TONY HAWK'S UNDERGROUND 2

From the archive, first published Monday 27th Mar 2006.

FROM the beginning in an almost Jackass like way, violators imitating moves are warned that they will be smacked.

This is fittingly appropriate for Tony Hawk's Underground 2 is far more than just a sequel to the original THUG but rather a game that pays homage to stars of Jackass too.

Story mode sees Bam Margera and Tony Hawk battle it out in a world tour skating competition.

THUG 2 appears far faster than previous titles and offers a whole host of challenges and tasks that need to be completed for gamers to progress to the next level.

There are guest appearances from Steve-O, Phil Margera, Wee Man and many others!

If gamers skate for long periods of time they will notice that the level progressively fluctuates between night and day.

In addition to a massive story mode, gamers also have access to classic mode, where they must collect the letters "SKATE", pull off combos and score highly within two minutes.

Essentially THUG 2 is two games in one but that's not all. It also offers a brilliant soundtrack as ever featuring the likes of the recently deceased Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Lamb of God, Disturbed, and Rancid.

The focus control option allows gamers to slow down, Max Payne style, and pull off a massive combo, whereas the create mode let's gamers create nearly anything whether it's a skater, a park or some goals.

THUG 2 is crammed full of options as usual with the two player mode seeing the inclusion of "scavenger" mode alongside old favourites like "horse."

In short, THUG 2 is probably the best skateboarding game that will be released within the year.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £39.99

PLAYERS: 1-8

AGE RATING: 16+

GENRE: Skateboarding

FORMAT: PS2/XB/GC

GRAPHICS: 16/20

SOUND: 19/20

GAMEPLAY: 23/25

LIFESPAN: 20/25

ORIGINALITY: 7/10

OVERALL: 85%

TOP 10

1 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

2 Fifa 2005

3 Pro Evolution Soccer 4

4 Tony Hawk's Underground 2

5 Burnout 3: Takedown

6 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005

7 LMA Manager 2005

8 Star Wars: Battlefront

9 The Sims 2

10 Shark Tale

UPCOMING

Halo 2; Disney's Lilo & Stitch 2; Dragon Ball Z: Budokai III; Finding Nemo: The Continuing Adventures; Hot Wheels Stunt Track Challenge; NBA Live 2005

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