I’ve played tons of skateboarding video games. By far the most impressive one to date has been the latest release from EA known as SKATE 2. Hands down the best in quality, content, and game play. If you haven’t played the first SKATE game feel free to skip right on over to SKATE 2.

The game features virtually the same spots as the first, so you basically get two games wrapped up into one. On top of that, there have been a ton of new abilities added to your characters in the newer version. For example, you can now “hippy jump”, which I believe is the first time that trick has been added into any skateboarding game. You can also move objects around, basically customizing your entire surroundings. Want to set up the bench down a ten stair? Sure, go for it. Need to air on top of a building? Why not move the ramps around?

Seriously the depth of detail and customization for this game is amazing. Another really cool feature added to this game is the cell phone you get. You can basically hire Big Black to do security for you, or get two of your other friends to drain pools you might find, or take the knobs off rails. You can call up pro skateboarders you meet up in the game and challenge them to games of skate. You participate in skateboarding demos, complete filming missions, and can train in your very own custom training facility– and by far my favorite, participate in the downhill races where you bomb down mountains at top speeds. This game is super fun, yet challenging at the same time. You also have the “Hall of Meat” challenges which are entertaining as heck. You can even buy property in the game. Yes, it’s that detailed. Honestly they might as well have added in your own character’s apartment. Not that it was necessary but the game was truly that detailed.

Overall an incredibly job by the crew over at EA. The game is superb and in my opinion should be in the top 5 rank of games overall for 2009 without a doubt. I’m so stoked on this game that I hope a “SKATE 3” is already in the works. Now if you excuse me– I need to go defeat Eric Koston and Mike Carroll in a game of skate.

Check out footage of what the pros have to say about the game! And check out tons of other videos on their website. You will truly see the masterpiece that this game is.

Posted by Ruben 'Studdard' Najera on Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 in Skateboarding.

• -Rip Curl H-Bomb Wetsuit: Is it Really Worth a Cool Grand?
• -DC’s King of LA Champs
• -San Francisco Skate-A-Thon
• -Is Andy Irons the Only One Who Can Catch Slater?
• -San Diego Public Skate Parks FREE