Developer: Neversoft Producer: Activision02 Gameplay: 9/10 Visuals: 8.5/10 Audio: 8/10 Controls: 9/10 Pros: Amazing graphics, cool multiplayer, tight controls and great gameplay. Cons: Framerate sucks, menu system does not improve from the console versions and tweaking graphics has to be done outside the game in a different program.

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    It's almost midnight and I just finished playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3. I wouldn't have stopped playing if i didn't have to do this review but I'm doing all these for you. Do you see how much I sacrifice my time for you when I could be performing and looking for gaps in THPS3?? You should thank me you know. :)

    Anyway, yes I've got my hands on the PC version of THPS3 and (unlike most console-to-PC conversion) this game is a killer! It's very addictive like its other counter parts and the first two series. Even if you've played the PS1 or PS2 or XBOX versions, you will not get bored of the PC Version (just incase you wanna own every single version of THPS).

    Lemme tell you something, first time I played THPS3, was in the PS1 version. Though it sucked, it was still addicting. Then the PS2 version, man was that even more better. Then, I played the PC version at my friend's computer because my computer was out of reach (it was back home and I was in Malaysia). It did not look pretty good because his video card wasn't compatible with the game thus resulting with THPS3 running with no texture (all gray). Even that did not stop me from playing the game. It was so addictive the graphic did not bother me at all. The cool thing was, the game loaded very fast on his PIII CPU and with a 64MB RAM.

    Then I got home and installed the game. Man did it blew my mind. The game loaded in 3 seconds, faster than the PS2 version. The graphic was a killer and they managed to clean up the jagged looks. It's so clean that you'll be drooling onto your screen every single frame rate.

    But do not expect too much from the PC Version if you've played the PS2 version. Nothing much have been changed, and not much have been added. The menus still stay the same except the fact that you can use the mouse (I was hoping that they would spice it up a bit). Also, you cannot change the screen resolution and other settings through a built-in menu option. It is saparated from the game in another configuration program. Who loves to quit the game, change the settings in Windows and then go through three load times to see the results?? That's just plain frustrating. Framerates are rather slow for the PC Version compared to the PS2. The PS2 version runs on a smooth 60fps while the PC Version seems like as if it runs on a 30fps, although it gets better on a low resolution but who would want to play the game with an ugly looking rail to grind on? (that is if you know its a rail you can grind on). At a higher resolution, the game runs pretty well and shows better graphic but then, the frame rate starts to reduce. I play it at 1024x768 and the graphic looks amazing while it maintains a smooth gameplay.

    Otherwise, the game is a killer. You do not have to own a controller to play THPS3. Your keyboard will do just fine. The default settings were designed pretty well. Directions are set on the arrow or the WASD keys while the actions are set on the NUM keys. Performing tricks are just as easy as using a controller!

    The levels are pretty huge and amazing. There are loads of secret areas to unlock in every level, which then expands the level even more. Gaps are everywhere and goals come from pretty easy to really tough ones. Even if you are a beginner, going through the game will help you get those goals easily and make you a good THPS gamer. The game also comes with a tutorial to help you learn the basic moves of the game.

    The background musics are great! Here's one difference that i love between the PS2 and PC versions. The game musics are set in mp3 format, except that the extention is different. THPS3 uses .mus as an extention to it's music files. You can simply edit the soundtracks just by backing up these files and saving your own mp3s into the same directory with the same name. Email me for information on this.

    Another feature that comes with the PC version is an online gaming. Yes, you can play THPS3 online through Gamespy for up to 8 players! Or you can just hook up a couple of PCs and play LAN games! There are a number of new multiplayer games introduced (although HORSE does not seem to be around anymore) but there are new ones. Some of the existing multiplayer games include Trick Attack, Graffiti, King Of The Hill and Capture the Flag. Even with a 56K connection, the game play works pretty fine!

    Anyway, if you have not yet own a copy of this game, you would want to get the PC Version. The added Online Gaming is a must for a THPS3 fan and you can share skate parks with everybody else! Now wouldn't you like to show off yours??