4. Tony Hawks Pro Skater 2
The pinnacle of the skateboarding genre, which is evident in the recent attempt at releasing a HD version inclusive of all the best Tony Hawk moments, and the only version to be released on Smartphones. This entry propelled the series into such heights I dont think it has quite managed to reach since, and also provided proof that a great soundtrack is now an essential part of any sports game. The game didnt force you to do particular tasks in order so you could calmly roam about at your leisure, provided its within the time limit of course. THPS2 was divided up into various areas from Venice Beach, New York to my personal favourite, the school. Each level was filled with ridiculous amount of tasks to achieve from collecting video tapes, money or finding the elusive secret gap. The vast majority of tasks and that one more time to beat my high score feeling was the reason THPS2 rarely left mine or a lot of people's PlayStations for months on end. The ability to upgrade the real life pro skaters individually was a bonus as the series focused on creating an unknown after this and working them up, I never quite fancied myself as a skateboarder. The inclusion of a track editor wasted away countless more hours for me as I competed with my friends to build the biggest, best and most grueling jumps, and looking back on an old save of mine, it was evident I was never going to be a designer of anything. Today the game is as fun as I remember it, having tried it on the original PlayStation, and not the iPhone, which I also own but cant manage to capture my former glory days of endless grinds. I could see myself starting from scratch and doing it all again and enjoying every moment of it. I try to convince myself that this was the last entry into the series as the others didnt hold my attention enough, while Tony Hawks: Ride was the nail in the skateboard shaped coffin.