Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD

Activision, Xbox 360 ****

Recent versions of Tony Hawk’s skate game have had mixed success. So it’s no surprise that the latest instalment takes the game back to its roots. Based on the original series, Pro Skater HD takes some of the best bits of Nos 1 and 2 and combines them into a single game. The graphics have been polished up, sure, but for diehard fans it will still feel refreshingly familiar. And unlike other games in the Tony Hawk series, there’s a lot less emphasis on fancy peripherals and more on the mechanics of skating. You have certain tasks to achieve in each level – smashing boxes, collecting items, hitting a few different high scores – all while pulling off as many tricks as you can. However, the controls are reasonably easy to pick up: buttons oversee everything from wall rides, grabs and jumps, while the trigger button can be used to shift from regular to goofy stance.

It’s not an easy ride; try to land a trick awkwardly and the game isn’t forgiving. You have to be a bit more precise, or else you’ll end up face first on the concrete, with accompanying, unrealistic blood splatter. A welcome return for an old favourite.