TONY Hawk's Pro Skater 4 is just about to be released as a Platinum title and there has not been a better time to own it.

Graphics are not bad considering it has been out for nearly a year. It looks much more realistic than its predecessor.

Whereas before gamers were given two minutes to complete as many goals as possible, now gamers must approach people who will set them challenges.

Challenges vary from the simplistic collect letters to spell "skate" to scoring high amounts of points, to completing bizarre tasks such as rescuing an elephant!

For gamers familiar with the series, there are no control changes so gamers can merrily pull off stunning tricks, grinds, and specials with relative ease.

There is a wealth of things to do with 16 goals per skate park, nine levels, various extras to unlock, create-a-skater, build a skate park and the option for network play!

The soundtrack caters for all musical tastes with AC/DC, System of A Down, NWA and Less Than Jake all featuring.

This is a typical Tony Hawks title but, with many welcome new features, action is just as fast, tricks are just as impressive and enjoyment is second to none.