Normally a sequel to a series will add new features to the next game to make it better. In the case of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, American Wasteland actually gets rid of things and makes things better. That's when you know a developer has realized their mistakes. American Wasteland does have some additions and changes, however. Tony Hawk is about to yet again head into a next-gen system but with all of these sequels, is the game still providing an interesting and fun experience?
American Wasteland is essentially the return of the series to skateboarding fun. THUG tried to reinvent the series by having you pull of tricks in a variety of vehicles other than skateboards. The only non-skateboard vehicle in the game is a BMX bike that is optional through most of the game.
I found the story to be a bit of a disappointment, though it shows promise. You play as a skater moving to LA to make it big but first you go through various missions to learn how to skateboard...I thought he was already a skater...??? I guess I'm just getting tired of these 'start off as a beginner and make your way to being the best' stories. But I must give credit for another plot of the game that has you collecting items to build a great skatepark. This could've been a great tie-in to the create-a-park feature but alas you do not get to create this park's look.
The thing about American Wasteland that has been getting pushed is that there are no loading screens and LA is one level. The way that most people are going to think about this is along the lines of GTA/current street racers but that's not really how this goes. Instead there are various areas that are connected to eachother, with each one needing to be unlocked. The areas themselves aren't too big but combined they give you plenty of room. It should also be mentioned that there is frame-rate drops when in the connections as you go from one area to the next. But with that you get to say good-bye to loading screens.
American Wasteland features plenty of multiplayer modes and Xbox owners finally get to skate on Live. Interesting that Tony Hawk finally gets Live enabled as we enter Xbox 360. While you aren't able to take your story mode character online, you can create a new skater to take online. Live! play supports 8 players. Those that enjoyed old school THPS, will be happy to know that classic mode is available with the goals and time limits along with 2-player co-op option.
The graphics in American Wasteland don't really take a step up from THUG 2. This might be due to the lack of loading screens. However, I couldn't understand the comic book cels that are shown during parts of the cut-scenes. I would rather have them make the cut scenes all comic style or just regular cut scenes. And considering the graphics aren't anything special, they should have just made it comic style.
A lot of American Wasteland isn't anything new or that different. Though I must admit that having 1 city with no loading screens is a good step in a new direction. It seems like sequels lately have been lacking a bit on additions and upgrades. This might be a good sign that we are at the end of this generation and ready to move into the next-gen
systems. While American Wasteland is a good game, I hope they take their time on the next one and don't rush it out to be released in a year.
