Year released: 2001 (Playstation, Playstation 2, Gamecube, Gameboy Color), 2002 (Xbox, PC, Nintendo 64, Gameboy Advance)

Number of Players: 2 (Playstation, Playstation 2, Gamecube, Nintendo 64), 4 (Xbox), Unknown (PC, Gameboy Advance), 1 (Gameboy Color)

The third installment in the THPS Series. I first got this game on the PC a while back, and I played it for a while, but it didn't run smoothly on my PC, so it stopped me from playing. Eventually, I borrowed the Gamecube version from a friend, and it was quite a bit better. Now I got the GC version, and I'm happy, and I still think I have that PC version somewhere around here.

Graphics: For the console versions other than the Playstation, it's great. It runs so much more smoothly and has more detail than THPS2. Of course, you won't think much of it while you're doing goals or especially performing huge combos.

Control: Like the skaters in Canada say, "It's been the same control scheme two years running." Basically, it's the same as always, though that's definitely a good thing. There are some new tricks in here and you can even perform cool flatland tricks like Truckstand. Unlike THPS/2, you can balance while doing lip tricks.

Sound: Probably the best yet. I mean the series, and not all games. Rayman 2 probably has the best sound, but I'm talking about THPS3. The sound effects are much more realistic, and you also hear the shouts of the pedestrians. Listen up, 'cause they say funny things sometimes. And then the soundtrack in this game. It's great. 20 songs, and nearly all are good ones to skate to. AFI, Del, Xzibit, Redman, KRS One, Alien Ant Farm... It's all good.

Challenge: Not it's stongest point. Once you get fairly good, you can get through Carreer Mode in a couple of afternoons. It might take extra time to collect all the decks and stat points, luckily. Though it gets tedious, because to unlock every unlockable thing, it requires beating the same goals over and over.

Gameplay: Combos. That's the best thing to do in this game. Find new lines, try new tricks, And, well, freestyle. It's backed up with an easy control scheme and smooth riding. I like riding around and looking for new areas and trying new things.

Bottom Line: Buy this game. If you have one of the Next Gen consoles, buy it on that. It looks better and costs less. In my opinion, this is the best THPS game so far.

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