Evolution Skateboarding - PS2

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Evolution Skateboarding (PS2)
Also for: PC, GameCube
Viewed: 3D Third-person, over the shoulder Genre:
Sport: Skateboard
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Konami Soft. Co.: Konami
Publishers: Konami (GB)
Released: 21 Feb 2003 (GB)
Ratings: 11+
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Vibration Function Compatible

Summary

Going up against the unstoppable Tony Hawk's Skateboarding series was never going to be an easy task, which is why Konami has taken a fairly different approach with its latest skate sim Evolution Skateboarding. All the usual features can still be found though, like the game's eight expansive environments, littered with ramps, rails and slopes but the proceedings take on more of a structured direction, giving players a series of objectives to complete as well as a rather unique 'Boss' mode.

The game itself forces the player to use the 70 moves at their disposal to defeat a huge series of adversaries. These include giant spiders and runaway trucks, with the player using their board as a weapon to counter the threats. Successfully completing each level then unlocks the next, harder stage and reveals previously hidden items as an additional bonus.

As we have come to expect these days, an extensive character creation centre is included, which allows, via a simple menu system, for the design and customisation of riders, decks and certain signature moves. Alternatively, there are also eight professional boarders to choose from, including Danny Way, Arto Saari and Stevie Williams.

Not wanting to disappoint its cool and streetwise target audience, Konami have fulfilled the obvious duties with regard to musical content, packing into the game a 12-track soundtrack featuring the likes of Stereo MC's, Primus, The Dickies, Peanut Butter Wolf, and Agent Orange.

With the inclusion of a two-player, split screen mode and a comprehensive replay feature, Evolution Skateboarding has everything you'd want from an extreme sports title. While it may lack the 'serious skate' factor of the Tony Hawk series, it's still cool enough to warrant some attention.