With an overhead isometric view and its use of only four buttons, Hawk vets will need to readjust their attacks. Still, we were amazed by how many tricks have been crammed into this cartridge. For the most part, the visuals are clear and detailed and the skaters are incredibly well animated.

Gameplay hasn't changed much. Initially, there are six levels available (more are unlocked as rewards). After picking a skater, you must perform tricks and locate items to earn loot for buying new gear, which will enable you to improve your skater's stats and continue to the next skate park. The game is sadly without some of the cooler features of the big consoles. For example, you cannot create parks or skaters, and multiplay is sorely missed.

The feeling of accomplishment one gets when perfectly landing a stunt is just as satisfying on the GBA as it is on the PS One and Dreamcast versions. Even folks who don't like skateboarding games will think Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is a great (and addictive) achievement for the handheld platform. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Incredibly fluid and detailed graphics
• Responsive controls
• Many, many tricks

• Somewhat steep learning curve for all gamers, even Tony Hawk vets
• Missing features of older versions, such as player and park creation
• No multiplayer feature