Common sense is a great website and their review of THP8 is mostly on, but i disagree with a few points.
First is the BAM Margera-jackass part. Yes BAM is on the cast of Jackass but he is also a pro skatboarder so being featured on the game shouldn't be an issue. as ell as Jackass has nothing to do with the game or sport. Also the commercialism- kids who play this game know all about the commercial items already and consider it fine as well as they want it. the kids want their skater to wear their shoes or shoes that would be cool to have. No big.
This game is a realistic feeling skateboard game. The kickflip and heelfips feel real. I especially enjoy the "Nail the Trick" mode of the game. If you hav played other Tony Hawk games then i highly reccomend buying this game.
After how horrible AmericanWasteland was I wasn't gonna get this game. But when I got a 360 I got this anyway. Its fantastic. The only thing parents might not like is the crude humor and graphic wipeouts.
Otherwise, 5 stars.