KMGR of Tony Hawk's VERT

Tony Hawk's VERT is a cartoony skateboarding stunt arcade game, combined with a "photo shoot" minigame. It is a pretty good game giving you a taste of the skateboarding scene using the "standard" U-shaped ramp, but presented in a cartoony way.

You start with just one venue, each venue has different events. The first event you have is the tutorial, which is pretty much 'follow the instructions', and you're introduced to the different stunts... the ramp lip moves, and the flying moves, then the advanced moves, which requires a lot more "air". So the idea basically is do as many different moves, go as "high" and get as much air as possible, and do as many moves as you can.

One of the minigames is to snap shots of another skateboarder. If you got the advanced moves, and the guy is centered in the frame, you get good points. If you're off center, or got the lame moves, you get like 1 or 2 points. You need to score X points within Y shots.

Each "event" has two levels of success... regular, and expert. Expert has additional stipulations. For example, finish the tutorial in 90 seconds, or complete the 2nd event without falling once, or fly high enough to hit the train 3 times, and so on.



Most of the stuff is locked, and it will take you a while to figure out the advanced moves to really pack on the points, but also take the risk of major "oof" when you fall flat on your face as you muff the landing.

If you like the quick-key-tap type game play, VERT may be up your alley.

Overall rating: 7.5 out of 10
Pros: easy to pick up, cartoony characters, lots of zany moves
Cons: timing can be tricky, most stuff are locked, locked, and more ocked
Verdict: great for skateboarder fans and arcade game fans, not so good for others