| What do you get when you combine Mario Brothers with Cool Boarders2? Tony Hawk Pro Skater by Activision takes the directed action of Cool Boarders2, adds the simple fun of Mario Brothers, and combines them in a series of interactive 3-D levels. Unusual surfaces can be used to perform stunts and often lead to hidden areas or to necessary goals. While the controls make performing simple tricks very intuitive, they are difficult to master and leave the player feeling as if he or she is randomly pressing buttons rather than consciously controlling the character. Each level has goals to be achieved, and, while most are innocent enough (i.e. get 40,000 points), some include bashing in "No Skating" street signs or breaking glass directories in a mall. One level requires the player to avoid aggressively driven taxis whose drivers make hostile comments. These elements play into the stereotype of rebellion and vandalism often associated with skating. The game does not, however, dwell on these and other minor elements, such as small splashes of blood after a serious fall. It remains focused on challenging the player to explore the levels and master dazzling tricks. The music is harsh and contains inappropriate lyrics. |
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