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With this release of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, one of the most universally popular and financially successful game franchises in recent memory returns home to roost on the original PlayStation console that launched the peerless extreme sports series in the autumn of 1999. Though this third version of the title is being released on half a dozen platforms and considerable effort has been invested in assuring that the PS2, Xbox, and GameCube versions of the live up to their "next-generation" technological potential, Neversoft and Activision endeavored to bless this PS version with all of the third edition's key innovations while retaining and reinforcing the engaging, accessible gameplay which is the true crux of the series' success.

While it can't pump out the same amount of eye-candy as its counterparts on the 128-bit generation systems, this PlayStation release of THPS3 incorporates several of the new features designed to propel the series' popularity on other platforms. New landing tricks allow players to string together greater combinations, especially when moving from the ramps to the street. Environments are designed to test old and new skills alike. Loyal PS gamers should be pleased that all the important new levels, tricks, and combinations developed for the third edition of Tony Hawk Pro Skater are duly represented in this version of the game.

In addition to the BirdMan himself, several other skaters featured in earlier releases return for another round, including Steve Caballero, Bucky Lasek, Rune Glifberg, Chad Muska, and Elissa Steamer. Bam Margera of MTV's Jackass is also featured, in part to perform the much-heralded smack-yourself-in-the-head-with-your-board special trick. Once again, players can also design their own skate parks and custom skaters and have the chance to create a female boarder for the first time in this release. The Pro Skaters enjoy a more international tour, as Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Tokyo, and even the snowy woods of Canada join New York and Los Angles as level locations. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide