Skateboard Park Tycoon Review

Skateboard Park Tycoon 2004: Back in the USA is as interactive of a simulation as you will find. In this skateboarding simulation you not only build skate parks and acquire sponsors, you also skate these parks and compete in different challenges. This game stands in a class of it's own as an interactive simulation that places as much importance on building your park as it does on riding and enjoying it. This game is one of a kind and is a must play.

More Than a Tycoon Game

In playing this game you might initially be deceived by the title. The word “tycoon” that is ever so popular with business simulation games, does not fully do this game justice. Yes, Skateboard Park is a tycoon game in that you build skate parks, but it is so much more than just that. This game is primarily a skateboarding game that has the option of building and managing your own skate park.

Skate Your Own Parks

There are two distinct options of play in Skateboard Park Tycoon. The first which is most similar to other simulation games is the “instant action” mode. This mode is complete with a tutorial and places you in a city needing a skate park. You begin in a random town in Texas and it is your job to develop a skate park by building ramps, rails, boxes, and other skate park objects. The levels in instant action have three different difficulties which adjust your alloted money based on skill level.

The coolest feature about this mode is the ability to ride as individual patrons of your park. By clicking on different characters you are able to skate as that person. You can practice with them by skating around you park, or you can begin an exhibition. The exhibition is a really great feature of the game because it allows you to make money through executing tricks on the ramps and rails you just built. This not only teaches you how to utilize your park to the best of it's abilities, it also rewards you for landing tricks on your personally designed park.

Challenge Mode is Just Skating

The second of game modes is the “challenge” mode. Challenge mode begins with the selection of a character (choose one from a list of fifteen). Once your character is selected you start the challenges. There are six flags which you have to attain by completing tasks. There are about 5 tasks per flag and once all of the objectives are complete you move on, obtaining that flag. In challenge mode you are the skater. There is no construction of parks, or business development. You skate and you compete. Examples of levels entail collecting 140 coins within 90 seconds or placing 1st or 2nd in a skating competition. These challenges make the game highly interactive and are what makes this game stand apart from others in the simulation genre.

A Couple Drawbacks

Apart from all the positive features, two drawbacks are evident when playing. First, you might find it difficult to control your skater and execute tricks, especially early. The game mechanics and “handling” of the skaters are pretty good, but when compared to other skating games like “Tony Hawk” this game is trailing.

Also, the challenges are extremely difficult to beat or even get close to beating. The “bone breaker” challenge, which has you try to break all 206 bones in your body in 1:15 is nearly impossible, even if you are the best of skaters (or worst in the sense that you'll have to break bones). Also, tasks like collecting coins in the alloted time frame seem nearly impossible to accomplish.

Conclusion - Rad!

Overall, Skateboard Park Tycoon: Back in the USA is a great game that's successes more than outweigh it's few downfalls. The interactive gameplay which allows you to skate your own parks makes this a rare gem in the tycoon simulation genre. The two differing, yet complimentary game modes will make sure your mind never gets bored, and the graphics will keep you visually engaged. This game is the perfect game for a tycoon player who loves interactive games, especially ones involving skateboarding. However, if you are not an avid skater or a simulation game regular, this game will still keep you intrigued. With the amount of features packed in this game, purchasing this is a steal.