Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

Strikes a perfect balance between new and old and renders the two previous entries in the series almost completely obsolete in the process.

Neversoft’s conspicuously elite design ability has created some of the most challenging, yet most rewarding levels ever conceived in a skateboarding game. [Dec 2001, p.94]

Not only are the graphics significantly improved, they whisk by at a steady pace and feature larger levels with even more interactive environments.

The courses themselves are also graphical masterpieces. The size of the skating environments in THPS3 dwarfs the levels that were found in THPS2 and each level comes to life with rich detail.

Take the same awesome game play from the first two incarnations, pump up the frame rate to a blistering 60 frames per second, add larger more addictive levels that are full of life and imagination, and enhance the graphics.

This is THPS at its best. More fun? Can’t have it.

The introduction of the revert is a handy addition to you stunt arsenal, but it doesn't have the same game-changing effect that the manual had in number two. Which is good, as it adds an extra touch but doesn't meddle with a beautifully balanced control system.

A rare and beautiful thing, a nearly perfect game.

When it's all said and done, when your eyes have completely dried up after spending 7 straight hours obsessing over massive rail grinds, THPS 3 comes through on its promise to do next-gen justice to the series. There simply is no better skating game available, and for that matter, very few other games that compete, period.

The replayability is off the charts. [Dec 2001, p.168]

This game will not be completed in a weekend – this is one of those rare games that will take a lifetime to play. Not a biggie – you won’t soon be bored with it.

Freaking amazing!

One of the best console games I have played this year. It is that good. The online gameplay is fast with no lag or hiccups.

I simply know that as a total package there is no game on the planet that can captivate me more than THPS3 and for many hours on end no less.

Fast, smooth, detailed, and colorful...THPS3 simply makes the previous games of the series look like battered stepchildren.

The most rewarding, playable, and addictive game on the Playstation 2. Just wait until you see who the hidden characters are! Skateboarding stalwarts rejoice! [Dec 2001, p.86]

Should go down in history as one of the best twitch-fests on PS2. Yes, TH3 is that good. The perfect skating game remains just a tiny hair's breadth out of reach, but if you are not satisfied with your purchase of this game, head examinations are recommended.

Doesn't only look better; it also offers more realistic and fluid game play, along with a currently unequaled multiplayer mode that will keep gamers coming back for more.

The visuals are dazzling. Normally, you'd probably be frustrated after losing the 58,976 points you just racked up because you landed sideways. But in THPS3, you'll find yourself screaming, "Sweet!!" after marveling at how cool the pane of glass looked as you shattered it with your airborne body because you didn't land that kick flip.

Once you get used to it, however, tricks will come second nature, and you'll enjoy the view of the humongous levels, which explode in dazzling colors and glorified details.

It's blatantly obvious that the guys at Neversoft know exactly what they're doing.

Third grind is the charm.

At least as good as advertised, if not slightly better.

Like so many classics, the fun in Tony Hawk's 3 comes from being given a liberating amount of freedom.

Neversoft must have made a deal with the devil, because this series refuses to cool down. [Dec 2001, p.246]

If you loved Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 or 2 on any other system, and you are a PS2 owner, this is a must have.

Tony Hawk himself really likes the game and loves getting online with his PS2. You could end up playing against the "man" himself if you're the lucky type.

Everything to love from the first two Tony Hawk games is back, along with more outrageous levels and more outrageous combos thanks to the revert trick.

There's only one major new technique, which might be disappointing to some fans of the series.

What's so great about the game, apart from it looking and sounding so good on PS2, is the course design that you get to sample.

It’s simple if you loved the first two titles you need this one, newcomers may be put off as the game is beginning to get more complex.

Isn’t as well implemented as I’d have liked. Enjoyable, for certain, but lacking that unidentifiable combination of speed and ease of movement that makes games like this great, I can’t say that Tony Hawk was a truly excellent title.