A solid game with unique features and a superb soundtrack
I owned this game on the only platform it was available on,Playstation.At the times,the tricks,sounds,and graphics impressed me because of the day and age we were in in terms of gaming.
In tournament mode(or whatever its called),you can play as a pro skater or a custom skater.I prefered skating as a pro,because the custom skaters were just.....ugly.They looked strange and the customization was horrible.Anyways,the pro skaters offered weren't as big as the names in TH,but had good skills and were easy to play within the game.My personal preference of a skater was Daewon Song.You start out in New York,a pretty big levels with simple tech lines that never were too hard.
That's one thing that the game had that Tony Hawk didn't;tech lines.They were basically grinds,jumps,or any other kind of trick that gained you time and respect.They were in three degrees;easy,medium,and hard.They gave you either 5,10,or 20 seconds.This aspect made the game much easier to beat and play,but was also a great aid to the gamer.
Respect was also used in place of money,like in Tony Hawk.In each level,you must earn a certain amount of points to progress,and in each level,there's a total 40 points which you can earn.The goals put against you are incredibly easy at times and fun to beat,but sometimes offer up a real challenge,like in the other levels,such as Atlanta or Detroit.
In the game,there are a total of two tournaments you must place in the respect and,if you place first,earn a key to the dream house.The Dream House is simply a multi level skate area that is impeccably designed.Anyways,these levels are Slam City Jam and Huntington Beach.The tech lines count for you,but aren't counted for respect.
As a whole,this game is excellent.It's got a unique way of leading to a skater's ultimate success without channeling Tony Hawk in every way.The soundtrack was another thing.The music wasn't just Alternative or Punk Rock,but some Rap and R&B thrown in as well.The songs featured were ones you wouldn't tire of hearing,and just worked well with the game.THe graphics were fine as well.The game featured smooth cut lines and good control.
I personally love this game.I can play it over and over and still find new challenges.There's no real flaws with the game in my opinion.
Bottom line,Grind Session is a game I'll continue to play for years to come.It's fun,different,and one of my personal favorites.