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Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam ds Game Reviews
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
Critic Score
Metascore: 76 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
6.8 out of 10
based on 34 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 5 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam delivers an innovative and unique skateboard experience focused on head-to-head racing. The game allows players to feel the breakneck speed of downhill competition as they tear up the world's steepest terrains while performing tricks and outmaneuvering opponents in such locations as San Francisco, Machu Picchu and Hong Kong. Taking on the role of Tony Hawk or one of nine characters, players compete in time-based challenges in one of three gameplay modes including race, trick and slalom. [Activision]

PUBLISHER: Activision
DEVELOPER: Toys for Bob
GENRE(S): Extreme Sports
PLAYERS: 2
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: October 24, 2006

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

96
Game Chronicles
Downhill Jam might not make the most of the dual screens or the touch screen functionality, but I can’t imagine a better system to enjoy this type of game on. The sheer level of customization, stat tracking, and online potential will keep you skating throughout the holidays and well into next year.
Read Full Review
93
PGNx Media
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam manages to breathe new life into the franchise by focusing on downhill skating while still incorporating many of the tricks and technical skills found in the previous games.
Read Full Review
89
GameBrink
This is an A+ racer with new twists that will keep hardcore racers as well as Tony Hawk fans entertained for many hours both online and offline.
Read Full Review
88
N-Insanity
With virtually every facet of DJ featuring a sizeable amount of quality gameplay, it is no understatement to say that Activision’s latest offering is an undeniable success.
Read Full Review
87
IGN
The racing game is excellent even with its slight restrictions -- the designers have explored the core idea to give it a fantastic amount of variety.
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86
Cheat Code Central
If you like the single-player mode, you’re going to love the multi-player component.
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85
ZTGameDomain
While not as deep or engaging as the other titles in this franchise, Downhill Jam finally takes the series in a new direction. I can really see this becoming a nice offset from the traditional game and even enjoying some real success. Vicarious Visions has done an amazing job considering the limitations of the Nintendo DS.
Read Full Review
85
GameZone
A refreshingly different take on the series, with high-speed action and excellent online features.
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85
Digital Entertainment News
Easily the best TH on a portable Nintendo system. Well worth your time if you're a fan of the series. It may not be the best introduction to the series, but it's a great game nonetheless.
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83
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
It's great for Hawk's newbies but its stripped down nature won't please veterans who'll want more open worlds to explore. [Christmas 2006, p.86]
81
Gamers' Temple
A decent racer but it doesn’t feel like as much of a skateboard game as do previous Tony Hawk games.
Read Full Review
80
Gamestyle
It's different, but it's definitely a Tony Hawk game. And a really good one at that.
Read Full Review
80
Games Radar
We'd rather play this than the past two or three Tony games on PS2 and Xbox - Downhill Jam makes Tony Hawk seem fresh and exciting again.
Read Full Review
80
GameSpy
A decent title with quite a bit to offer and awesome multiplayer. It'll just have to be satisfied being labeled one of the weaker Tony Hawk games on the market.
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80
Gaming Nexus
Fans of previous Tony Hawk or skateboarding titles who like combos and big air are going to love this game. It might not be the most realistic game (300 foot long big air traveling through downtown Hong Kong?), but it is certainly a lot of fun.
Read Full Review
78
Worth Playing
A great game for skaters on the go, or fans of tricky, point-based play.
Read Full Review
77
GamerNode
Despite a few clipping issues and the cramped control style, I found Downhill Jam to be surprisingly good all-around.
Read Full Review
76
GamingTrend
The number of different challenges actually detracts from the gameplay instead of enhancing it. THDJ isn’t a bad game, but if you are expecting something similar to the other Tony Hawk games you might find yourself disappointed.
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75
Nintendojo
Fans may be turned off by the emphasis on speed and racing, but those willing to let go of their ideals will find an enjoyable experience.
Read Full Review
75
Nintendo Power
If you've haven't played a Tony Hawk game in a while, this is a decent edition to snatch up. [Jan. 2007, p.110]
75
DailyGame
A few quirks and maybe a bit too fast at times, but overall, an enjoyable game.
Read Full Review
75
NintendoWorldReport
There is a moderately fun, addictive quality to the single-player game as you churn through the objectives and gain familiarity with the expansive levels. The online features hold immense potential but so far seem crippled by sheer lack of participation.
Read Full Review
72
My Gamer
The learning curve can be an obstacle to enjoying it fully, but give it a little time and play it on easy first as the tutorials gradually teach you everything you need to know.
Read Full Review
70
Pocket Gamer UK
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam is an interesting take on boarding, but variety comes at the expense of true excellence.
Read Full Review
70
GameDaily
The thrill of downhill racing works, whether going at it solo or with friends in multiplayer. The trick system is more limited due to the nature of the game, and some graphical bugs do get in the way.
Read Full Review
70
1UP
No matter how hard it tries, Downhill Jam for the DS isn't its console cousin. It's barely a Tony Hawk game. That's why it works best when it's simply comfortable with what it actually is: something new entirely.
Read Full Review
69
GamingExcellence
Downhill Jam will stay in my skate pack for some time to come, and all I can hope for now is that others start picking it up too.
Read Full Review
66
GameSpot
The structure of the game is pretty sound, but moving the tricks into a racing scenario completely changes the game, and not always for the better.
Read Full Review
65
Gaming Horizon
If you’re expecting a revival in the franchise, then be prepared for a massive disappointment.
Read Full Review
63
eToychest
It’s too focused on tricks to be a good racer, yet not not enough to be a competent skating game either. As such, fans of either genre are advised to give this one a pass.
Read Full Review
60
EuroGamer
It does lots, and it does things reasonably well. It's just, well, it's doing the wrong things reasonably well.
Read Full Review
60
Modojo
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam isn't quite a classic, due to its simplistic nature and its slightly buggy interface.
Read Full Review
55
Extreme Gamer
If you enjoy games like "SSX Tricky" or if you're a certified skate freak then Tony Hawk Downhill Jam will please your adrenaline rush.
Read Full Review
45
WHAM! Gaming
As a supposed evolutionary member of the franchise, considering it's pretty much based on a single level from a seven year old game, Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam feels like complete regression.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 6.8 (out of 10) based on 5 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Joseph F. gave it an8:
A lengthy single-player mode with greater difficulties and an online mode that will keep you coming back for more, definitely worth the purchase.

Tim S. gave it an8:
Down Hill Jam . Really was looking forward to it , now that I have played it I am pleased. it reminds me of tony hawk meets ssx tricky . big air. snowboardish tony hawk levels . a real sense of speed . its like tony hawk turbo . start a grind. and hit turbo . do a manual and turbo . ride flat and turbo . better get good at using turbo . because the game expects that will be. -- and i must add . you can fully customize your characters with bitmap editors. your upper body and lowerbody are seperate bitmaps and your board .The game also lets you record a custom sound with the mic . and it can be used for different purposes in the game. that feature was very fun for me record myself saying a swear word and having it play when I wipe out . Good purchase . Amen

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