Skate 2

You know what I miss? When you load up an EA game and the guy says, “EA Sports, it’s in the game”. I think they should bring that back, just thought I’d share that with you first.

The scene of Skate 2 returns us to a make-over city of New San Vanelona. Not much of a new approach in a skateboarding story line, so once again we’re starting from scratch to reach the stars. After a nicely pieced opening sequence (which I’m pleased to see that it’s not the usual FMV); follows the first phase of the game, character creating. I’m a huge custom whore and that meant I didn’t dip into the main element of the game until after an hour or so. Eventually the typical skater girl, finalized in a hoodie, cargo pants and DC shoe combination, armed with a loose truck, ‘Itsu – Horses’ skateboard deck complimented with Yinyang wheels was ready to go. Aww don’t you love the idealised versions of yourself in game? From that part alone, you’ll see half of what’s going to be Skate 2’s longevity factor, the incentive to earn money for more clothing, accessories and obviously the more you play, the more you unlock.

From what I’ve seen, EA had a lot of gamers bend over backwards from Tony Hawk’s four-button wonders and learning Skate furiously. You’re in for a steep learning curve in Skate 2 (unless you prepared with the first Skate), it will take a bit of patience to master the control system. Why do some of us go through it? Because of it’s intuitive realism and precision appeal. The pace is your choice, whether you’re new or need reminding there’s plenty to get you going. Aided by video tutorials and ‘trick guide’ upon consultation, Skate caters but also gives you freedom to explore.

The realism has no mercy, trust me. Your skateboard will react to every nook and cranny on the ground. One time I skated into a person lying on the floor (why he was lying on the floor, I don’t know), I tripped up, went somersaulting in the air and obliterated another guy where I landed (yes he disappeared!). It cost me a broken bone in the upper part of my left leg, thanks to the provided x-ray and they took away $50. Harsh but a good teaching that you should play better. Then again, you get bonus points for completing the check-list of injuries and pro tricks. Completion hungry and achievement gamers will be kept busy, be it for pleasure or pain.

A new feature brought by Skate 2 enables players to hop off the board and drag objects to enhance a skate spot for cooler tricks. Discovering this near the start of the game I’m sure you’ll be amazed by your superhuman strength of pulling around a gigantic skate ramp! There’ll be other moveable objects across the city but bear in mind, the light weight of things like bins and rails move about once you knock into them. Thankfully this moving object business isn’t a high factor in the game, it’s a bit annoying.

It’s not the correct EA title but I tried to ditch my skateboard at times and go free-running instead. Not just for pure cheek, this purposeful act made me realise something disappointing. Before I explain it further let tip you; should you lose your skateboard just press RT and use ‘the force’ to summon the skateboard back. Fragile rag doll physics is funny when your skater bails but it wasn’t funny when I pulled up a ramp backwards to make it parallel to a ledge, to set up for more air so I can ollie over two dumpsters. Stepping back off a frickin’ low ledge (which could be easily stepped down by any human!), my emotionless character pathetically slumped onto the floor. Upon respawn Skate 2 just wouldn’t let me simply climb back up that ledge, no! I had to go ‘all the way round’ across the other side of the dumpsters, following the uphill pavement to get back to my set up. The aspect of travelling off-board (with a mega slow run – may I add) is more a cruel chore than alternative choice.

Another niggle is the music,no not the tracklist itself (because War’s Lowrider is definately a winner). There’s a lack of dynamic to the game with the ambience levels. Personally I feel it’s too soft tone and loud, crisp straight-cut gaming jukebox would enhance hype and adrenaline to the game.

Despite that Skate 2 hasn’t really come far from the first, it’s still worth checking out. Especially for people who haven’t tried the series out already. The more you come to the manipulation of skateboarding from two analogue sticks, the further your rewards in gaming experience. Practice makes perfect and oh, how perfect you feel when the blood, sweat and tears create fantastic moments in replays and photos.