Tony Hawk's Project 8
Encyclopedia
Tony Hawk's Project 8, officially abbreviated as THP8, is the eighth installment in the Tony Hawk series of video games. It was released on sixth-generation
(PlayStation 2
and Xbox
) and seventh-generation
consoles (Xbox 360
and PlayStation 3
). The name Project 8 refers to the Project 8 competition featured in the storyline, and because it is the eighth game in the Tony Hawk series.
style (only on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), providing a different experience and no recycled animations.
One new feature is the 'nail the trick' option. When a player enters this mode the camera will zoom in on the side to focus on the skateboard and the character's feet. Players will then be able to use the right analog stick to control the right and left feet using the right and left analog sticks, allowing the player to flip and rotate the board in any such manner; including tapping the underside of the board in the air and merging various techniques to form new moves.
Another new ability in the game is to control the characters in the game during crashes, allowing you to obtain a high "Hospital bill", with bonus money awarded for broken bones—this feature is used in numerous challenges across the story mode (only on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360). Players can also induce a wreck manually in a way very similar to Thrasher: Skate and Destroy
on the PlayStation
. Lastly, players still have the option to get off their skateboard at any time and run, though it plays a very small role in the game overall, other than avoiding bails and extending combos. On the PlayStation 2 and the PSP mode, it has people that are called " Stokens". Stokens are people that stoke you for your tricks on your board. If you hit them and make them fall and if you get closer to them while they are getting up, they will sucker punch you. There are various genders and types of stokens in the game like teenage boys, teenage girls and mechanics ( Only on Downtown, City Center, Car Factory, Fun Park and Crete Park).
In the GameSpot
review of the PlayStation 3 version, Project 8 was criticized for its lack of online play and unstable framerate.
Criticism has been aimed at the versions of the game on all Sony systems (PSP, PS2, PS3) which all lack any online multiplayer functions. Major gaming websites like IGN
and GameSpot
note that since the Tony Hawk franchise was the first game series available to be playable online on the PlayStation 2, the PlayStation 3's omission is strange, especially considering the Xbox 360 version is fully playable on Xbox Live, and all prior versions of the series back to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 have been fully supported by online play with the PlayStation 2.
The following tracks appear in the current generation versions.
"Tenley Town" by The Walkmen
was mislabeled as "This Job is Killing Me" in the current generation versions.
History of video game consoles (sixth generation)
The sixth-generation era refers to the computer and video games, video game consoles, and video game handhelds available at the turn of the 21st century. Platforms of the sixth generation include the Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, and Microsoft Xbox...
(PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
and Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
) and seventh-generation
History of video game consoles (seventh generation)
In the history of video games, the seventh generation of consoles is the current generation , and includes consoles released since late by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony...
consoles (Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
and PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
). The name Project 8 refers to the Project 8 competition featured in the storyline, and because it is the eighth game in the Tony Hawk series.
Game features
Project 8 features one giant streaming city to skate in (only on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), which contains various skate parks and "hidden sections". An E3 preview by a member of the PlanetTonyHawk.com staff stated "The levels are massive and an amalgamation of just about every level in the early THPS games. So Suburbia, School, Downtown and Factory (I, II and III) are all interconnected and part of the same town." There are about 45 skaters in the game, including unlockable characters, who each have a unique mo-capMotion capture
Motion capture, motion tracking, or mocap are terms used to describe the process of recording movement and translating that movement on to a digital model. It is used in military, entertainment, sports, and medical applications, and for validation of computer vision and robotics...
style (only on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), providing a different experience and no recycled animations.
One new feature is the 'nail the trick' option. When a player enters this mode the camera will zoom in on the side to focus on the skateboard and the character's feet. Players will then be able to use the right analog stick to control the right and left feet using the right and left analog sticks, allowing the player to flip and rotate the board in any such manner; including tapping the underside of the board in the air and merging various techniques to form new moves.
Another new ability in the game is to control the characters in the game during crashes, allowing you to obtain a high "Hospital bill", with bonus money awarded for broken bones—this feature is used in numerous challenges across the story mode (only on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360). Players can also induce a wreck manually in a way very similar to Thrasher: Skate and Destroy
Thrasher: Skate and Destroy
Thrasher Presents Skate and Destroy is a skateboarding video game developed by Z-Axis and released in 1999 for the Sony PlayStation. A Game Boy Color version was also developed, but was later cancelled...
on the PlayStation
PlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
. Lastly, players still have the option to get off their skateboard at any time and run, though it plays a very small role in the game overall, other than avoiding bails and extending combos. On the PlayStation 2 and the PSP mode, it has people that are called " Stokens". Stokens are people that stoke you for your tricks on your board. If you hit them and make them fall and if you get closer to them while they are getting up, they will sucker punch you. There are various genders and types of stokens in the game like teenage boys, teenage girls and mechanics ( Only on Downtown, City Center, Car Factory, Fun Park and Crete Park).
Reception
The game has been met with mostly positive reviews, with the Xbox 360 version garnering an overall average of 81% on GameRankings. It was especially the subject of praise for its "Nail the Trick" mode and graphical enhancements (it has, however, received criticism for the removal of several key features).In the GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
review of the PlayStation 3 version, Project 8 was criticized for its lack of online play and unstable framerate.
Criticism has been aimed at the versions of the game on all Sony systems (PSP, PS2, PS3) which all lack any online multiplayer functions. Major gaming websites like IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
and GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
note that since the Tony Hawk franchise was the first game series available to be playable online on the PlayStation 2, the PlayStation 3's omission is strange, especially considering the Xbox 360 version is fully playable on Xbox Live, and all prior versions of the series back to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 have been fully supported by online play with the PlayStation 2.
Soundtrack
The game's award-winning soundtrack featured 57 tracks from a variety of artists.- +44+44 (band)+44 was an alternative rock band formed by Blink-182 members Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker...
- Lycanthrope - 76 Percent Uncertain - I Hate the Radio
- Aurelius - Hemlock
- Bad ReligionBad ReligionBad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. Their current line-up consists of Greg Graffin , Brett Gurewitz , Jay Bentley , Greg Hetson , Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman . Gurewitz is also the founder of the label Epitaph Records, which has released almost all of the...
- Social Suicide - Black MountainBlack Mountain (band)Black Mountain is a Canadian rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia. The band is composed of Stephen McBean, Amber Webber, Matt Camirand, Jeremy Schmidt and Joshua Wells.-Overview:...
- Druganaut - The ChannelingThe ChannelingThe Channeling is a punk band from Southern California. The Channeling's first official appearance in the mainstream was a slot on the soundtrack for the game Tony Hawk's Project 8 in 2006. The song is called "Frighteners"....
- The Frighteners - CharizmaCharizmaCharles Hicks a.k.a. Charizma was an MC from San Jose, California, United States. He is most known for his work with Peanut Butter Wolf; the two of them formed a duo together, but their music was cut short when Charizma was murdered in late 1993.-Biography:Charizma was 13 when he got his first...
and PB WolfPeanut Butter WolfChris Manak, aka Peanut Butter Wolf, is a DJ, hip-hop producer and the founder of hip-hop label Stones Throw Records.A native of San Jose, California, He took on the name Peanut Butter Wolf in the late-80s when he realized that a girlfriend’s youngest brother feared the “peanut butter wolf monster”...
- Devotion - Claus Grabke - Cause
- Cryptic SlaughterCryptic SlaughterCryptic Slaughter was a Santa Monica, California-based crossover thrash band.-Biography:Cryptic Slaughter was formed in 1984 by Les Evans , Scott Peterson and Adam Scott , who met through their mutual participation in the American Youth Soccer League . Soon they were joined by Bill Crooks , a...
- Lowlife - The CureThe CureThe Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
- Plastic Passion - Damian MarleyDamian MarleyDamian "Jr. Gong" Marley is a Jamaican reggae artist who has won three Grammy awards. Damian is the youngest son of Bob Marley....
- Move - The Dead Milkmen - Punk Rock Girl
- Die Young (TX) - Anthem of the Prodigal Son
- Eagles of Death MetalEagles of Death MetalEagles of Death Metal is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, formed in 1998 by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme. Despite their band name, Eagles of Death Metal are not a death metal band. Hughes stated that a friend was introducing Josh Homme to the death metal genre...
- Chase the Devil - FunkFace - Zoo York City
- Gnarls BarkleyGnarls BarkleyGnarls Barkley is an American soul duo comprising Danger Mouse and Cee Lo Green. Their first studio album St. Elsewhere was released in 2006; along with its first single "Crazy". Both single and album were a major commercial success and have been noted for their large sales by download...
- Gone Daddy Gone - Gym Class HeroesGym Class HeroesGym Class Heroes is an American hip hop rock band from Geneva, New York. They have collaborated with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump on numerous occasions, notably for providing backing vocals on the song "Cupid's Chokehold." Stump also produced the majority of their album The Quilt.The group formed...
- The Queen and I - HieroglyphicsHieroglyphics (band)Hieroglyphics, also known as the Hieroglyphics Crew and Hiero, are an American underground hip hop collective based in Oakland, California. The collective was founded in the early-1990s by rapper Del tha Funkee Homosapien...
- At The Helm - The Hold SteadyThe Hold SteadyThe Hold Steady is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2004. The band consists of Craig Finn , Tad Kubler , Galen Polivka , Bobby Drake , and Steve Selvidge...
- Your Little Hoodrat Friend - ImmortalImmortal (band)Immortal is a black metal band from Bergen, Norway, founded in 1990 by current frontman/guitarist Abbath Doom Occulta and former guitarist Demonaz Doom Occulta...
- One by One - Jaylib - The Red
- Joy DivisionJoy DivisionJoy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences...
- Interzone - Kasabian - Club Foot
- The KlaxonsThe KlaxonsThe Klaxons were a Belgian accordion based band who had a minor UK hit in 1983 with "The Clap Clap Sound", which reached number 45 in the UK charts...
- Gravity's Rainbow - Kool and the Gang - Summer Madness
- Legitimate Business - 80 on 80
- Liquid LiquidLiquid LiquidLiquid Liquid is a New York City post-punk, post-disco band, originally active from 1980 to 1983. They are perhaps best known for their track, "Cavern", which was covered by the Sugar Hill Records house band as the backing track for Grandmaster + Melle Mel's old school rap classic, "White Lines "...
- Optimo - Living LegendsLiving LegendsLiving Legends is a rap group composed of eight hip hop artists from California. Beginning in the early 1990s, the crew garnered a following by recording, promoting, and performing their music independently...
- Moving at the Speed of Life - MinistryMinistry (band)Ministry is an American industrial metal band founded by lead singer Al Jourgensen in 1981. Originally a synthpop outfit, Ministry changed its style to industrial metal in the late 1980s. Ministry found mainstream success in the early 1990s with its most successful album Psalm 69: The Way to...
- Stigmata Remix - MogwaiMogwaiThe word mogwai is the transliteration of the Cantonese word 魔怪 meaning "monster", "evil spirit", "devil" or "demon".-Mogwai/Mogui in Chinese culture:...
- Glasgow Mega Snake - Monty Are IMonty Are IMonty Are I is an American rock band from Cranston, Rhode Island. Monty Are I is titled after the band instructor, Arthur Montanaro. The "Are I" portion of the name is a pun on "RI", Rhode Island's postal abbreviation.-History and Achievements:Monty Are I won Takeover Records' "Sign My Band"...
- In This Legacy - Nine Inch NailsNine Inch NailsNine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
- Getting Smaller - Noise - Dirty Evil
- Oh NoOh No (rapper)Oh No is an underground hip hop artist from Oxnard, California who has released several albums on Stones Throw Records.-Biography:...
- Chump - Pardon My Extinguisher - Bitch and Moan
- PrimusPrimus (band)Primus is an American rock band based in San Francisco, California, currently composed of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry "Ler" LaLonde and drummer Jay Lane. Primus originally formed in 1984 with Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth, later joined by Lane, though the latter two departed...
- American Life - The Ramones - I Wanna Live
- Revolution Mother - Second Thoughts
- Slayer - Angel of Death
- Sonic YouthSonic YouthSonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
- Nic Fit - Stasera - Palisades
- Supersuckers - Goodbye
- The SwordThe SwordThe Sword is an American heavy metal band that formed in Austin, Texas, in 2003. Since its inception the band has comprised vocalist and guitarist John D. Cronise, guitarist Kyle Shutt and bassist Bryan Richie, and currently includes touring drummer Jimmy Vela following Trivett Wingo's departure in...
- Iron Swan - The ThrowawaysThe Throwaways (Australian Band)The Throwaways were a musical group from Melbourne, Australia who played from 1989 to 1995, consisting of Marc Dorey, Sean Baxter, Dave Kendal, Mat Butler and later Matt Charles...
- You're Not the Only One - Thine Eyes BleedThine Eyes BleedThine Eyes Bleed is a melodic death metal band from London, Ontario, Canada. They released their first album In the Wake of Separation in 2005. And on April, 15th 2008 released their follow up album, Thine Eyes Bleed.-Members:...
- Without Warning - The ThunderlordsThe ThunderlordsThe Thunderlords are an American parody rock band. They describe themselves as "heavy metal for kids." The band began primarily as the work of video-game programmer Alan Flores, a native of Los Angeles, with some help from his young daughter, Maya ....
- Ice Cream Headache - Toots and the Maytals - Time Tough
- Transplants - Pay Any Price
- Typical Cats - Any Day
- Ugly DucklingUgly Duckling (hip hop group)Ugly Duckling is an American hip hop group that formed around 1993 in Long Beach, California. Ugly Duckling's members include Dizzy Dustin , Young Einstein and Andy Cat . They took the name Ugly Duckling because they felt like outcasts on the Southern California hip hop scene of the mid-1990s...
- Smack - VanStone - Skate Town
- VolteraVolteraVoltera is an industrial rock four piece band from Melbourne, Australia. They have played the West Coast Leg of the 2006 Vans Warped Tour and have two tracks featured in the Tony Hawk series of skateboarding video games: "It beats for you" on Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, and "Do What Your Daddy Say"...
- Do What your Daddy Say - The WalkmenThe WalkmenThe Walkmen are an American indie rock band, with members based in New York City and Philadelphia. The band formed in 2000 with three members from Jonathan Fire*Eater—Paul Maroon , Walter Martin , and Matt Barrick —and two from The Recoys, Peter Bauer and Hamilton Leithauser . All but Bauer...
- This Job is Killing Me - WildchildWildchild (rapper)Jack Brown, better known by his stage name Wildchild, is a rapper and member of the Lootpack. He has released two solo albums. The first, Secondary Protocol, released on Stones Throw Records, featured contributions from Oh NO, Percee P, Medaphoar, Planet Asia, Aceyalone, and Phil da Agony, and...
- Wonder Years - WolfmotherWolfmotherWolfmother is an Australian rock band from Erskineville, Sydney. Formed in 2000, the group was originally a trio composed of vocalist and guitarist Andrew Stockdale, bassist and keyboardist Chris Ross and drummer Myles Heskett. Wolfmother released their self-titled debut album in October 2005,...
- Woman - ZekeZeke (band)Zeke is an American hardcore punk band from Seattle, Washington formed in 1993. They are known for their extremely fast, energetic guitar sound. Zeke mixes this with strong influences from hard rock, and occasionally blues-rock, and are often compared to Motörhead.Zeke has released six full-length...
- Kill the King
The following tracks appear in the current generation versions.
- ESWS - Uncle Todd's Cabin
- The Long Thaw - Come Taste It
- Stay Gold Pony Boy - Communist Parties
- The WalkmenThe WalkmenThe Walkmen are an American indie rock band, with members based in New York City and Philadelphia. The band formed in 2000 with three members from Jonathan Fire*Eater—Paul Maroon , Walter Martin , and Matt Barrick —and two from The Recoys, Peter Bauer and Hamilton Leithauser . All but Bauer...
- Tenley Town
"Tenley Town" by The Walkmen
The Walkmen
The Walkmen are an American indie rock band, with members based in New York City and Philadelphia. The band formed in 2000 with three members from Jonathan Fire*Eater—Paul Maroon , Walter Martin , and Matt Barrick —and two from The Recoys, Peter Bauer and Hamilton Leithauser . All but Bauer...
was mislabeled as "This Job is Killing Me" in the current generation versions.