After the huge success that Crave had with first Dreamcast version of THPS, Activision made sure that they would publish the sequel themselves, although Treyarch, the developers who did the port, have remained the same. As with the first game, the Dreamcast version is THE version to get. The same great play mechanics are still there, but the visuals are just so much prettier, and much more solid.

The core of THPS2 has not changed one bit. The game revolves around skating in parks, racking up high scores and completing various goals, all in the interest of unlocking new skate areas, competitions and earning more cash/points. This time around, there are about double the amount of goals to complete in each area. The largest difference, is instead of just earning "tapes" you earn cold hard cash. The cash, besides unlocking new areas, are used to buy new tricks, skate items, and even to upgrade your character's abilities. There is just so much more to do and see in THPS2.

Visually, Tony Hawk 2 on the Dreamcast is gorgeous. Much more detailed characters, smoother framerate, great dynamic lighting, high resolution textures, and a drawing distance that stretches as far as the eye can see. Just picture the first game, but even more polished and realistic looking. The environments now feature an insane level of interaction, as compared with the original game. For example, even in the first level, you can start up a helicopter which will then break open a part of the level and reveal a hidden tape. The environments allow you to grind and ride on nearly everything, even including unrealistic objects such as phone wires.

The sound effects and music tracks remain very similar to the original as well, there are just more of each. There are 20 alternative and hip hop tracks on the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 soundtrack, and featured bands include Rage Against the Machine, Papa Roach, and Naughty by Nature. If you like any/all of the bands, then you will love the soundtrack. Most of the songs fit the game perfectly, so I doubt many people will complain regardless.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is all about doing tricks, and the trick system has been tightened up even further. Many new tricks have been added as well, and new ones can even be purchased with the winnings you collect. Nose/tailslides, nose/bluntslides, varial flips, a multitude of new grabs, expanded inverts, lip tricks, manuals, and more realistic switch skating are all included. Hardcore skaters will probably not be disappointed with the number and variety of tricks available.

Even though the regular mode will suck up most of your skating time, Activision has added plenty of other modes to keep you and some friends occupied as well. Trick Attack, Graffiti, and Horse plus a new addition, Tag Mode are all available. Also, the new multi-player contest disciplines of Regular and Best Trick allow 1-8 players to take turns skating heats in the competition levels of the game.

Fans of the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, or those who have been interested but didn't bother picking up a copy, shouldn't hesitate to grab the Dreamcast sequel. It's easy to learn, extremely addictive, and most importantly, plays really well. And with the Dreamcast's added power, the game has never looked better.