Skate 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) Preview
Posted by Chad Alan on 01.03.2009
If it ain't broke, add more....
With the success of 07's Skate, EA Black Box is keeping the mojo flowing. While keeping the basics the same about the game, there are a few things that are getting a little fine tuning. At the top of that list appears to be the city of San Vanelona itself. Being completely rebuilt by some faceless corporation, the city seems as though the architect is a skateboarder in his off time. The city may seem as organic as any other California coastline city, yet it has the heart of a skater underneath it. A true street thrasher can see the lines and trick spots set into the city. Yet, while skating through these areas you will probably think to yourself, "Man, that picnic table would be awesome set at an angle against that wall so I could grind down it and hit that rail." Well, wish no more, not only has the ability to step off your board been added, you can also grab any object that isn't nailed down. With no snap grid or zone limits so you can take an object anywhere through out the city and place it where ever and however you like.
Another addition to this young franchise is the ability to create a female skater. Now all you gals don't have to watch a guy perform those tricks you just broke your thumbs for to pull off. Maybe those GIRL shirts will make a little more sense now too. The film editor has also had some work done. The UI has been de-cluttered and the feature set from the previous game has returned with a few enhancements. Camera control has been improved upon so now you can get more precise shots with the tripod shot and options to fine tune the perfect angle.
The controls for the skating itself have received some minor tweaks as well. The basic scheme is still there and only one new button has been added. EA Black Box wanted to make the kickflip and ollie fun again with the first game. Having done that, they now want to give you more. With the basic move set like the kickflip and 50-50 in place they had time to throw in some lesser known moves like the boneless or hippie jump.
It seems as if Black Box has done what few other developers have been able to do recently, leave the basics of a great game alone and put in new stuff on top of that. I for one will be in line to see what kinda tricks I can show off in video on EA's Skate site when this game releases this January.
Another addition to this young franchise is the ability to create a female skater. Now all you gals don't have to watch a guy perform those tricks you just broke your thumbs for to pull off. Maybe those GIRL shirts will make a little more sense now too. The film editor has also had some work done. The UI has been de-cluttered and the feature set from the previous game has returned with a few enhancements. Camera control has been improved upon so now you can get more precise shots with the tripod shot and options to fine tune the perfect angle. 
