The launch of a new console always brings with it a great deal of excitement, but inevitably it’s also saddled with a degree of uncertainty, which is why – alongside the influx of new IP – it’s always reassuring to see a few familiar faces. However, what isn’t so pleasing is when that familiar face shows up and kicks you square in the balls, which is what the Birdman has done to the Xbox 360.

After achieving an almost unrivalled degree of success on current-gen consoles, Tony Hawk was always on the short list to kick-flip his way onto the X360. But it seems that Neversoft is so content with its latest instalment, American Wasteland, that not one aspect needed to be changed to make the leap from being an agreeable current-gen game to a stunning Xbox 360 launch title – not the story, not the options, not even the visuals. Despite being a series accustomed to change, THAW sticks with the formula that sees skaters taken out of their native skate parks and placed into a free-roaming city environment without making any attempt to push the envelope further.

On our first play we had to check the disc to be sure we hadn’t slipped in the Xbox code by mistake. Though this version benefits from a higher resolution and smoother frame rate, in terms of character models and almost every other visual aspect, it falls short of the nextgen mark. This is disappointing, as the concept of Wasteland is pretty good – Hawk has been usurped by a dishevelled young shred-head who arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of skating the streets of the city where it all began. Not all goes to plan and as soon as he arrives he’s beaten, blooded and left with only his slick skills for company. It’s a good job that various flicks and tricks required to earn big bucks are easy to pick up and perform, allowing both veterans and newcomers to combo their way through each story-driven challenge.

The skating may be accomplished, but the game has some major flaws. Goals are straightforward with little imagination, and it tends to feel like an extended tutorial. The trick combos and side missions are enjoyable, but the freeroaming aspect is a tad farcical, having to rely on long channels to connect the different districts. We expected a whole lot more from videogame’s favourite skate ace.

Keith Hennessey