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CONTINUING WITH THE GLUT of sequels in the works for the PlayStation comes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, and while most gamers are getting sick of the number "2" at the end of game titles, I can see this title being well worth the effort. Tony Hawk's first game really set the standards for graphics and playability for skateboarding games, and has since spawned a few clones, including the admirable Grind Session. This excellence was mirrored in the game's sales, as both here and overseas Activision took top spot in software sales for a good number of weeks.

Unlike the first game, in which Activision released Tony Hawk's Skateboarding for the PlayStation, then followed up with versions for other consoles, this time the publishers are looking for a simultaneous launch on multiple systems. The developers have promised another great collection of real-life professional skaters to choose from, as well as an improved graphics and control engine. A skateboarding sequel wouldn't be a sequel if it didn't have reams of new moves to perform, and in this department Tony Hawk 2 definitely delivers. All the moves from the first game are still there, but some have been expanded upon, some modified, and completely new ones added.

If all that isn't enough for you, how about the idea of a skatepark editor? While this feature was not particularly prominent in the demo version I got to play, apparently the player is going to be able to use every feature, ramp and stunt available from each game area to create their own obstacle course. If you can design such a skating arena, why not create your own skater to go with it? Yes, borrowing from some of the better Electronic Arts sports game out there the designers have seen fit to include a feature where the player can make their very own Tony Hawk clone.

The full game will offer a number of courses in various worldly locations, from America to Rio, and each environment promises to be rich in stunts, danger and secrets. The player will be able to use almost every prop in a course to perform some insane trick, and there will also be a two-player split screen mode for those budding skaters who want to take a friend down a peg or two. There are a good variety of gaming modes to take part in, most of which I could not access in the demo, including a racing mode and even a graffiti mode.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is definitely looking like it may top its predecessor in graphics and playability, so those players disappointed with Grind Session should be able to get their fix very soon. New Zealand should see Tony's new game around the end of September.

Show me the screenshots!