If this was real life I'd be dead

I rented a copy of Skate 2 by EA Black Box. It is the sequel to the best skateboard game ever since Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2.

Skate 2 is beautiful. The graphics and physics are spot on and the map is HUGE. The challenges are tough but somewhat based in reality. In fact the game seems so real that after a bad bail it feels like your virtual shredder will never walk again. They made bails part of the game by giving you challenges to mutilate your character as much as possible. 

The big addition to Skate 2 is the ability to get off your board. This adds a lot of potential to skate better lines and makes the map seem more like a real city because there are more curbs and stairs. The ability to leave your board is one of the few flaws in the game as well. It feels like all the amazing physics are abandoned as soon as you step off the board. Walking around feels very awkward. It would have been nice to have some camera control as well. I understand that camera control doesn't work while on your board because of the thumb stick controls. But when you stop and get off your board, it's a shame you can't look around at the well crafted city.

I have not tried the multiplayer yet, but I have heard good things from some of my friends. They said the use of Xbox Live is well done. You can party up with a bunch of friends and shred the city together like an old school 80's skate gang. Can't wait.