There's few games I've ever wanted more, that I've actually had higher hopes for, on account of my previous experiences with the series.
I admit, the last game in the series I tried was Underground 2 (which I loved), I missed out on American Wasteland, and the later games.
There's fewer games I've -wanted- to be both successful and thrilling to play than THPS, as I want to be lured back into skating games.
They're different, fun and something else all together than the shooters / sports games / rpgs I normally like. (especially rpgs).
My first experience having downloaded it and booted it up however ...was being kind of underwhelmed, I honestly expected a bigger budget game, or at least....
something that looks like it belongs on a next-gen system.
But then again, graphics aren't everything ,right? Though I admit it isn't ,and that gameplay -far- outstrips graphics in importance, this "blow"
had already made me a bit wary about how the rest of the game would play out.
First thing I -really- wanted to get my hands into, the tutorial, actually playing the game, trying stuff out...
Does it play at least a little bit like the original classics (if it hadn't, if I hadn't reckognized the game as "Tony Hawk" I would've been completely heartbroken) luckily? I wasn't.
It DOES play like Tony Hawk, if you remember how to grind, and do handstands in the originals, you'll soon get into things, which is awesome
Lots of things have been said about the new SLAM moves, some like, some don't, I honestly didn't mind something new, I half expected it. And though it's not something I use all the time in my playstyle, I enjoy having the choice to use it.
Unfortunatly, my next discovery was one I .....was really really ....disappointed/upset about/depressed over .
Character creation, or lack thereof.
In previous games, we've been able to enjoy playing a great group of pro skaters, yet for many, including me, the number one best feature is "Create a Skater"
Tony Hawk Underground and Underground 2 were amazing here, allowing lots of choices, not just on creating the skater's appearance, but skating -style- (borrowing from the pro skaters)
THPS 5 have more or less omitted/removed it's now "Customize Skater" , putting points into already existing pro skaters skills.
This is by far the one thing I -hate- the most about THPS 5, and the one feature I wanted the most.
The one feature that would've made it easy to forget about the game's other shortcomings. The one feature, I -hope- (but guess they won't) will add in the future.
The actual skating is fun, the create a park, something I really do enjoy.
This game really really would've deserved a proper budget (guess that may have been harder to achieve..I know) , a proper presentation, graphics, features, and playtesting ..'cause, there are bugs.
Thumbs down from me, and I'm really really really wished that wasn't so.
*disappointed fan
