Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Review - Square Eyed Jak

Year 1, Day 2: After stellar reception following a step in a different direction, Underground 2 jumped in as a direct sequel to try and 1-up the previous installment. With a Jackass theme and 2 games in 1, the series was running full steam ahead in quality... but how long will it be before the train derails and flattens a German pub?
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Intro/Outro Music:
• Royalty Free Music #15...

[@FlameOfUdun96]

Those effects at the beginning were Hollywood-tier

[@Whiplashed]

Burning ring of fire...

[@mistergremm735]

This Game has SHREK 10/10

[@k-leb4671]

My like has given your comment 42 likes. Shrek is the meaning of life.

[@xkumanekox]

This game was a lot more nostalgic to me than THPS4. I remember playing this a lot with my cousin as kids, and just loving the soundtrack and laughing at the now laughably childish (and outdated) jokes in the game. Good times.

[@ministryOFmuff]

I think THPS4 is the "better" game but I have to agree about the nostalgia. THUG2 just stands out more because it was more unique. THPS4 was kind of awkwardly sandwiched between the peak of the series with 3, and its revitalization with THUG1. Perfectly competent but ultimately kind of forgettable.

[@ThaVipaa]

i started with thps2 back in the day and then after that i got thps4 so for me 4 is the one i played the most. just the levels and missions were the most fun. when they added movement without skateboard it was kinda clunky so that's why 4 is to this day the best one

[@SantiagoMonroy5]

​@@ministryOFmuffTHPS 4 is a great game but suffers from "first game syndrome", First open world but it's easily the weakest of them all, Underground 1 made it obsolete and Underground 2/American Wasteland improved it beyond belief. THPS 4 is a great game on its own right but it now feels lesser, some missions blow, it's not as vivid and full of life in comparison to the rest and not being able to walk on feet makes it feel incomplete and weird.

[@wolborgms9766]

This reminds me of bully but with skateboards and terrorism

[@keanecoquete4977]

Bleach I never thought of it that way.

[@RowBlanka]

Bleach and jackass

[@hermansila9224]

Didn’t bully already have skateboards?

[@neves6867]

@JDS12451 lol especially that Rockstar made Thrasher years before

[@CMC6996]

@@neves6867 they only published it. It was developed by z-axis (Dave Mirra games)

[@Blarm]

The storymode on this game is basically my childhood. I must have been around 10 when I played it. My friends and I knew the script for the cut scenes off by heart.

[@DonnieDisasters]

THUG 2 was my favorite tony hawk.

[@0AmyLouise0]

When I saw this on early access I was completely blown away by the intro, so much thought and effort put into your videos and they just get better and better. You are honestly so underrated, this is amazing. :)

[@SquareEyedJak]

Cheers mate, though this intro was an absolute fucking nightmare. I'll explain it more in a Making-of down the line but it was the first thing I made for the entire special and my god, I nearly cancelled it! xD

[@0AmyLouise0]

Haha well I'm very glad you didn't! At least you know all that hard work paid off, it looks brilliant. :)

[@therealrockstargamer]

​@@SquareEyedJak someone should start a petition to have neversoft come back and make Tony hawk games again

[@therealrockstargamer]

​@@SquareEyedJak That was my first Tony hawk game for the GameCube and how I learned to curse in that one😅

[@broadway_y3698]

I can tell hawktober is going to be a effort filled series going through many wonderful tony hawk games

[@hypurban]

For some reason or other (prolly nostalgia glasses) I low-key loved this game. Yeah the story is trash and some of the missions are bleh, buit I enjoyed the sound track and level design. I played remix tho on my PSP.

[@velvetblueco2422]

Dude your attention to detail in your videos regarding these tony hawk games are amazing. Love how ya act out all the new additions like the new freak out feature, spray paint, the face map lmao, etc

[@zkivu]

I love seeing your video quality and overall energy and brand continue to improve. Seriously, Ive watched several videos multiple times, including the All Tony Hawk Levels one. You belong in entertainment. Dont stop. Let me know if you ever need any graphic design or audio work.

[@starcode5000]

I did a school trip from Victoria to Tasmania and I came across that exact same skatepark that you use in Launceston. I took a picture of it like it was like a monument because I love these videos

[@SquareEyedJak]

Awesome! The big flood wall is like a monument, shame the park itself doesn't inspire a whole lot though. Cheers!

[@starcode5000]

@@SquareEyedJak inspired me one way or another, have a good one mate

[@DJ_Orangutan]

These are some of the most entertaining video game reviews I've ever seen. Keep up the great work!

[@SquareEyedJak]

Thanks, appreciate it! :)

[@gamerguy425]

THUG 2 is a game I loved the shit out of playing through it but then looked back and thought.... meh that's kinda weak. The story is nowhere as deep, engaging and full of as many hard hitting twists and turns as THUG 1, instead it's just very mean spirited and not as fun to me (it's funny how crashing a tank into the embassy or whatever in Thug 1 RUINS YOUR CAREER, but here it's like a daily occurrence)

[@jak1oak677]

William it’s not called the world destruction tour for nun !

[@dangarbagecan5900]

Holy shit, that EyeToy compatibility is hilarious, might have to hunt down one of those myself, especially after your series about the other eyetoy games. Also, how come you didn't hire an aborigine and strap him into a wheelchair for the skatepark real-life clips for this episode?

[@bbjb7459]

I just saw your underground review. I guess it's time to jump into the next instalment. This 5 day Hawktober event is Christmas come early for me. ^_^

[@alaeriia01]

I love how Jak slowly learns to skate over the course of the series.

[@pedrum23]

Your channel is mad underrated you cam really see the amount of effort that goes into these videos and as a mega fan of the thps series these videos are amazing

[@Sidnfjdkdndfbd]

These videos have great editing, the editing is spot on. It couldn't be anymore perfect in my opinion.

[@Zusse]

Just got off work dude glad to see yet another good looking video I love your channel your reviews are so much more detailed and just there is much more enthusiasm in them

[@NanaKyoto]

Well you managed to surprise me with how soon your next video came out.

[@SquareEyedJak]

Check the trailer that went up last week :)

[@machr293]

Imagine a reality show today: “I’m freaking out! It’s a new feature this year” LOL.

[@mynameiskyler1996]

Jak! The fact you used Break On Through To The Other Side to open the video and raging over the skateboard makes me appreciate your taste of music and as a content creator even more. Please keep pumping more videos out! Viva La Jak!

[@SquareEyedJak]

Of course mate, cheers! :D

[@woawow50]

2 videos in 2 days, amazing effort mate :D

[@SquareEyedJak]

Wait until tomorrow... and the rest of the week! ;)

[@HowDoIMakeAUsername]

That feeling when THUG2 is your favorite game and you can't understand why everyone loves THUG so much

[@Lilpresh42069]

Thug is infinitely better, the story isn’t nearly as childish

[@hplkntiinen1030]

I feel the same, when Jak reviews thug 1 you can smell the first game nostalgia far away. I kinda dont blame but if you do these kinds of reviews you shouldnt go for it definetly. Thug 2 was my childhood game and I love every single aspect of it. None of it makes me mad or dissapointed.

[@wilbourke4188]

9:06 Shrek 2: Pro Skater

[@paultaylor_yt3577]

Another awesome video bro, the content just keeps getting better and better! :D

[@Petronious]

Your in a hot streak with these videos, Jak. No sign of them THAWing out. Seriously though, good stuff. Loving the intros to these.

[@SquareEyedJak]

That was fucking terrible, go away! But cheers mate

[@Keeks94]

Wow all I have to say is this, your editing has been getting better and better with each video you have been doing and I hope you get more online traffic to your channel because you definitely deserve it. Good job dude; greeting from Chicago

[@SquareEyedJak]

Cheers mate, appreciate it! :D

[@Keeks94]

Square Eyed Jak, No problem will you ever come to the US for a gaming convention?

[@SquareEyedJak]

Dude I really want to but I can't put a date on it unfortunately. Of course when the day comes, I won't be keeping it a secret so you'll know I'm on the way over!

[@SalotusJChaos]

Damn this is gonna be one hell of a Tony Hawktober! Looking forward to the rest of the week! :D

[@kingofgoldfish]

I assumed you misspoke and meant 5 reviews in 5 weeks, but THIS is frickin awesome. Keep it up my dude

[@SquareEyedJak]

Haha nope, 5 reviews in 5 days. It's been hectic to get everything done but I'm glad people are enjoying it. Cheers mate! :D

[@surrealistidealist]

3:48 Hey, isn't that background music from the ps1 Spyro game?!?!? 😍

[@TortillaBuenoGaming]

The first game I got on my PSP was THUG 2, and it really shaped my love for not only this game, but the PSP and its ability to give me great gameplay anywhere I wanted!

[@ghostfacekiller45]

I like your usage of Spyro music as background music

[@thechosenrose5305]

Wow can’t believe this has been 2 years wow time flies

[@NotPixer]

Nice review bro! Keep up the good work! I'm loving these Green screen effects dude!

[@SquareEyedJak]

Cheers mate! :D

[@keanecoquete4977]

The more and more I watch your reviews, the more I want to buy a HDMI converter and play PS2 again. Nice editing as always.

[@successfulfailure5153]

"tagging walls and other tasks, ugh so boring" "the classic mode lets you collect shit, awesome! nostalgia!"

[@fastinradfordable]

One of the most under rated KZbin’s. The game... eh Tony hawk went downhill after 3. Ea Skate is way more satisfying.

[@angelabartolone578]

This man only knows amazingly hilarious intros

[@merifon1100]

I never, ever felt so bad for not being able to donate on patreon. You are the definition of underrated

[@SquareEyedJak]

It's all good mate, not expected of anyone. Thanks! :)

[@Atri4]

Another video, another step further into paradise.

[@cardenw]

My first and still favourite skating game :) me and my sister played the multiplayer modes all the time after finishing the story.

[@deliverancegaming6652]

Guess who's back? Good video, man. I agree that the theme of the game is what made it subordinate to Underground 1. Can't wait to see the review on American Wasteland!

[@fikrinifyful]

Finally! Skateboard reviews after the Proskater(THPS) series. Don't forget to review Tony Hawk Proskater HD and the newest one, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 5.

[@SuperMelonBros]

Honestly Jak your reviews are amazing keep it up! Just a quick question do you use Sony Vegas to edit ?

[@docicusalignjon]

Amazing vid Jak, the quality od your vids has improved a lot. Cant wait for the American Wasteland review, keep it up. P.S: Thoughts on THUG 2 remix for the PSP?

[@GMECRTL]

Completely agreed. THUG1 is my favourite Tony Hawk's game by a mile, I was shocked to find that THUG2 would be my least favourite.

[@mladjo1012]

SHREK SHH SHH SHREK what have we done to this world Jak?

[@HavelsRing96]

I played this so much as a kid... in my gba

[@xxx_shanklinarcade_xxx9984]

I am very excited for this! Loved this game as a kid.

[@antonwilhelmnow]

Mr. Jak, This was actually my favorite Tony Hawk game (if only it had the same control set as THAW). It had the best custom skater options and levels, and I do like that we have access to some classic levels as you mentioned. I do agree they shoved a lot in here to compensate for the ensemble cast, but the soundtrack was great as well as the abundance of secret characters. Some of the vehicles were a bit clunky but they are still fun to zoom around in just because of how ridiculous it is to be acid dropping in a wheel chair. Despite it's flaws, I really think 6/10 is an extremely low score considering the controls are still tight and there are some very extensive secret areas to some levels, the combo strings are great too and they added the focus mode and roll flips. Any game with a score of 6/10 seems average, to the point where I may not even want to buy it or replay it. But I had a lot of fun with this game and I'd say it at least deserves a 7 or an 8.

[@SquareEyedJak]

A 6/10 is still a good score. Things don't start to get questionable until 5/10. And yeah, I can see where you're coming from but if I can elaborate on my perspective more: The Tony Hawk games are all mostly, fairly simple and straight forward. No highly intricate story, licensed soundtrack, basic gameplay and strong customization. When a game is a lot less complex in design, it actually becomes a lot harder to critique it because there is less room for fuck ups. If you really wanted specifics, coming off of THUG1 yesterday: It lost a point for the weaker story mode and another point for a combination of smaller things, some useless additions such as create a graphic, no improvements to create a trick, custom board graphics disappearing and several other finer things sprinkled throughout. By the time you get to a 7 or 8 score, those fine details really matter. But like I said, 6/10 is still good, it just means there are some things lacking. :)

[@antonwilhelmnow]

Square Eyed Jak Hey Man! It's an honor you actually replied to my comment. I've been following your videos for a couple years now. Big Crash and Tony fan and I loved your thorough critiques of the Jak games even though I barely got to play them. (And I'm a smidget closer to you since I moved to Los Angeles 🤣). I understand your gripe with THUG2, I guess I didn't utilize the custom decks much in the 1st game. And the create-a-graphic has no practicality, but, it's aesthetics like anything custom, and I made a pretty sweet one on my game save. I think THUG2 added more special tricks to the create a trick mode if I'm not mistaken, like this boomerang manual that's utterly impossible to do, but well worth it. And the level designs improved a lot in my opinion, as I think the spine transfer was also new to THUG2. The final stunt should've had more stakes other than explosions, but I liked the world trip theme throughout the story mode. I'll save most of these thoughts for your AW video, but, I thought that game had the most thorough and polished moveset of any Tony Hawk game released. Your comments are much appreciated, you're a great critic!

[@SquareEyedJak]

No worries mate, cheers! :D

[@looper7159]

Dude I fucking love your shirt. Fucking classy! Also extremely underrated content creator damn this guy is awesome

[@Clockworrk66]

Watching October 24th, 2023. Much luv Jak

[@EmperorDank]

This is the only skate game i used to play and i freakin loved it. Idk why i didnt get any other skating games considering how much i enjoyed this one. Then again, i was 9 when i played it.

[@itsbreadbin]

I'm actually incredibly surprised that you rated this game 6/10 and not higher; in my opinion, mechanically, it's the best game in the entire franchise. The controls and gameplay are absolutely perfect, with silky, buttery smooth controls. The vehicles, however, are kinda pointless and didn't really need to be in the game. I love this game and feel it plays pretty much perfectly in regards to the skating controls; Great video and great production quality though! Long time fan of your channel and content 💝

[@elchoppo3219]

holy shit those effects man

[@jameswunderlich88]

I was thinking of getting the eye toy just for this game and was wondering do you need a disc or anything to take photos for this game? Or will the ps2 automatically use the camera through the usb?

[@juicymelon6132]

This game was awesome and my favorite childhood game still one of my favorites

[@phoqueno.3]

Excellent vid, Jak!

[@losermonkey666]

SkofinScope yeah

[@ROOFTOPGUY]

I only played the PsP version, and i was always wondering why all the destruction

[@Megumi_Bandicoot]

Watching Jak's reviews is better than sex.

[@elchoppo3219]

Not as good as both at the same time

[@AndreyPSMODS]

You should talk about the mod that fans did called Tony Hawks Underground Pro or THUG PRO for shorten that unites all the Tony Hawk games from THPS 1 to THAW including levels,an refreshed online mode,character mods,all create a park stuff is there,decks and....you already got the point now didn't ya? Is cool mentioning this online overhaul that did a game that is already great better

[@thechosenrose5305]

Tony hawk and square eyed jak. One word amazing

[@ToastyMann]

I loved this game. Great review!

[@AwesomesMan]

I appreciated the rl skating attempt

[@nervousgreg]

Even though this game is kinda stupid and feels like it's trying too hard to appeal to the early 2000's crowd, I think that also somehow became one of it's strengths. It seems like everyone I talk to in my age bracket lists this game as the one they come back to the most, and I think that's because 90's kids like myself have this fond nostalgia for the 2000's, and this game serves as a pretty good time capsule of everything that made the 2000's great. For one thing video games were becoming much more popular, and well this is a video game. Tony Hawk was one of the biggest titles in the 2000's kinda serving as the Call of Duty of it's era. And Jackass/Bam Margera was huge, maybe even bigger than people might remember. A lot of 90s kids in the early/mid 2000s were becoming skaters either because of Tony Hawk Pro Skater, or because of Bam Margera and the Jackass crew. Now while I don't think the game was executed very well in capturing the real spirit of Jackass, coming across as way more cringey and childish even for Jackass standards, it still serves as a reminder of a simpler time when everyone was just skating or partying it up, and I think that's why so many Tony Hawk fans tend to go back to this one; the nostalgia is just real strong with this game, even if the other games are technically better.

[@WolfestoneManor]

You have this incredible production value on your channel, you're funny and kind of off the wall.... and you have no subs.... Why?

[@judsta123kickass]

Top quality greenscreen effects

[@hughb8353]

Ayy I recognize royal skatepark great channel btw

[@Coccyx69]

Funny story I could snap my board like nothing when I was a kid and I cant as an adult lol: skater legs

[@thundersquid5715]

The graffiti aspect is vital to this game...

[@JULTAR100]

wow jack you are quite the skateboard pro

[@captainkirk265]

This is my first Tony Hawk game I first played it a couple days ago. My problem is the story is really short. I actually really enjoyed the idea of the story going on a jackass style destruction tour with competing teams. I'd love another game or even a movie with that storyline fleshed out a lot more. If you think this game lack's content compare it to the only other sports game like I've played. Dave Mirra's BMX freestyle 2. That game is bare bones. Edit: Couldn't remember if it was the first or second game.

[@martinlutherkingjr.5582]

THUG 1 was probably the greatest THPS game of all time without even having PS in the title. The cheesy story made it seem even more incredible.

[@bonziula]

Your Intro remakes are awesome btw

[@SquareEyedJak]

Glad you like them, cheers! :)

[@reedschneider6587]

the wheel of luggies i want to bring that back

[@chapterblaq]

You're still a small channel but your shit is good m8. Keep making videos and I'll keep watching.

[@StDenis35]

Skatopia was added because of viva la bam

[@wavy1764]

review dr robotnik's mean bean machine when you get the chance!

[@godlyfiery1164]

I know the Spyro music is wonderful mate but come on now! Anyways I love your videos. easily my favorite channel on youtube! Keep up the good work :)

[@lozifor]

I do think that the story mode was a bit too easy even on sick difficulty, but it makes for a fun speedrun. I do like the flow of the game where you can complete goals in a free skate environment instead of talking to individual NPC'S to trigger goals.

[@pixelatedlime2855]

Great video, can't wait till the next review. I could never get American wasteland to work after the first area :(

[@SquareEyedJak]

What wouldn't work?

[@pixelatedlime2855]

Square Eyed Jak I have no idea. After I left the first area and tried to start the first mission of the second area the game always crashed. I had it on xbox and when I tried the game on my cousins xbox the game still crashed but the wierd thing is is that the disc doesn't have a scratch on it so to this very day I never got to expirience it :(

[@pixelatedlime2855]

Square Eyed Jak But still, I can't wait to see your review to see if the game was worth it :)

[@SquareEyedJak]

Damn that's really bizarre. I'd say it was an issue with the disc's print maybe, but who knows.

[@pixelatedlime2855]

Square Eyed Jak yea probably was

[@king.liljoji]

Actually, Bam and Tony are banned in Boston, Barcelona, Berlin, Australia and New Orleans. XD

[@VenomousBAndre]

I love the shit out of the old tony hawk games. Great reviews! jack

[@humbertomarmolejo1832]

Song at 2:34?

[@losermonkey666]

OH YEA IM READY FOR THIS!!!😱

[@SwiftyStardust]

My personal favourite of the series. Probably ties with Pro Skater 3 in terms of nostalgic value, since these two were the ones I played the most as a kid.

[@SquareEyedJak]

Yeah I always loved playing the THPS3 levels in this game because I used to suck at that game, starting with the smoother games that let you walk around to stop falling off and things like that. Though the earthquake in this game is nowhere near as cool for some reason.

[@SwiftyStardust]

Canada and Airport are personal favourites of mine.

[@Whiplashed]

Are you gonna do a review of the shit fail one from last year?

[@davidramone3687]

Its oct. So yknow im watchin these vids . 👌

[@baddragonite]

I like the Jak and Daxter shirt

[@Ratchetcomand]

Underground 2 is the last good Tony Hawk game IMO

[@tobinmonroe3046]

Definitely

[@blackheartedbronymerc7209]

I think i play this game years ago at my cousins place good times

[@Sephinova]

3:40 to 3:48 I had to replay that like 20 times. That was fucking hilarious.

[@bigblackdaddyblue]

Good review, man. Although the story was alright, I just wish it was a little more longer.

[@casualcallie7195]

Wait a minute you got glowing hand Chad Mudska too? So I’m not alone...

[@-AK-]

I'm really looking forward to American Wasteland, that one is my personal favorite.

[@baddragonite]

Great soundtrack in this one. Maybe the best imo