In a genre previously dominated by Tony Hawk, it was nice to see something fresh on the scene. EA’s Skate debuted in 2007 with a gritty, more realistic feel. Introducing Flickit dual analog controls for the first time in the genre, casting button mashers to the side. Skate was a skateboarding game that took great skill to produce great stunts.

Skate 2 puts you right back in San Vanelona, the urban setting from the previous installment, and it’s been five long years since you disappeared from the skate scene. The “disaster-too-gnarly-to-be-named” has changed everything. Mass evacuation eventually lead to Mongocorp rebuilding the entire city and posting protection on all private properties leaving skaters like you out in the cold. Your main goal is to rebuild your career and take back San Vanelona for yourself and all skaters alike.

The foundation for Skate hasn’t changed. Still leading the way as the most realistic sim of this ever so popular sport. This time around you’ll be given a new bag of tricks which include one-foots, handplants, hippy jumps, and much more ensuring that the skater inside you can truly shine through. Also as before, dual analog controls will make it a real challenge to complete tricks, giving you a great sense of accomplishment when you pull off a sweet move.

Don’t like the layout of the block you’re on? You’ll also be able to get off your board and move objects around in-game, save the changes and upload them online so all your friends can get in on the action with you. You don’t, however, have to build new scenes on your own. Players will be able to jump between online play and single player games seamlessly with free range to create great hot spots.

Expressing yourself should be even better this time around. You’ll be given the option to build custom graphics that can be slapped on your hats, hoodies, and decks. Once you’ve personalized your skater you’ll be able to film your sick moves and place the vids online so everyone can see your skills, or lack there of. Video’s can be an addicting option for a game. As seen with other titles out there, a video mode can have you retracing your steps for hours on end trying to capture the best shot possible.

In a twisted addition to Skate 2, you’ll be able to punish your skater with all new bail physics. The new Thrasher Hall of Meat mode features brutal slam challenges complete with gestures to customize your bails. No longer will that “Oh sh*t” look be confined to the players face alone. Your character will also be able to express their emotions as they get pummled by the asphalt. This should make for some interesting videos.

EA is also teaming up with skate shoe giant etnies to bring an interesting mode to the mix that is sure to attract more fans of the sport. The Goofy vs. Regular contest pits goofy footed and regular footed pros against one another. Players will get a chance to lead a team, of either side, against the other in the ultimate competition to decide which stance is best. In a statement from Executive Producer, Scott Blackwood, “The Skate franchise has always been committed to showcasing the spirit and soul of skateboard culture.. The etnies GvR competition celebrates the fun, creativity and talent in skateboarding today. Featuring the event as one of the main competitions in Skate 2 felt like a natural integration and a perfect fit.” This can’t be anything but a great promotion for EA. The fact that they have garnered support from a big hitter like etnies shows how quick they’ve come into this genre and how serious they are about making a great game. Don Brown, senior vice president of marketing for Sole Technology and goofy footed skateboarder, said “I was stoked when EA committed to putting our etnies Goofy vs. Regular event in their new game! … The original Skate was incredibly popular, so we’re really proud to be a part of Skate 2.” etnies will also be partnering with Skate 2 on an exlusive shoe that will hit an etnies preferred retailer in the US when the game ships in 2009.

What would a skating game be without great music? “Skateboarding culture is like no other culture in the world and with that comes a unique sound of its own,” says Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music and marketing. “Our goal was to creat two soundtracks that bring together classic acts and explosive new bands while fearlessly crossing all genres. This soundtrack is truly a tribute to the skate lifestyle…”

The Skate 2 soundtrack will include:

• Althea & Donna Uptown Top Ranking
• Anubis Anubis
• ASG The Dull Blade
• Awesome Snakes I Want A Snake
• Black Sabbath Symptom Of The Universe
• Black Tide Shockwave
• China Creeps Stay On Or Die
• Cut Chemist Addictive
• D.R.I. Beneath The Wheel
• Dayton Sidewinders Go Ahead On
• Dragonforce Heroes Of Our Time
• ELO Show Down
• Fujiya & Miyagi Collarbone
• Gang Starr Step In The Arena
• Gaslight Anthem I’da Called You Woody, Joe
• Goons Of Doom She Wore Rat Skin Boots
• Guilty Simpson Piglets
• High Tension Wires They Fall Apart
• Judas Priest Freewheel Burning
• Korrupted Hoodlums S.K.A.T.E.
• Koushik feat. Percee P Cold Beats
• LL Cool J Rock The Bells
• Louis XIV Guilt By Association
• McRad Weakness
• Money Your Love For Kristoffer
• Motorhead Eat The Rich
• Nas Made You Look
• Oh No Heavy
• One Man Army It’s Empty
• Ponce De Leon Gator Jaws
• Public Enemy Harder Than You Think
• Queen Sea Big Shark Hold Your Hand
• Radio Reelers Runnin’ Out
• Rage Against The Machine Sleep Now In The Fire
• Riverboat Gamblers Uh Oh!
• Sam & Dave Hold On, I’m Comin’
• Sly & The Family Stone Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
• Stiff Little Fingers Alternative Ulster
• Suicidal Tendencies Possessed 2 Skate
• T.S.O.L. Superficial Love
• Teenage Bottlerocket Crashing
• Texas Thieves Los Pool Riders
• The Clash Death Or Glory
• The Riptides Return To Blood Beach
• The Specials Ghost Town
• Tickled Pink Reach Out And Give Me Your Hand
• Underground Railroad To Candyland Square Ball
• WAR Low Rider
• Wu-Tang Clan Protect Ya Neck
• Year Long Disaster Leda Atomica
• Youth Brigade I Hate My Life

With a lineup like this they’re sure to touch on everyone’s taste at least once. Then again there is always the option to listen to your own music with todays consoles. However many of these bands, if you have not heard of them before, may spark some interest among gamers. There are plenty of great titles on this list.

As a big fans of the original Skate here at GamesAreEvil, you can bet we’ll be keeping a close eye on this one as we near the launch. With any luck it will be even better than its predecessor.

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