Thrasher: Skate and Destroy is about as close as you’ll ever get to a real skate sim. This game has all the dark, murky style that you’ve come to expect from all those wonderful folks at Thrasher Magazine. I’ve been involved with Thrasher in one way or another since their first, extra large issue. So, it was no surprise that this game was as different from Hawk’s game as a street course is to a skate–able pool.

T:S&D is a lot harder to master then you’d think. Tony’s game was pretty much plug and play, but trying to get into T:S&D took several hours of cramped fingers and colorful language before I got some good runs dialed in. There are six different skaters to choose from and all have different abilities that will help to get you through those tough areas. The trick index was pretty impressive, with plenty of tricks for every terrain type, but you can always use more. Can’t wait for the next level of DVD games to hit the market — the index alone will fill up an old, standard CD.

With two play modes of single and multiplayer there really is a heck of a lot to do in this game. Two minutes may not seem like a long time, but when you’re skating for a score, it’s plenty. That’s how much time you’ll get to beat each level’s high score.

There are practice sessions for each level, use them wisely so you’ll know where to go for the best runs. Don’t repeat your tricks a lot or those sucking judges will keep lowering your score and eventually the level will shut down on you for good. Then your season really IS over. Watch the bails and falls — the judges will deduct 500 points for each screw–up. Big combos will get big points, so go for it at all times. There are 12 skatespots around the globe that you must get through in places like SF, LA, NYC, Anytown, and even a couple in Europe.

Try one of the six skaters. When you get close to the high score, start watching for some creeps who are out to get you. There’s a cop, a mugger, and a big doggie that’ll take a bite out of your backside while you’re doing a frontside. Above all, make your points, and then get the hell out of town!

Two–player or multiplayer has seven different events in which to participate. These are; Sessions – where you throw down your best moves to win); Nickel Bag – switch off doing single tricks through five rounds to win a game; HORSE – just like shooting hoops, bust a big move and if the other guy bails or can’t do it, you get a letter — spell HORSE and win; Top Dog – pull out the biggest trick at five skatespots for high score and the win; and Sick Fix – whoever gets the the biggest repair bill from the local ER wins this game. Paging Mr. Wilson! Long Grind – you get three tries to hang up the longest grind; and Big Wallride – do your best Spiderman longride on a wall and hang on for the win. Note: Don’t forget to save those games every time. It’s a pain to go all the way through the game again.

As hard as this game was to master, it was a nice addition to the short list of boarding games. If you’re into the Thrasher Magazine lifestyle or cult, then this is a game you will definitely enjoy. If not, then you’ll just have to wait for Hawk’s sequel on the PSX2. Until then, support your local skate spots. I thought this game was intense, as well as great fun. Isn’t that what a good game is all about? . . . Curbs are for grinding, not parking!

Overall Game Rating: A–

Rockstar Games website

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