Tony Hawk's American Wasteland

We take the PC version out...

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Our old friend Tony is back again, but no, not in a whole new game, just the same one ported for PC gamers, to whom American Wasteland has been released near on five months after its console debut. For those of you who aren't in the know, Tony Hawk's American Wasteland pits the skills of a rookie skater against the trials and tribulations of Los Angeles' and the world's elite 'boarders. Except, before any of that happens he's got to first earn some serious street cred', a mark of respect that comes only by completing a progressively difficult array of grinds, jumps and point-grabbing, er, grabs.

In a deviation from all previous Tony Hawk's games, American Wasteland is set in one expansive environment instead of numerous level-based missions. In theory, the whole of Los Angeles is at your disposal and every inch, of the game's slick advertising recalled with a puffed out chest and an ear-to-ear grin is accessible 'without loading screens!' This was true to an extent, in that there weren't strictly any blank 'Please wait... loading' displays, but instead there were some suspiciously long, lifeless corridors and subways between different areas of the city that had every player wondering whether their existence as a substitute for 'no loading screens!' was really any better.

The fairly long awaited PC version of the game pulls pretty much the same stunt, because, whether or not a loading screen is necessary or not, being a direct port from the console versions means that the game's map is the same, boring corridors and all. And since we're on the subject of similarities, for better or for worse the game also plays identically to its console counterparts. Highlights include a nicely constructed story mode which succeeds in making you feel part of the game rather than a distant spectator. The effect is aided by a fairly standard 'customise your character' mode that allows the player groom and dress the game's rebellious protagonist.

And in nearly every other area of the game things are the same. There's still a fine selection of punk 'rawk' and hardcore music provided by some of the genre's most popular bands... if that's your cup of tea. The same Tony Hawk's style of gameplay remains that includes the Classic mode, a more mini-mission based part to the game involving tasks that include collecting the floating letters that spell out S-K-A-T-E, performing a points target and of course, finding the secret videotape. However, with the good also comes the bad, manifested most annoyingly in the story mode which holds your hand the whole way through with overly helpful hints and tips, making it frustratingly easy for Tony Hawk veterans and a lack of a challenge for newcomers.

In fact, the only noticeable differences between the PC version of THAW and any of the console offerings is the look of the game and option on online play for up to eight players, (which the GameCube edition lacked). Otherwise, the PC version looks sharper than the PS2 and GC versions, but that's something that's bound to be expected. In summary, if the PC is your gaming platform of choice and you've been itching for a bit of skateboarding action, then American Wasteland isn't a bad choice at all, (until the next inevitable Tony Hawk's game, of course). However, if you've already got American Wasteland on another platform then there's really no reason to merit splashing out with another thirty-quid to play something you already have, just because it looks a bit flashier.

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By Andrew Macarthy