Skate 2 is a wonderful example of a videogame doing justice to an alternative culture, in this case, the underground-gone-mainstream world of skating – you know you’re in for a cultural treat when the introduction and ensuing gameplay features a veritable who’s who of pro skating legends, both in live action and digital 3D form.

As an experience, Skate 2 definitely talks the talk, effortlessly inviting you into the skating culture that has been built primarily on showmanship and self-expression, both of which are fully present. As a game, Skate 2 also walks the walk, providing you with the means to pull off a multitude of real-life skating tricks and feats, while simultaneously giving you the tools to experiment and make the world your playground.

Continue reading El33tonline’s review of Skate 2 for the PS3.

EA has announced that the demo for Skate 2 will be arriving on Xbox Live Marketplace today and the PlayStation Network on the 15th of January.

Players will be able to access enhanced character customization tools in the city of New San Vanelona. The demo promises to introduce players to the deep single-player story and challenges in new locations as well as feature two of the game’s online party play modes, Thrasher’s Hall of Meat and Spot Battle.

Skate 2 will hit shelves across North America on the 21st of January and a few days later around the rest of the world on the 23rd of January. Developed by Black Box, Skate 2 will be available on the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Skate 2 will be available across North America on the 23rd of January 2009 and worldwide on the 23rd of January. Developed by Black Box (an EA Studio in Vancouver), Skate 2 will be available on the Xbox 360 and PS3.

North American gamers who pre-order the game will earn themselves an exclusive code to unlock the Throwback Pack, an upgrade pack that includes retro clothing, accessories and gestures.

Skate fans should look out for Graphics Creator, a new web-based customization tool set to launch next month on www.skate.ea.com. Players can use this tool to create custom graphics for in-game hats, decks and shirts.

Skate 2 is set in New San Vanelona, a city that has been rebuilt after a disaster, and tasks players with rebuilding their careers and reviving the skate scene. Players are able to get off-board and move objects around to create challenges and areas. These can also be uploaded and shared with players from around the world.

For more about the game check out this trailer and these fisheye screenshots.

This trailer for the upcoming Skate 2 shows off some slick moves, painful falls and gives a sneak teasing peek at one of the new features to the franchise - the ability to move a variety of objects in the world to turn them into opportunities for better tricks and jumps.

Following up on the success of the previous Tony Hawk-beater, EA’s Black Box looks like its set to innovate with the sequel.

Skate 2 is set to follow up the first entry to the series with slightly altered dynamics. For one thing, this new version is set 5 years after the original Skate and big business has since clamped down on skaters and the skating culture, essentially making the sport illegal.

Areas that used to be prime skating spots have been blocked off, so players will have to either find new routes or take advantage of the blockades, using them as trick opportunities…or get off your board and move the obstructions yourself.

Skate 2 will also feature a character customisation tool ala Tiger Woods, a video upload service, a renewed camera and 3rd person-perspective as well as (gasp!) a female character!

Don’t squint at the screens. That’s how they are.

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