- Search: More on Skate

Even with Tony Hawk entering his ninth year of skateboarding dominance (Proving Ground arrives next month), there's always room for something different. EA, eager to get its foot back in the skateboarding genre after its failed Street Sk8er series on the PlayStation, has gotten just that with Skate, a more realistic skateboarding simulation game. It doesn't body slam Hawk's games, but it does provide a start for what could blossom into a very endearing -- and popular -- franchise.

Word of warning to Tony Hawk players accustomed to the simple push-button style -- Skate operates NOTHING like that. Players can adapt to the changes quickly at the start of the game, thanks to a helpful tutorial system that explains the basics. Instead of using buttons to jump, or "ollie" (to obtain big air), you must hold down the right analog stick and push upward. From there, the tricks vary. A kickflip works with a more diagonal upward movement, while grabs, tweaks and grinds also require careful, realistic motions. The X and A buttons still find use here, but as "push-off" functions. The X button works the left foot to gain momentum, while the A button moves the right one. They don't really make a difference, but it's nice to have a choice. The trigger buttons allow you to grab the board, while using the right analog stick to tweak the grab.

Skate compiles a series of challenges you eventually check off, with multiple tricks and tasks to execute before unlocking a new section of the virtual city of San Vanelona. However, amateurs shouldn't chew their fingernails quite yet. While Skate does things differently, it doesn't punish you with a steep learning curve. Instead, it offers a progressive learning scale that gives you a sense of accomplishment upon completing certain goals. Sure, trying to finish a specific task a dozen times is a little frustrating, but don't give up. The reward becomes that much sweeter once you finally come through.

Visually, Skate holds its own right next to the Tony Hawk games. The camera, however, needed more work. It sits right behind the skateboarder on ground level. While this gives a wide view of San Vanelona and its many opportunities, it doesn't really give a heads-up on some obstacles just out of view or a stair set that might come up out of nowhere. Past that, the city sprawls out realistically, with bewildered pedestrians scampering about, traffic not giving a damn about your safety and security forces that won't hesitate in chasing down a punk skater. The animation looks impressive and the attention to particular details, such as painful-looking bails and the movement of parts on the board itself (the wheels) astounds. The replay editor comes in handy, too. Players can piece together their ideal skating video and then upload it via the EA Nation connection. It would've been nice to have custom camera angles available, rather than just the usual default setting, but you can't have everything.

The Create-a-Skater mode has plenty of appeal, with the ability to upgrade clothing and parts after earning cash. The game also supports online play through various modes, including slalom races and just cruising around in Free Skate. (Sometimes you just want to chill out and mess around with friends in real time, like in a real skate park.)

Instead of taking the safe route and gathering licensed tunes from today's biggest artists, EA put more thought into the soundtrack. Where else can you get down to N.W.A.'s "Express Yourself" one minute and Booker T & the MG's "Green Onions" the next? There's conventional stuff in here, too, including the likes of Agent Orange, the River City Tanlines, Nirvana and more. It's an eclectic mix that suits the game perfectly. In addition, skateboarding pros (and rookies) also provide comments to go along with the nicely themed ambience of San Vanelona.

These goodies aside, Skate doesn't achieve skating perfection. While San Vanelona is a huge city with lots to do, it would've been nice to cruise around other cities or exotic settings. Getting on a flight to Hawaii and grinding your way around the beach would have been sweet. Furthermore, as huge as the trick lexicon may be, not every move made the cut. Lip grabs are out of the picture; reverts simply can't be done (although manuals can); and the lack of hand plants will disappoint fans.

Still, this is a great start for EA. Skate's natural feel, excellent presentation and other various features make it such a life-like experience that you strap on knee pads and a helmet. Give it a few spins around the block.

- 8/10