The pinnacle of the series, after it really let loose but before it jumped the shark. A silly but eminently charming story mode, a series of more open maps, and the option to get off your board and just relax, all mixed with the Tony Hawk series' trademark over-the-top skating mechanics, tight physics, engaging and varied challenges, and incredible soundtracks makes for the skating game of a lifetime. I may be a little biased, but this game was a formative experience for me, and it's still so goddamn fun. It's also packed with secrets, easter eggs, in-jokes, and love. The clear product of a passionate, talented team. There are some weird non-skating diversions, but most are skippable and frankly they don't bother me in the slightest. The combo timer when you leave your board makes combos a bit too easy to keep going, but it's not like the skill ceiling is suddenly too low for it. It's a cool and idiosyncratic package and I'm not sure I would change any of it. Here's hoping we get a remaster before Vicarious Visions moves on to other things.