Tony Hawk's American Wasteland

 GameCube
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
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  1. Nintendojo
    90
    American Wasteland creates a near-perfect balance that all free roaming games strive to achieve.
  2. Nintendo Power
    90
    It takes what was great from the Underground games and strips out all the lame antics. [Dec 2005, p.115]
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  3. PGNx Media
    90
    A very solid game overall. The tweaks to the core gameplay, the addition of the BMX moves, and the inclusion of a massive city to skate around in are definitely appreciated.
  5. GameSpy
    90
    It tries really hard to please both jaded vets and exuberant fanboys, and for the most part, it succeeds, even if the story mode's a little short and on the easy side.
  6. GameZone
    87
    The only thing bad about this is that the story is really short especially if you are a veteran Tony Hawk player, other than that this game is a blast to play.
  7. Next Level Gaming
    87
    I can see the series getting a little tired, and it doesn't quite have that magical "aura" that the first couple did. But nonetheless there's plenty to keep you busy.
  8. IGN
    85
    As a whole, the story, attitude and overall focus of the game is much better this time around than what we've seen from the two "THUG" games.
  9. Stuff
    85
    Sure, you can choose BMX bikes instead of traditional boards, and the soundtrack of punk covers is the best freaking Tony Hawk soundtrack yet, bar none, but whether or not you'll love this game completely depends on how full your Hawk tank already is.
  10. Cheat Code Central
    84
    The story mode is fun, funny and yet not absurd enough to wonder what drugs were abused during development time.
  11. Game Informer
    83
    Home to some of the greatest gameplay that you'll ever encounter, but unless you compete online, it mostly goes to waste. [Dec 2005, p.154]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. eToychest
    83
    With the camera and control issues of "THUG2" corrected, a fresh, compelling story mode, and the highlights of the series up to this point in tow, Tony Hawk's American Wasteland stands as the best game to bear his name thus far.
  13. AceGamez
    80
    An old game in new clothing.
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  14. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    American Wasteland ends up being yet another sequel that feels more like an expansion pack, but when the levels are this big and well designed, that's not such a bad thing.
  15. Game Chronicles
    80
    While American Wasteland may have the gameplay nailed down, it falls short of being great on the Nintendo GameCube. If you really want to experience the true greatness that is Tony Hawk's American Wasteland then you'll need to play it on another system.
  16. ZTGD
    80
    While the Gamecube version is lacking some of the bonuses of the PS2 and Xbox versions, it is still very solid.
  17. Da Gameboyz
    78
    For fans of the genre, American Wasteland will deliver more of the same, with an added beefy story mode option that flushes out a fairly interesting narrative, moving the game up a notch from pervious titles.
  18. GameSpot
    75
    While the gameplay in Tony Hawk's American Wasteland is still sharp, and the game still looks and sounds just fine, this seventh installment just seems to lack that special spark that made the series so much fun in the first place.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best GameCube Game of 2005
24
#24 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. TheSpacecat
    Feb 28, 2016
    5
    It's okay I guess... The controls are a bit wonky and It's more fun to just run around, explore, and do tricks rather than actually play theIt's okay I guess... The controls are a bit wonky and It's more fun to just run around, explore, and do tricks rather than actually play the game. Can only recomend to Tony Hawk fans.… Full Review »
  2. RyanM.
    Jan 23, 2006
    7
    When the greatest slogan or advertising ploy with this game is the fact it has no laod times, which is completely falso due to the excessive When the greatest slogan or advertising ploy with this game is the fact it has no laod times, which is completely falso due to the excessive lagging when entering and exiting areas, something ahs gone terribly array. The game is Tony hawk, and truly, nothing else has to be said. I must comment on a few "new" aspects, for they mix up the gameplay a bit. The bike has substantially different controls, which could be rewarding for those willing to give it time. A few new tricks there, various levels which look way too similar, and a slew of lame unlockable skaters, plague this game. The classic mode, surprisingly enough, is actually a sclaed down version of what we saw in the previous 5-6 entries. There are less levels and the goals contain that tony hawk style, yet are way too simplistic for anyone to worry over for more than a few minutes time. Story mode is easy, even on sick, and can be completed in less than 8 hours. All in all, the game is solid. Yes, these flaws run rampant, and bring down the quality of the game, but for Tony hawk fans alike, we have taken these flaws every time and continue to buy each entry. for fans coming in to the series, start here, for lucky for you, story mode is one long and monotonous tutorial which you can take and run with. We all know and it is quite obvious, Tony Hawk needs a revitilization. As for now we have Tony Hawk American Wasteland....THUG 3 with flair.… Full Review »
  3. JonathanG.
    Dec 31, 2005
    8
    Fun but I feel as though it is time to stop making Tony Hawk games. Either that or change the storyline compley I mean to where it is almost Fun but I feel as though it is time to stop making Tony Hawk games. Either that or change the storyline compley I mean to where it is almost uncomparable to other THUG or THAW.… Full Review »
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