Tony Hawk's Underground

Game review by Patrick Mauro, Common Sense Media
Tony Hawk's Underground Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Skateboarding game, now with story mode.

PlayStation 2, Xbox 2003
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 20 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the violence is limited to bloody knees and elbows when tricks don't go well (which is quite realistic). There are quite a few name brands featured in the title, although their presence is relatively subtle; you may not recognize them, but your teen surely will. Also, there are some scantily clad women who serve no purpose other than titillation.

Community Reviews

Nikostein
Nikostein Adult
January 3, 2019
age 11+

11+

It has some violence like blood would come off your kneee in the game when you get hurt. And some inappropriate references in the game.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
Anthony Prov
Anthony Prov Adult
December 9, 2018
age 13+

Crusher Destroyer

If your kid is going through a skateboarding phase, this is one of the better games to get them. Sure, it's for the Playstation 2, but nonetheless, it's an excellent game with a memorable story mode. You'll want to watch out for swearing, adult references (which a kid might not understand anyway), and skateboarding accidents. Ultimately it depends on the child, as well as the parent.

This title has:

Great messages
Easy to play/use
See all 10 parent reviews

What’s It About?

Every year NeverSoft Entertainment manages to make a better Tony Hawk video game. You assume the role of a skateboarding guy or gal in the New Jersey suburbs. You start out small, competing in local events, and with success comes world travel. You'll find yourself all over the globe attempting to complete various challenges and tasks, as well as meeting some of the sports' top competitors.

The ultimate is meeting and competing against Mr. Hawk himself. Unlike previous versions of the title, TONY HAWK'S UNDERGROUND allows gamers to get off their boards and drive cars or explore the levels on foot, in search of top skate locales.

Is It Any Good?

For the fifth straight year, Activision has published the top skateboarding title regardless of the platform, but this year they did make some significant changes. You'll find the typical improvements in regards to graphics, added tricks, and more expansive environments, but the key addition is a new story mode. If you're a fan of the Tony Hawk series, you'll love this game.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the name brands in the game. Do you notice the advertising in the game? Are you interested in checking out the brands featured in the game? If so, why? Is it skateboarding or Tony Hawk that drew you to this title?

Game Details

Our Editors Recommend

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