I've recently grown an interest in the series (just rented TH3 for the Gamecube), and am suddenly really looking forward to the fourth installment. Anybody know which version is getting the best treatment? I know the PS2 version will be the only one with online play (no Live compatibility ), but that's just something I'd never use, and the custom soundtrack feature in the Xbox version is a big plus (not a fan of the THPS soundtracks). Will the Xbox version have extra stuff like many other multi-platform games have? Will the GC version have any advantages? Which system has the best controller for the Tony Hawk games?

Personally, if there aren't really any big differences in gameplay or features between the three versions (other than online play, which I just won't deal with on the PS2), the custom soundtrack feature in the Xbox version may push me to get it. Other opinions?

I prefer the PS2 version mainly because of the controller. I can't pull of big combos with the other controllers. I'm used to the four shoulder buttons and the PS2 d-pad.

You have pretty much hit upon everything we know now. I haven't seen a review yet so I don't know if there are any major differences in the look and play of the three versions.

Controller preference is up to you. I can play it fine on all three consoles. I went with Xbox because of the soundtrack feature and the fact the Xbox version of TH3 had no slowdown and looked better than the PS2 version. The GameCube version of TH3 looked great, but there was some slight slowdown on a couple of levels though it was very slight. No where near the slowdown that was on Dave Mirra 2.

I played TH2X a lot with the S controller and loved it, so I'm sticking with Xbox on this one.

If you go with Xbox for this game, try it with the S controller, it should be a bit easier to use.

Oh yeah, I forgot about framerate. It's certainly not perfect in the GC version of TH3. That will definitely be a factor. I'll probably be getting the Xbox version along with an S controller now that I think about it. I mean the custom soundtrack feature really is a plus......I don't care at all for the soundtracks these games have.

I'd get the PS2 version if you wanted to play online - THPS4 on Xbox does not support Live! play (Sony might have paid quite a lot for that exclusivity).

Have you checked out Tony Hawk 2X? That's a great game for a small price.

You can get online with the Xbox just like you can play Halo online.

Since online play doesn't matter to you, it basically comes down to a matter of controller preference.

If you like using the 4 shoulder buttons, go with the PS2.

If that doesn't matter, but you have to use the D-pad over the analog stick, then pass on the Cube version as the Cube's D-pad is terrible. I'd probably go for the X-box version, simply because the D-pad on that controller is much better than the one on the Dual Shock 2 IMO.

For THPS3 I prefered the GC, simply because I play the game with the analog stick (so the dumb, puny d-pad wasn't a problem) and I like the GC controller the best.

Yeah I'm definitely going to buy TH2X (it's only $20 now). Supposedly the levels in THPS2(X) aren't as expansive as they are in TH3, and I rather like the more compact levels myself.

I prefered the levels in Tony Hawk 2 to Tony Hawk 3. Just a better overall design. The French pool park, the skate park, the crazy fantasty world, even the school with the huge rail is awesome. IMO the levels even feel bigger in TH2. If TH 4 is anything like TH3, I'm not going to be happy with it.

I hate the D-pad on the Xbox, so I'm going with the PS2 probably. Analog isn't even an option for this game.

And I agree with GP, I got a lot more enjoyment out of 2 than 3.

Oh? Why is that? I'm playing the THPS3 on the GC and I'm doing just fine with the analog stick.

I've used analog on the PS2, GC, and Xbox and never had a problem.

One other thing to factor in might be an extra level for the Xbox. Mat Hoffman 2, Tony Hawk 3, and even Spiderman got an extra level on the Xbox. Activision seems to really like the Xbox or something. However, I've heard nothing about an extra level for TH4.

I played the demo of Tony Hawk 4 for the PS2 and the game still plays the same as 3. They did add spine transfers though and of course you go and talk to people to get your goals.

Yeah. Neversoft's idea of "innovation" in this series is a joke. Supposedly the only new gameplay element in TH3 from TH2 was the 'revert'. Usually something like that would comprise of about 5% of new gameplay features in a sequel. It just seems to be the same game over and over with better graphics, new levels and one new move each game. This makes me tempted to just get THPS2X instead of TH4.....I mean hell, the graphics even look better in that game.

Manuals & reverts.

I prefered analog as well. I played the first 2 on the Dreamcast using analog, and the 3rd on the GC using analog and had no problems. Of course I never cared about stringing together huge combos and getting high scores, I just dodged most of those objectives. I just liked opening up all the levels and playing around in free skate seeing what kind of crazy stuff I could pull off.


Definitely true. I'm completely burned out on the series. I couldn't get into 3 nearly as much as I did the first 2, and I'm not even bothering with part 4.

Currently, I could care less if I ever played another extreme sports title. I just totally wore the genre out with the first 2 games. Maybe next generation they'll make enough changes, and I'll of had enough time away from the genre, to regain my interest.

Well hey, if you are a huge fan of the series, like myself, you'll find ways to enjoy every Tony Hawk game. Ever since #1 they've continued to evolve the game and make it bigger, better and even more fun. One of the best developing groups ever over there at Neversoft.

Dealing with your question, the game is made for the PS2 controller...big surprise, huh? The XBOX version should be great though with the feature you mentioned, the best graphics and the S-controller, which truly is a good controller. I only have a GC so hopefully they won't screw up the port...should be fun with the Wavebird.

Anyone know if the online in PS2 version is just free skating? Or can you do the mini games online like capture the flag and stuff?

I have no trouble pulling manuals, reverts, or stringing together long combos with the analog.

I think it depends on what you are comfortable with, but its worth learning to use the analog because the game is much easier to play in the long run.

Aghama, the D-Pad on the Xbox is a throwback to the Genesis pad, and I did like that one so I'm partial the X d-pad. However I can see how it could get slippery if you play a game for hours and get all hot and sweaty [insert Joltaddict joke here].

The PS2 D-Pad owns though, it's so nice. I hate the D-Pad on the GCN controller though. I wish everyone would just copy Sony in that respect.

I believe all the normal multiplayer modes of THPS4 will be available online.

That's cool, and they'll all be playable on Xbox Online too. Might be kinda fun I guess (better if you could speak to other ppl, but oh well).

Not to go too off topic, but when is this bad boy out? Tuesday? Wednesday? Is it even out this week? I've heard rumors, and just wanted to confirm that.

I'm pretty damn excited for this one to say the least.

If it's sposed to be out this week Mike, then it should be on the rack Tuesday, maybe a little later. Hopefully BB will put it on their rack where if it's not in you rent it free. That's the only reason I even go there, for those games. They always understock.

Hopefully it is out this week so I don't make the 30 mile trip to CC and BestBuy for nothin'.

Oh, check out http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/ne...0&nid=17-53.db they just rave about THPS4.