DESCRIPTION

Emulating the formula first introduced by the Tony Hawk franchise, The Simpsons Skateboarding is exactly what its title implies; a skateboarding game featuring characters and locales from the popular TV show. The Annual Skate Tour has arrived in Springfield, and everyone in town wants a crack at the 99-dollar grand prize. Taking place in and around many of Springfield's most recognizable landmarks, the ten levels that make up the tour offer various challenges to be completed. In each level, players must compete in three different disciplines, including Skillz School, Timed Trick Contest, and Skatefest. Skillz School requires players to display mastery of particular tricks or abilities, while attaining a specific score within the allotted time limit is the name of the game in the Timed Trick section of the competition.

Last on the list is Skatefest, a free-roam mode in which players must complete objectives such as collecting items, achieving high scores, or acquiring individual letters that ultimately spell out certain words. Of course, as with similar action sports titles, players are free to perform tricks such as grinds, kickflips, manuals, and grabs. Pulling off consecutive tricks puts skaters "into the zone," allowing them to perform special stunts. Money earned in the various events can be used to improve the abilities of the chosen skater. Playable characters include Bart, Lisa, Marge, and Homer, as well as unlockable skaters such as Nelson Muntz, Krusty, and Otto. Though limited to cameo appearances, other notable characters include Apu, Ralph Wiggum, and Barney. Commentary is by Kent Brockman.

In addition to unlockable characters, playing through the game's various disciplines awards new boards and levels in which to compete, from Mr. Burns' Manor to the Power Plant and Springfield Mall. Multiplayer competition is provided for two players, with split-screen matches that pit competitors against one another in a game of HORSE or in timed events where the player with the highest score is declared the winner. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide