Of course, a game is only as good as it plays, and Tony Hawk's Project 8 delivers with a sense of realism not previously seen in the series. Let's go back to Focus mode and something called Nail The Trick. Nail The Trick is when a skater launches off a ramp and uses both analog sticks to properly time kick flips and other tricks in slow motion. Timing is extremely important in this mode and it's easy to bail and break bones, but there's no other feeling like racking up a huge combo and nailing the landing.
Nail The Trick further separates Project 8 from previous Tony Hawk games. Previously, the skateboard felt stuck on the skater's foot, but now one can "feel" the weight of each foot as they plant on the board. Because of this, every trick has a consequence, as players easily fall from their boards.
Neversoft incorporated the SIXAXIS' motion abilities with mixed results. Balancing the controller while grinding over a rail or executing a manual feels like second nature. Executing tricks and turning, however, needed more work. Thankfully, these motion controls can be customized for a better fit, and Tutorial mode gives players the perfect opportunity to try them out.
Similar to previous Tony Hawk games, tricks such as flips, spins, grabs, manuals and more fill a player's arsenal. Racking up combos shows a fluid transition from trick to trick, and controls are as responsive as ever.
The bails, sadly, don't feel nearly as realistic. Bailing is the term for falling face first into a rail or some other horrific occurrence that happens when, in mid-air, a skater realizes they're not Tony Hawk but they're about to become "Joe Toothless". In Project 8, it's not uncommon to see skaters bail by shooting hundreds of feet across a skate park with the grace of a rag doll. Instead of cringing, eyes roll at what should be "omgwtf" moments.
Visually gorgeous, presented with impeccable style and an absolute dream to play, Project 8 is one of the best games out for PlayStation 3. With this type of competition, one has to wonder if Electronic Arts has the professional fortitude to compete.
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