. No longer do you have to repeat the same goals with all skaters: completing a goal with one pro completes it with all. Meanwhile, pro challenges, which are goals specific to each skater, will ensure you take all the skaters for a spin. Add in the elimination of the dreaded clock, an improved create-a-skater mode, and one of the best soundtracks in recent history, and this game seems like a sure bet, right?
Well, yes, but it's not as great as all the hype and praise may lead you to believe. The biggest problem with Tony 4 is that the career mode, with 190 goals, is a great evolutionary step in the way of Aggressive Inline, but many of the goals have little to nothing to do with what made the series great to begin with. While the other 3 Hawks were more or less action games, this one seems more like a "sit back, explore, chill" kind of thing. It's still a good game, but I went in expecting a continuation of the series, and found instead a title that seems almost like a different one all together. One more thing of note is the intro of the spine transfer: there's no real use for it, and it seems like the move was thrown in along the "we have to have a new move in this sequel, too" line of thinking.
Since this game is multiplatform, the differences should be discussed: While XBox does have cleaner graphics and custom soundtracks, the PS2 features tighter control and online play. It's up to you to decide which of these features is most important.
No matter what version of the game you opt to buy, THPS 4 is a worthy sequel to a series that has stood the test of time. It just happens to be a lot different from the other entries.
-George
Company Line
The world's best skateboarding game reinvents itself to give users the real life experience of a hardened amateur skater. A completely new career mode and Go Pro theme compliments the same elements that have made Tony Hawk's Pro Skater a phenomenon. Players will claw their way up through the amateur ranks to prove themselves in the professional world of skating.
Features
Spankin' New Career Mode - Completely new, non-linear career mode lets players choose the goals they want to accomplish. Challenge pros head-to-head to beat their best tricks, take off to a competition, or just skate solo to conquer a gap.
Living Worlds - Evolving levels change depending on the specific skater's goals and accomplishments. Players can toggle different skate elements on and off (quarter pipes, benches, kickers) to change up lines.
Go Pro - Players must make their way through the game as an amateur and then conquer their pro's special challenge to unlock the more difficult professional world.
New Upgraded Skatepark Editor - The new, upgraded Ultimate Skatepark editor allows user-set objectives like high scores, hidden tapes, and combo completion. Players can create a dream park and give it to a friend to session.
Skate Like a Pro -Players can skate as Tony Hawk or one of 12 other top pros. Choose from an ultimate team of street and vert skaters including Elissa Steamer, Jamie Thomas, Rodney Mullen, Eric Koston, Steve Caballero, Andrew Reynolds, Rune Glifberg, Geoff Rowley, Bam Margera, Kareem Campbell, and Bucky Lasek. Plus, Bob's back! Brazilian favorite, Bob Burnquist, returns to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater family.
Improved Physics - Improved skater physics and animations now allow skating on moving objects like cars, trucks or cranes. New improvements also include more realistic balancing, bails, and board dynamics.
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