Even though my dedication to the Hawk series has lasted nine years, I've got to admit Skate is just the game I've been hoping for. The first three games in the Hawk series were reasonably realistic, but then the series took a turn for arcade-like physics. In an interview, Hawk explained that his games are supposed to cater to gamers and skateboarders alike. I'm sorry to say, but nothing is fun about dressing up in an alien costume and collecting the letters of S-K-A-T-E within a time limit. Skate, on the other hand, focuses mainly on realism. The goals may not be 100% realistic, but it seems the gameplay is being formulated with simulation in mind. It's been a long, fun nine years, but I'm going to have to depart from the Tony Hawk series.