An Great game with only minor flaws; perfect for a portable system. This review is medium sized, and friendly.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS:
I had no idea such a large game could fit on a handheld. Honestly, when you first pop it in and start playing the first level, it feels like it's console big brothers, but on a smaller screen. It feels so natural controlling your waddling little hero when he's on foot; the freedom is astounding: jump and climb your way on buildings, spine transfer from insane heights to get huge air, massive combos, create-a-character--- it's all there, and then some. With added new features like "focus" (slows time), the possibilities endless greatly. This game is wacky and fun, with levels that have many places to explore and rack up a huge combo.
GAMEPLAY:
The gameplay is enjoyable, and almost flawless. The skating is pretty easy to get into after awhile, but harder to master. Racking up huge combos are challenging at first, but stick with it and you'll be surprised how good you become, fairly quickly. Just as cool, is the ability to run around, as seen in previous Underground games. It is EXTREMELY vital to the gameplay when going to long combos and such, and is always a safe bet when attempting to reach high places on the levels. However, this is where i have my one major gripe. Since there is no second analog stick on the PSP, there is no way to change the camera views when your walking other then going forward. This can make things very tedious when trying to get to higher places and climb to buildings and such. Still other than that I can see no more major problems with the gameplay. The skating is pretty much a replicate of the console games, and is generally fast and smooth.
GRAPHICS:
This is one area with this game that excels remarkably. Considering the large size of the detailed levels graphics are very clean, sharp and colorful. I would say they are pleasant, and easy on the eyes, but not remarkably rich with shiny surfaces and lighting effects or whatnot, but still are nice and above par.
CONCLUSION:
Truly, this game is amazing. Your library will benefit greatly, always giving you the option to explore a little, maybe complete a challenging goal, or just plain skate around. Surprisingly, the gameplay never really gets dry, even after weeks. You will like it. It's fun, quick, fresh, and it is a great change of pace compared to many other PSP games available. Personally, I love this game, and give it just as much time as games like Ridge Racer. Check it out, you wont be disappointed.
Thank you for reading my first review I hope it was informative and easy to read. Sorry it's not as long and detailed as it should be, but I only had a short window of time to write it. Check back soon for future reviews, as I buy many of the most popular games. Also, add me to you friends lists if you want and I can contact you with links to more reviews and stuff as I write them.