Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland

Open Los Angeles instead of separate levels is the main difference between Tony Hawk's American Wasteland and previous parts of the series. The city is connected without loading screens: from the suburbs to the center, through parks, industrial zones, rooftops and famous spots. The story is about a guy who comes here from the provinces to get into the local skate scene, and gradually gathers a team around him. In addition to a skateboard, cycling and walking are now available, and you can pick up a board. This expands the methods of transportation and allows you to get to places where you can’t go on a board. The tasks are varied: from classic combos to filming in stunt videos and small hooligan assignments. For old-school fans, there is a separate classic mode with levels from the earlier parts of the series and the usual list of goals. Your own character, board and trick are customized manually, and shops and skate parks open around the city that can be upgraded. Particularly pleasing is the attention to the atmosphere of skate culture: a store where boards are sold, a skate park that can be improved, and characters who become part of the team over the course of the story. The music matches the era and mood of the city, and the tasks are mixed with humor. Even years later, this Los Angeles remains a pleasant place to just drive around. Nowhere else has the series been so free-form. It is for the scale and ease of movement that THAW is still considered one of the most beloved parts of the franchise.