Evolution Skateboarding (PlayStation 2)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 2.0 stars Mediocre
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 4.0 (2.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Jeff Gerstmann
• Reviewed on: 10/15/2002
• Released on: 10/09/2002
• Originally published on GameSpot: Evolution Skateboarding (PlayStation 2) Review

Evolution Skateboarding is a dull sequel to Konami's last dull skateboarding game, ESPN X Games Skateboarding. The main difference in this year's edition of the game is that Konami no longer has the ESPN license, so the X Games events from the previous game are nowhere to be found. In their place, the developers have added something completely new to skateboarding games: boss battles. But neither that nor the presence of Konami's most famous character as an unlockable bonus in the game can save Evolution Skateboarding from its awful gameplay.

Like every other skateboarding game on the market, Evolution Skateboarding's main mode has you first picking a skater and then moving from level to level, completing level-specific goals as you go, often by performing various tricks. The game contains a handful of pro skaters, including Rick McCrank, Arto Saari, Mark Appleyard, Danny Way, Colin McKay, Stevie Williams, Kerry Getz, and Chris Senn. You can also create your own skater using parts that are unlocked as you play the game. Some hidden skaters are also included, the most notable of which is Metal Gear Solid's Solid Snake, who actually isn't much of a hidden secret, considering there are pictures of him on the back of the box. Actually unlocking Mr. Tactical Espionage Action, however, is easier said than done.

The game has a collection of different levels, and some even have multiple configurations, depending on which skater you're using. Each level has the standard set of generic goals, such as performing a multitrick combo, reaching a certain score point, breaking or collecting a series of items, or performing large combos in front of photographers. The levels are pretty dull in design and scope, and many of the goals--specifically the checkpoint goals, which simply ask you to reach a series of checkpoints in a certain order--are poorly designed. The only level really worth mentioning is a skate-enabled version of Metal Gear Solid 2's Big Shell, which has some charming features, such as patrolling CYPHER robots that you must smash before they blast you with their machine guns. The game's boss battles seem promising at first, as they pit your skater against a large foe such as a runaway truck, a tank, or a giant spider. However, they lack any real challenge, merely forcing you to grind on certain parts of the enemy until its life meter is depleted.

Continue reading

Where to buy

Evolution Skateboarding (PlayStation 2): $19.99

store	price	in stock?	rating
	$19.99	Yes

see prices from 1 store

Compare prices for Evolution Skateboarding

GameQuest

$19.99