THUG 2 adds some new features and style to a series which is becoming a pale imitation of it's former self. Tony Hawks Underground 2, or THUG 2 is actually the 6th title in the series in as many years from Skating visionaries Neversoft. The change in name with last year's Tony Hawk's Underground brought a significant change in how the game was presented and played, and THUG 2 carries on this tradition. Major changes included a free skate system, the removal of the all too quick 2 minute timer, and a chance to bask in and enjoy the large surroundings. It also included an over the top and stereolystic story mode which was like a lost epidode of cult television series, Jackass. THUG 2 is more of the same, but somewhat more refined.

THUG 2 begins with a World Destruction Tour, with your custom created Skater mixing it up with skating legends like Tony Hawk, Bam Margera and the like. They all lend their voices and tricks to their characters, and come off being likeable and believable - something that may suprise you. Changing gameplay from a singular character centric Skateboarding champion to a team based challenge shakes up the way the game is presented, and in cases played, and also gives a lot more variety than ever before.

Starting in a Warehouse where you become knowledgable in the basics, you are then let loose on far ranging environments, from Barcelona to Australia. The setup is much the same in all cities though, with the "World Destruction Tour" not being just a cool name, but points awarded for actually smashing stuff up. However, wth only a handful of levels, the Story Mode is rather short, and veterans of the series will easily be able to glide through. This isn't the only thing going for the game though.

While not present in the Xbox version (where online play is almost seen as mandatory), the PS2 version once again triumphs in it's Multiplayer Modes. Including online and system link, as well as split screen, all the modes from THUG make a return (trick attack, score challenge, combo mambo, slap, king of the hill, firefight, graffiti and capture the flag), and including 2 new modes, Elimiskate and Scavenger Hunt for up to 8 players. Elimiskate is like a knockout style race through the city, checking off varius checkpoints, awhile Scavenger Hunt is just as it's name says, charging you to race around collecting coins before the rest. They are good modes, and add a great deal to the replayability of THUG 2.

Another inclusion is Classic Mode, with the return of the 2 minute timed courses, including several from the story mode, and some from previous games in the series. It's an interesting addition, and one surely to please fans of the series, though it's sad to see that Neversoft didn't work so much on brand new content for THUG 2, as this is all recycled from previous games. However, if you haven't played these before, its a welcome addition. You'll find yourself racing around some of the most popular courses from games all the way back to the Downhill Jam course that appeared in the very first Tony Hawk. All the new moves and tricks can be used here, so it is interesting to experiment with all the new tricks and try out new combos. No doubt some people will try to incorporate some new things with combo centric areas they all remember.

New tricks include the Sticker Slap, by pressing the jump button while flying straight in to a wall, you slap a sticker (which you can personally design) and fly back into the previous direction. This is one of the better trick inclusions, and will allow for some very neat combos. You may also execute vertical Wall Plants, giving you bigger air (though this isn't needed as much as you may think), a Natas Spin trick which will allow you to spin like a top on a pointed object, and graffiti tags, where you can hop off your board and tag different points of the city. All these moves are explained to you, and are even incorporated into goals.

However, this is a point where the game fails, you will become too dependent on checking the Goals screen to learn what it is to do next. There is no indicator, and there isn't a NPC to let you in. The Goals screen has a small indicator and a tip on what you need to do, and it's a shame that the game isn't more helpful in letting you know what you should be doing. Changing between characters in game is relatively easy though, but you do need to find them before you can access their individual goals for the level. Not all of them will be riding skateboards though, with things like a riding mchanical bull (on wheels) an a motorised scooter being just some of the gameplay changes. This is mainly window dressing though, they play somewhat differently, and even look good, with new tricks and interesting new ways to combo, but it doesn't add significantly to the gameplay, or the story.

When stacking it, you can also "Freak Out" allowing you to show your frustration at losing that 20k plus combo by snapping your board. This is just a ridiculous addition which should have never made ti past beta, it is only amusing once, and is more of an annoyance later. Thankfully, the meter requied to fill to complete this trick is up to you, so at least you have control over your anger in this situation. It is fun to show off to friends though.

The Playstation 2 version also shines with the inclusion of EyeToy connectivity, allowing you to map your face in game. You can also use a digital camera still, and these usually look better, though it takes time. This feature was also in last years THUG, and works in exactly the same way. It's kind of funny to be able to skate online against your friends who look like they do in life, and it certainly brings a great deal of personality to the generally fast paced action.

THUG 2's visuals hold up pretty well, and support wide screen and Doly Digital setup's. The PS2 version takes a hit here, and especially in widescreen, as the environment distance becomes blurry and even foggy. This is a shame in a game that is as fast as Tony Hawk, but those playing on a regular television won't have a problem. Naturally the sound and look of THUG 2 is better on Xbox, and if you aren't into online play, is the version worth recommending. The control will take some getting used to though, with the 4 shoulder buttons offered on the PS2 controller giving tighter gameplay. Its not impossible to get adjusted though.

The skaters and environments are fairly solid, and the frame rate is steady, without dipping even when a lot is happening on screen. The sense of speed is pretty good, and the high jumps and great air really suspending your belief. The look of THUG 2 is pretty fresh as well, with a Bam Margera, Mexican style tinge, not at all like the fomulaic feel of previous games. The environments aren't particularly large though, but there are many hidden secrets.

The Audio in THUG 2 is particularly good, with a great variety of music, from bands like Metallica, The DOC, Ween and, wait for it, Frank Sinatra. Over 50 tracks are included, with thte ability to remove any tracks from the playlist you dislike. The Xbox version also supports Custom Soundtracks. The sound effects are fairly solid, but are again recycled from previous games. Some new environmental effects have been added, but this occasionally gets drowned out by the music. You might want to adjust the volume settings in game until you find a setting that's good for you. However, the skaters all deliver their lines well, and the dialogue is pretty hilarious, and always entertaining.

Overally, THUG 2 is another solid entry into the long running series. It does recycle old staples from the series, but the style and general fun of the game can't be ignored. For those with their PS2's online, you will have a good long time online, but even without, the many hidden gaps and secrets will have you playing for weeks, and the split screen isn't too bad. The create a skater, park, graphic, deck and sticker modes will have you scratching at your creative itch for some time as well, and the core gameplay of the Story and Classic modes is still solid and enjoyable. This is a good title for those who have missed some of the previous games, and series veterans will appreciate the new Story focus and the chance to play through old favorites. If only I didn't feel like I had done this so many times before, the score would have been better but nonetheless, this is a solid skating title that you would be a fool to miss.