With the resurgence of the phenomena hand-in hand with the burgeoning interest in Snowboarding, it’s fair to say that these games have come quite a long way. Fuelled in popularity by the ‘counter-culture’ (as sociologists would have it) currently entrancing the nation’s youth, there’s bound to be a number of takers for this European debutant.

Number three is the most refined of the bunch, fans of the series will be pleased to hear, and the multi-platforms that THPS3 is available on is testament to the attentions of creators Neversoft, and publishers Activision. The game has numerous pretenders too, all of whom will be left reeling from the fluidity THPS3’s controls, the variety of tricks and combinations at your disposal – not to mention the array of entertaining Pro’s the game (videos of whom are revealed as incentives as your progress through the game) has on offer. Including the great man himself, of course.

The improvements to the controls over past editions are notable for being a better balance of ‘easy to pick up, but hard to master’, which should keep the fanatics interested and challenged, whilst still allowing for novices not to be too frustrated. The game hasn’t gone any more in the direction of ‘sim’ either, thankfully ensuring that the game remains light-hearted, and in the spirit of things. The new fluidity of movement has even resulted in a style which encourages more tricks, and this can only be a good thing.

As you may have already guessed, the aim of the game is to skate around a variety of differing courses at skate Parks, pulling impossible tricks for which you’ll be duly scored. The usual ‘Career mode’ features, and you’ll be pleased to note that the DVD media at Neversoft’s disposal has been crammed with Skate footage, as well as the Neversoft guys making arses of themselves. Which is entertaining.

The ever-essential is thankfully up to scratch too, featuring tunes from the likes of Alien Ant Farm, and generally offering an eclectic mix that should provide something for every taste. The luscious Xbox graphics are a wonder of course, though perhaps owing to the number systems it has been developed for, does not take full advantage still of the available. Having said that, it does put the ‘system link’ potential of the Xbox to good use, and in this way up to four Xbox’s can be linked should you have sufficiently wealthy friends to join you. It is a good laugh, of course.

So what else can you do? Well, you can dress your Skater, and equip him to your tastes and style, and this option has been expanded too. What’s more, you’ll find a number of hidden Players become available for your pleasure, including one in particular that is Xbox exclusive. I’ll give you a clue; it’s not Bill Gates.

All in all, THPS3 is by far the best of the bunch. It’s got the style, the balance, the tricks and the depth to amuse fans of this ever-growing genre for quite some time. This is certainly one that Xbox gamers will find a surprising joy to play, be they Skater or not.

90%

By Luke Guttridge