Better than on PS2, I didn't think it could happen!
Its an open world sandbox game with deeper combat options than most, full of options to dispatch your enemies, including tackles, headbutts, and a few wresting grapples. The world is pretty massive, and will take some time to fully explore. Maybe its just me, but the environments seem to be expanded pretty majorly from the PS2 version. There are a few vehicles you can use to explore the campus and the surrounding town including a skateboard, bicycles, go-carts, and scooters.
The graphics have been revamped significantly. An all new lighting/shadow system has been added, along with high resolution textures. It still doesn't compare to most Xbox 360 games, but thats not the point, and that's probably a big part of its price.
This game has more general character and spirit than almost any other game I've played. NPC's are all pretty believable characters in their universe. Playing this really takes you back. Its like being in high school all over again, but if you want to shove someone into a locker you can, you want to pinch your teachers behind as she walks past? go for it! you wanna watch the hall monitor (prefect) fall in your scattered marbles, only to be shot down by your bottle rockets when he chases after you?? no problem! There is great variety of people to interact with, each group with their own members and unique personalities: jocks, nerds, preppies, bullies, greasers, teachers, townies, carnies.
Its the Grand Theft Auto of the schoolyard, complete with no killing, and the lack of anything too offensive. During its development, this was quickly becoming one of the most controversial games in years. Upon its release, all the soccer moms and political wives with nothing better to do than scapegoat video games were slapped in the face by a harmless romp down memory lane, with a few complimentary wedgies.
Add in a surprisingly good story full of twists that goes through the whole school year and a cast rivaled by very few games, and you have yourself the answer to your open-world thirst. Next to GTA IV and Just Cause, this is your best bet.