In terms of gameplay, this version of the game is as good as it is on any other console. You now have only four buttons instead of the eight found on the PSX and six on the dc, but it translates well to the actual game. On the default setting you use the B button to do ollies (jump) and the A button to grind. The Left shoulder button is used to do flip tricks whilst in the air and to toggle ollies when on the ground. The Right shoulder button lets you do grab tricks (in the air) and switch stances. You can do tricks or grinds over all the level with ease. In fact I have found this version of the game to be easier than other console versions, it seems easier to pull tricks and supers with the GBA pad over other console pads. You can also do the manuals which help you link big combos and score some high points. There are a few problems with judging exactly where certain things are though; if you need to grab some cash or goal which is suspended in mid-air over a particular dark area of the level then it is hard to judge exactly where it is since you need to use the shadows on the ground. Also the GBA itself does not bode well for long play, for some reason my hands cramp badly after an extended bout of play. However this is a design fault of the GBA and not the game since it also happens when playing other games.

There are 6 levels to play through in 3 different modes, career (the main mode) free skate and single session. There are a total of 13 pro skaters to play with and probably a few hidden skaters as well in there (keeping that secret though). Career mode lets you start with one open level with 10 goals. Each time you complete a goal you earn money, which you can use to upgrade your stats, buy new boards and open up more levels. The problem with this is that the higher levels pay more money for completing goals, and so if you open up a few higher levels early on you could technically see the end of the game without completing each goal, however doing this also means you won't see any of the hidden skaters. The developers have included, as one of the 6 levels, probably the best level from Tony Hawks 1, the warehouse level, which plays like a dream. It's the level that I can do my highest combo on and also achieve my highest overall score.

Graphically Tony Hawks 2 is the most accomplished handheld title currently available. When you first start the game you could easily think that you are playing the PSX or DC version. The presentation is 100% accurate to the bigger consoles. On the main options page the only thing missing is the multi-player mode and create level mode, everything is in exactly the same place as it is on other versions. They have also managed to include the exploding text every time you either successfully manage a trick or fail miserably. Each level looks as good as its bigger console cousin even though it's now 2d, but shown from an isometric viewpoint. The developers have managed to make each skateboarder in polygons. In fact they have used the same polygon skaters as in the PSX version but on the GBA they are un-textured and of a slighter lower polygon count. They have managed to retain all the bail animations from the PSX version as well.

Sadly all this graphical finery does have some prices to pay. The levels are no longer interactive, by this I mean that certain objects no longer have their own animations when certain things happen (for example the helicopter in the first level no longer takes off when you grind the rotors) and there are no moving vehicles as well. While this takes a little away it does add another plus to the game, the helicopter looks a lot better on this version than any other due to being a sprite. The developers have also added a semi zoom-in mode which kicks in each time you pull off one of the many special moves.

Sonically the game is excellent for a handheld. Each sound effect is a completely accurate interpretation of the bigger consoles and the soundtrack is top-notch. The soundtrack no longer has the licensed music that other versions had but the music that's there is good. Interesting fact - the developers of Iridion on the GBA, Shin'en, were recruited to provide an original library of songs for this version.

Overall this game is the initial killer app for the GBA. The developers should be recommended for the top class conversion they have achieved. This game is probably the premier conversion of any game on any system - it is that good. Not everything is perfect - the learning curve could be a bit too steep for a few people and the difficulty level which was high on the other versions is a bit higher on this one due to the fixed perspective. It can be difficult to judge angles from jumps/grinds to other jump/grinds due to the level just really being one big image which scrolls around to follow the skater. After a few hours play though this issue disappears as you become more accustomed to the levels and the viewpoint. Also the lack of both a create-a-skater mode and multi-player support does take something away from the overall experience but the plusses still make this a must-have. It's a superb solitary experience which will give many hours of fun to the gamer, and is without doubt the best of the early GBA titles.

It should be noted that a GBA light would be a perfect companion to this game but saying that it would probably be a perfect companion to most GBA games.