Total Game Boy
28th June 2000
Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Activision
Machine: Game Boy Color
Published in Total Game Boy Issue 09
It's time to skate or die!
Tony Hawk's Skateboarding
Scream for joy - the one and only Tony Hawk has finally turned tricks to the Game Boy Color. It may not be up to the standards of its bigger brother but it has a lot of fun trying! This pocket version of Tony Hawk's Skateboarding is split between two different games - the Half-pipe and the exciting Downhill courses. These can be tackled separately against a computer, a friend or, if you're up to it, in Tournament mode, which is tough to say the least.
The ramp game is fairly repetitive as it involves nothing more than going from side to side on the screen performing tricks - the real fun lies is with the Downhill Racing mode. This fast and furious race through themed levels is a superb adrenaline rush! It's not just racing either, because whilst caning it down the obstacle-filled track, you can grind along rails and go for grabs off scattered ramps.
Unfortunately, it's with the tricks where this game bails out, because not only are there a limited variety of tricks on offer, but they can also break up the otherwise fluid gameplay. The reason? Well, when you pull a trick on the racing levels the game freezes to show you a still picture of your chosen character performing said trick. The pictures look good but animation would have been more suitable.
Whatever you do, don't buy this game expecting a hand-held version of the PlayStation or N64 games. It's good for a laugh, but it's not a riot all the way.
Second Opinion
Errgh! This game makes me feel sick! The constant swinging from side to side as Tony does his stuff on the ramp is enough to make Captain Birdseye seasick!
There's nothing too impressive about Tony Hawk's Skateboarding really. It looks like the software company had to produce a Game Boy version to complete the set, so they rushed this out.
Verdict
Graphics 100%
Some above-average graphics.
Sound 60%
Nothing amazing really.
Playability 80%
Great fun to play, but can get dull.
Lastability 60%
Fun for short bursts.
Overall 64%
Not bad, but not a great ollie forward.