The Tony Hawk skateboarding series has long been a must for wannabe skaters, and the latest edition is the most enjoyable for some time. Starting as a lowly ranked amateur boarder, your aim is to become one of the top eight skaters in the world, thereby winning a place in the mysterious Project 8 team, headed by Hawk, a character based on the real-life champion skateboarder. You do this by taking part in various tricks and competitions, and impressing other skaters with your moves.
Skating is all about freedom and the Xbox 360 version of the game gives you licence to explore a large number of inter-linked city districts, venturing where you wish and pulling off tricks such as grinds and ollies on every available kerb or stairwell. However, in versions for older consoles such as the PS2, the game is divided into smaller levels, each a particular street scene or city area.
Although Project 8 delivers a much higher level of visual realism than previously achieved, it is not radically different from its predecessors. But there are a few cool twists, such as the "Nail the trick" mode, which you can engage when you are in the air doing a normal trick. The camera will then zoom into your feet and go into slow motion, allowing you to carry out a more complicated trick to win extra points.
This is addictive stuff, and for once it's worth paying extra for the 360 version.
£30-£50. Age 12+