The first SKATE never really stuck with me I got 1/2 way through and found that the environment and mechanics got stale. Now it might be that I never truly got the hang of the controls the first time around (partially true), whatever the case I just didn't find myself coming back time and again as I expected. The new SKATE game feels entirely the opposite, the layout of SV is an addictive blast, the easier to use PLACE a MARKER feature is an essential for the forgiving restart event system that has you trying every challenge one more time until you check it off. The controls are finely tuned and really the heart of the game, truck adjustments really make a difference if you are turning too loosely or vice versa. And the flick system opens up simply and then just keeps getting better as you perfect the usual set of fliptricks,grabs etc.. and really feels good as things like manuals,footplants,hippy jumps,caveman drops,skitching fall into place naturally within the control system. Most satisfying of all is the double handed tuck down steep runs. The thrasher hall of meat is back and wrecks are a twisted affair as you can send your skater flailing on purpose into all sorts of gory mayhem. The challenges feel like older skating titles at times but offer the right amount of reward and challenge level for the most part as well as a nice amount of variety, street races etc. The details are all top notch with a soundtrack that almost feels played rather than old school, SFX and voice over work are above average though. I am not a big fan of the SECURITY GUARDS that police parts of the game and the collision system with them can be buggy, (it is the only place I have had the game freeze on me).The character builder also really makes a pretty goofy looking face no matter what you do. But with controls like this who cares, just kicking around this game for awhile can be an ultra addictive experience This one is so good I wish I could try the online offerings out but as it is the single player is more than worth it.

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i personally think the first one is better, but if like skate i would buy this one for the extra tricks and the different areas to skate.. You can download some of the levels from the first one.

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I love this game, the story offers many paths from doing danny way 100 foot gaps to draining pools and uncapping rails. I love the graphics and physics of this game, also the swing stick trick ability is wonderful. The online modes whether they're ranked or freeskate offer flexibility and fun to anyone who enjoys pulling backflips and quad-heelflips. I bought this game knowing nothing about the skate series, and it will never leave my game room, absolutely amazing game, 5/5.

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I got this game never playing skate. The opening is cool and that's really it. I suggest you go rent this game and never buy it.

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all i have to say is that the controls for this game are the worst of any game i have ever played, i miss the good FUN games of the old tony hawk games but this is just crap..... but it is better then the new tony hawks lol

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When Skate came out last year, it was revolutionary. With smooth controls, video editor etc. etc. Skate 2 is not attempting to re-invent the wheel. If you want to get a feel of the Skate 2, download the demo. Demo is a very good representation of the game. If you never liked the first one, there isnt any thing revolutionary to bring you on boat. But if you played the first one to death and wanting more, jump-in. Skate 2 is a fine tuned version of original Skate. New areas allow you to try more tricks, buttery smooth online play and much more.

One big complaint is not all the features from last year is there, film effects is now a DLC !!!!. You have better camera controls for replay editing. You can create your own play ground by moving objects. The new features are not fully flushed out, why is it so sloppy when the character is on foot. Some of the new tricks are just there are marketing bullet point. Graphics engine is exactly the same as last year. There is lot of room to improvement and devs could have done a lot more. Now I have complained enough, the good parts. The game controls are super smooth. You can also control your hands and foot in jump. Online is very similar to burnout, you can jump in and out at will. If you have never played Skate before, must buy. It is a nice fine tuned re-release of original skate. I would like to see a lot more in Skate 3. After playing for couple of hours, I dont want to go back to the old one. I love the second version, It is better than the first version in every aspect.

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