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{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{About|the fifth entry in the franchise|the fifth Pro Skater game|Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5{{!}}''Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5''}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tony Hawk's Underground
| image = Tony Hawk's Underground PlayStation2 box art cover.jpg
| alt = A man sprints out of sight down an urban alley. A brick building he runs past, which is in the foreground, features a lightened outline of a skateboarder. The text "Tony Hawk's Underground" appears in all-caps at the top of the image; it resembles a stencil used for graffiti.
| developer = [[Neversoft]]{{efn|Ported to Game Boy Advance by [[Vicarious Visions]] and ported to Microsoft Windows by [[Beenox]]}}
| publisher = [[Activision]]
| series = ''[[Tony Hawk's]]''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[
| released = '''Game Boy Advance''', '''GameCube''', '''PlayStation 2''', '''Xbox'''{{vgrelease|NA|October 27, 2003|EU|November 21, 2003}}'''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 20, 2003<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/mobile/920356-tony-hawks-underground/answers|title=Tony Hawk's Underground Q&A for Mobile - GameFAQs|access-date=June 27, 2020|archive-date=June 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629023803/https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/mobile/920356-tony-hawks-underground/answers|url-status=live}}</ref>}}'''Microsoft Windows'''{{vgrelease|[[Australia|AU]]|2004|[[New Zealand|NZ]]|2004}}
| genre = [[Sports game|Sports]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Tony Hawk's Underground''''' is a 2003 [[skateboarding]] video game and the fifth entry in the ''[[Tony Hawk's]]'' series, following ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4]]''. It was developed by [[Neversoft]] and published by [[Activision]] for the [[GameCube]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], and [[Game Boy Advance]]. In 2004, it was published for [[Windows]] in Australia and New Zealand as a budget release.
''Underground'' is built upon the skateboarding formula of previous ''Tony Hawk's'' games: the player explores [[level (video gaming)|levels]] and completes goals while performing [[skateboarding trick|tricks]]. It features a new focus on customization; the player, instead of selecting a professional skater, creates a custom character. ''Underground'' adds the ability for players to dismount their boards and explore on foot. The plot follows the [[player character]] and their friend Eric Sparrow as the two become professionals and grow apart.
''Underground'' was developed with a theme of individuality which was manifested in the extensive character customization options, the presence of a narrative, and the product's characterization as an adventure game. Real world professional skateboarders contributed their experiences to the plot. ''Underground'' was a major critical and commercial success, with reviewers praising its wide appeal, soundtrack, customization, multiplayer, and storyline. The graphics and the controls for driving vehicles and walking were less well received. ''Underground''{{'}}s PlayStation 2 version had sold 2.11 million copies in the United States by December 2007. A sequel, ''[[Tony Hawk's Underground 2]]'', followed in 2004.
== Gameplay ==
{{see also|Tony Hawk's (series)#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in the ''Tony Hawk'' series}}
Like its predecessors in the ''[[Tony Hawk's (series)|Tony Hawk's]]'' series, ''Underground'' is centered on [[skateboarding]] in a series of [[level (video gaming)|levels]].<ref name="ign"/> The player performs [[skateboarding trick|tricks]] via combinations of [[analog stick]] and [[Push-button|button]] inputs. For example, the player initiates an [[ollie (skateboarding)|ollie]] (a jump trick) by holding and releasing the jump button. During an ollie, the player may change the position of the analog stick and press one of two buttons to perform either a [[flip trick]] (such as an [[Flip trick#Ollie impossible|impossible]] or [[kickflip]]) or a [[Aerial (skateboarding)|grab trick]] (such as a [[benihana (skateboarding)|benihana]] or [[nosegrab]]). The player can [[grind (skateboarding)|grind]] on certain edges and rails; different tricks may be performed during a grind based on the position of the analog stick. On [[quarter pipe]]s, the player may execute [[lip trick]]s. While skating on flat surfaces, the player may [[Freestyle skateboarding tricks|manual]] in multiple ways via button combinations. Miscellaneous tricks include [[Duane Peters|acid drops]] and [[Glossary of video game terms#Wall jump|wall-rides]].<ref name="manual 4 7"/>
While a grind, lip, or manual trick is underway, a balance meter appears: unless the player prevents this meter from falling to the left or right, the character will [[bailing (boardsports)|bail]] and need a few seconds to recover. Bailing can also be caused by falling without one's board facing downward. Completing tricks in succession without bailing is called a combo.<ref name="manual 4 7">''Tony Hawk's Underground'' (GameCube) instruction manual, pp. 4–7.</ref> Comboing raises the player's [[score (game)|score]] and fills up the Special Meter; when it is full, the player is granted access to more elaborate tricks worth more points, such as the [[Aerial (skateboarding)|McTwist]] and [[flip trick|540 Flip]].<ref name="euro"/> ''Underground'' introduces the ability to dismount one's skateboard, which allows the player to explore levels more carefully and reach new areas. Each level features at least one vehicle, usually a car, that the player can drive.<ref name="ign"/>
[[Image:THUG Moscow.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The custom skater performs a 360 Varial Heelflip Lien as an objective in Moscow.|alt=A dark-skinned man wearing a fedora and heavy jacket performs a skate trick about fifty feet above a halfpipe, having built up momentum by skating in it. Russian military tanks and a few people are standing off to the sidelines.]]
The levels are based on regions of the United States and other countries.<ref name="ign"/> In each level, certain tasks that advance the narrative must be completed before the player can move on. These tasks include [[score attack]]s, races, item collection, and reaching one of many gaps{{efn|Reaching a gap involves crossing from one setpiece to another, such as from an escalating ramp to a quarter-pipe that borders it, or tricking from one balcony of an [[atrium (architecture)|atrium]] to the other.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Tony Hawk's Underground|developer=Neversoft|publisher=Activision|date=October 27, 2003|quote='''Hough, a pro on the player's team:''' Alright, here it is. They want pictures of you blasting some big grab airs. Above us is a nice open gap over the front of this atrium. It's perfect for these photos.}}</ref>}} found in a level.<ref name="euro"/> Each level houses one professional skateboarder, who provides a [[quest (gaming)|sidequest]] that unlocks a trick for the Special Meter.<ref>''Tony Hawk's Underground'' (GameCube) instruction manual, p. 29.</ref> On account of the levels' large sizes and the integration of goals into the story, ''Underground'' has been described as an [[adventure game]].<ref name="handson">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/07/tony-hawks-underground-hands-on|website=IGN|date=October 6, 2003|last=Perry|first=Douglass C.|title=Tony Hawk's Underground: Hands-On|access-date=June 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606215815/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/07/tony-hawks-underground-hands-on|archive-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref><ref name="face">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/09/tony-hawk-face-scan|website=IGN|last=Perry|first=Douglass C.|date=October 10, 2003|title=Tony Hawk Face Scan|access-date=December 31, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606205559/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/09/tony-hawk-face-scan|archive-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> Characters can level up their stats—which include jump height and speed—by completing optional goals in a level;<ref name="euro"/> this adds an element of [[role-playing video game|role-playing]] gameplay.<ref name="handson"/><ref name="face"/> Other gameplay modes include [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] minigames—one, a combat mode called "Firefight", can be played online in the PlayStation 2 version—and a "free skate" mode that lets the player explore levels with no goals or story.<ref name="ign"/><!-- search "freeskate" on p. 2 -->
''Underground'' features extensive customization. The player creates a custom character for the story mode, and may not play as a pre-made professional skater outside a few contexts: a special scene late in the game, minigames, and the free skate mode. A level editor allows the player to create [[skate park]]s with a large array of objects,<ref name="ign"/> ranging from traditional skate park elements like [[halfpipe]]s, ramps, [[funbox]]es, and [[grind rail]]s to more outlandish pieces like buildings and sections of elevated freeways.<ref name="egm feature"/> The player can change their park's time of day and environmental theme. Tricks, skateboards, and level goals may be customized as well.<ref name="ign"/>
''Underground'' features many real world professional skateboarders including: [[Tony Hawk]], [[Bob Burnquist]], [[Paul Rodriguez (skateboarder)|Paul Rodriguez]], [[Chad Muska]], [[Mike Vallely]], [[Andrew Reynolds (skateboarder)|Andrew Reynolds]], and [[Stacy Peralta]]. ''Underground'' also features cameo appearances by [[Iron Man]], a parody of [[C.H.U.D.]] called T.H.U.D., and [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] bassist [[Gene Simmons]].
While the console versions are fully [[3D computer graphics|three-dimensional]], the Game Boy Advance version is rendered in an [[isometric video game graphics|isometric]] style that incorporates both [[2D computer graphics|2D]] sprites and 3D models. This version is a more traditional ''Tony Hawk's'' game, with little attention given to the story or customization.<ref name="ign gba"/> The mobile version is similarly restricted.<ref name="mobile">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tony-hawks-underground-review/1900-6094090/|website=GameSpot|date=January 1, 2004|title=Tony Hawk's Underground Review: With each new Tony Hawk title, this franchise is getting stronger. T.H.U.G. continues that very encouraging trend.|access-date=June 5, 2014|last=Brown|first=Damon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904011218/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tony-hawks-underground-review/1900-6094090/|archive-date=September 4, 2017}}</ref>
==
The protagonist (who is male or female, player’s choice) and their friend, Eric Sparrow, live in suburban [[New Jersey]] and dream of becoming famous skateboarders. The protagonist manages to impress professional skater [[Chad Muska]], visiting town for a demo, who gives them a new skateboard and informs them that a good way to start a skating career is to gain a sponsorship from a local skate shop. The protagonist seeks out [[Stacy Peralta]], who agrees to sponsor them on the condition that the player does something to set themselves apart from the other local skaters, so the protagonist travels to [[Manhattan, New York]] with Eric, who is on the run from drug dealers after setting their car on fire as revenge for stealing from the skate shop.
There, the pair shoot a skating video that impresses Stacy, who loans them a van and suggests they enter the Tampa AM, an amateur division skate contest held annually at the [[Skatepark of Tampa]], in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]], Florida. Upon arrival, Eric is arrested for insulting a police officer, and the protagonist does favors for the local police department to secure his bail. However, when they arrive for the contest, it is revealed that Eric had only completed his own application form and not the protagonist's, forcing a dejected protagonist to try and impress competitors in the pro contest in order to gain admission. After impressing [[Tony Hawk]], the protagonist wins the Best Trick event at Tampa AM and is offered deals by major skateboard sponsors, much to Eric's dismay. The protagonist then heads to [[San Diego, California]] to meet Todd, the manager of the team, and completes several photo shoots for a magazine. Following a wild celebration party, it is revealed that Eric has been picked up by the same sponsor.
The team then flies out to [[Hawaii]] to film a video, with the protagonist aiming for local spots that skaters have not filmed at before. Finding a tall hotel, the protagonist climbs to the roof and recruits Eric to film a trick video atop it. The police arrive to arrest them for trespassing, but the protagonist uses the opportunity to perform a [[McTwist]] over the helicopter and onto the awning of the adjacent [[Royal Hawaiian Hotel]], allowing them and an awestruck Eric to evade the police. The team then travels to [[Vancouver|Vancouver, British Columbia]], Canada. After doing errands for locals and finishing their part of the team video, the protagonist attends the video premiere at the [[Slam City Jam]]. Eric steals the idea and edits the protagonist's part out of the video, allowing only Eric to become a professional. After angrily confronting Eric, the protagonist enters Eric's pro contest and wins, becoming a pro as well.
After designing their own pro skateboard, the protagonist and Eric embark on a team trip to [[Moscow]], Russia, where they reconcile. Eric gets drunk and joyrides in a Russian military tank. The protagonist hops in and attempts to stop the tank but, being unfamiliar with the controls, fails to stop it from crashing into a government building. Eric jumps out and runs away, leaving the protagonist, trapped inside, to be arrested by the Russian military. Eric then lies and claims the protagonist stole the tank, stating that he in fact tried to stop them. Unwilling to pay the $700,000 worth of damages, Todd kicks the protagonist off the team, much to Eric's delight. The [[Embassy of the United States in Moscow|American Embassy]] bails out the protagonist, leaving them to do favors for locals in order to return home to New Jersey.
Eric, who now owns his own skate company, reveals that he had been planning to betray the protagonist after having long abandoned the idea of "soul skating" (skating for enjoyment rather than riches); after unsuccessfully trying to exempt them from the Tampa AM, Eric stole the helicopter footage in jealousy before finally getting the protagonist kicked off the skate team by lying back in Moscow. Determined to fight back, the protagonist teams up with Peralta and several professionals to create a soul skating video, creating a new trick in the process. Due to the success of the video, Eric challenges the protagonist to one last skate-off, with the unedited helicopter tape at stake. The protagonist wins the skate-off and walks away with the tape while Eric screams at them.
=== Alternate ending ===
If the story has been completed more than once on two different difficulties, an [[alternate ending]] occurs, where the protagonist knocks Eric unconscious, taking the tape back instead of holding the skate-off.
== Development ==
=== Concept ===
The GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox versions of ''Underground'' were developed by [[Neversoft]],<ref name="handson"/> while the Game Boy Advance version was developed by [[Vicarious Visions]]<ref name="ign gba"/> the mobile version by [[Jamdat]],<ref name="mobile"/> and the Windows version was created by [[Beenox]]. [[Activision]], which had acquired Neversoft in 1999, published all the versions.<ref name="handson"/><ref name="ign gba"/><ref name="mobile"/> ''Underground'' was conceived as the fifth entry in the ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (video game)|Tony Hawk's Pro Skater]]'' series under the title ''Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5'' (no relation to the 2015 game ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5]]''),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-04-02 |title=Early Work on Tony Hawk 5 Begins |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/02/early-work-on-tony-hawk-5-begins |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818022812/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/04/02/early-work-on-tony-hawk-5-begins |url-status=live }}</ref> but it was reworked.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Douglass C. |last=Perry |date=2003-10-08 |title=Tony Hawk's Underground |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/08/tony-hawks-underground-5 |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818022817/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/08/tony-hawks-underground-5 |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Underground'' was created with a theme of individuality: it stars an amateur skater in a true story mode, whereas each previous ''Tony Hawk's'' game had starred professional skaters and had lacked a plot.<ref name="handson"/> One reason for only allowing the player to use a custom character was that certain criminal acts completed in the plot would not reflect well on real-world skaters.<ref name="egm feature">{{cite magazine|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|pages=100–101|title=Still Tony from the Block: Skating gets back to its roots in Tony Hawk's Underground|date=November 2003|issue=172}}</ref> Previous games in the series had included character-creation features as well, but Neversoft expanded customization in ''Underground'' by implementing face-scanning for the PlayStation 2 version:<ref name="handson"/> if the player emailed a photograph of their face to ''faces@thugonline.com'', the company could digitize it for use in the game.<ref name="ign"/> Regarding the customization options, especially the park editor, producer Stacey Drellishak said that Neversoft was "trying to create the most customizable game ever".<ref name="egm feature"/> The developers used storytelling and exploration to distance their product from the plotless, task-based format of previous ''Tony Hawk's'' games, which led Neversoft president Joel Jewett to describe ''Underground'' as an adventure game.<ref name="handson"/>
=== Design ===
Levels in the console versions of ''Underground'' were significantly larger than those of earlier ''Tony Hawk's'' games. Neversoft expanded each level until it ceased to run correctly, then shrunk it slightly.<ref name="indepth"/> Most of the levels were modelled closely after real-world locations; the designers traveled to locales representative of each city and took photographs and videos as reference. The New Jersey level was a replication of a neighborhood where team artist Henry Ji had grown up as a young skater.<ref name="notes">{{cite web|title=Notes from the Underground|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040202232245/http://www.1up.com/article2/0%2C4364%2C1309796%2C00.asp|archive-date=February 2, 2004|url=http://www.1up.com/article2/0,4364,1309796,00.asp|access-date=September 28, 2014|website=1UP.com|url-status=dead}}</ref> Neversoft wanted the player to become familiar with the basic game mechanics quickly and to notice ''Underground''{{'}}s differences from previous ''Tony Hawk's'' games immediately. To accomplish this, they introduced the ability to travel on foot, and the ability to climb along ledges in the first few missions.<ref name="thugged">{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705085719/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=94655|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=94655|date=August 4, 2003|access-date=September 28, 2014|title=THUGged out! New Tony Hawk's revealed|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|archive-date=July 5, 2007}}</ref> While Neversoft wanted to keep ''Underground'' realistic and relatable for the most part, they added driving side-missions as an enjoyable diversion and to push the boundaries of freedom in skateboarding games,<ref name="notes"/> but these missions were not intended to take away from the main experience of skateboarding.<ref name="thugged"/>
''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4|Pro Skater 4]]'', ''Underground''{{'}}s predecessor in the ''Tony Hawk's'' series, had received criticism for its difficulty: Neversoft had not realized that each game in the series was drawing new fans who were unaccustomed to the demanding tasks. As a result, Neversoft added four difficulty settings to ''Underground''{{'}}s story mode,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/tony-hawks-underground/6226p2.html|publisher=GameSpy|last=Padilla|first=Raymond|title=Tony Hawk's Underground: Sporting the legendary THPS trick system and a heavier story, Neversoft is set to deliver gaming's first skateboarding adventure.|date=October 6, 2003|access-date=September 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092311/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/tony-hawks-underground/6226p2.html|archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref> ranging from "Too Easy" to "Sick". Neversoft wanted players to develop skills for higher difficulty settings on Too Easy while still progressing through the story. The company had included extremely difficult missions in each previous ''Tony Hawk's'' game; the methods used to create these missions were the inspiration for ''Underground''{{'}}s Sick mode.<ref name="notes"/> Development of the basic gameplay mechanics and structure began quickly but by the end of August 2003, only two months before the American release, work was still in progress.<ref name="indepth">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/29/tony-hawks-underground-in-depth-look-3?page=1|website=IGN|last=Wiley|first=Mike|date=August 30, 2003|title=Tony Hawk's Underground: An In-Depth Look|access-date=December 31, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606215820/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/08/29/tony-hawks-underground-in-depth-look-3?page=1|archive-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref>
While the cutscenes are animated with 3D graphics, the team recorded live-action videos to introduce the real-world skateboarding teams, so that players could better understand each team before selecting one to join. Neversoft interviewed professional skaters about their experiences of becoming known in the skateboarding world, then compiled elements of these stories into the script.<ref name="handson"/> Every skater who appears in the plot helped to craft their own scenes and voiced their own character.<ref name="ign"/>
=== Promotion and release ===
''Underground'' was promoted with a playable demo at [[Microsoft]]'s "GameRiot" event held at [[Lollapalooza]] in July 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tony-hawks-underground-gameriot-demo/1100-6070874/|website=GameSpot|last=Davis|first=Ryan|date=July 2, 2003|access-date=September 28, 2014|title=Tony Hawk's Underground GameRiot Demo|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904011218/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tony-hawks-underground-gameriot-demo/1100-6070874/|archive-date=September 4, 2017}}</ref> Activision promoted ''Underground'' with the "Tony Hawk's Face Off Mobile Tour", a series of events across 29 cities in October. Attendees could play the game early and compete in it for tickets to [[Tony Hawk#Other ventures|Boom Boom Huck Jam]] 2003, which [[Tony Hawk]] himself attended.<ref name="faceoff">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/15/activision-launches-tony-hawk-tour|website=IGN|title=Activision Launches Tony Hawk Tour|date=October 14, 2003|author=IGN Staff|access-date=June 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606203202/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/15/activision-launches-tony-hawk-tour|archive-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> Activision, which sponsored the October [[Gravity Games]] extreme sports competition, promoted the game at the event and used its rendering engine to model tricks performed by the real-world skaters.<ref>{{cite magazine|archive-date=April 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404001110/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200310/N03.1014.1056.39646.htm|magazine=Game Informer|date=October 14, 2003|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200310/N03.1014.1056.39646.htm|title=Activision To Sponsor 2003 Gravity Games|url-status=dead|access-date=September 29, 2014}}</ref> The console and Game Boy Advance versions were released on October 28 in the United States,<ref name="ign"/> November 14 in Europe,<ref name="pegi">{{cite web|url=https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=Tony+Hawk%27s+Underground&op=Search&age%5B%5D=&descriptor%5B%5D=&publisher=&platform%5B%5D=&release_year%5B%5D=&page=1&form_build_id=form-Ef9uQn9YwF-awBBo5svY8ezFI2jLF_C9DEPi5I9Owd4&form_id=pegi_search_form|publisher=[[Pan European Game Information]]|title=Search Result|access-date=September 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006144100/http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/505/?searchString=tony+hawk%27s+underground|archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref> and May 2004 in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1148090_1407.html|language=ja|publisher=Famitsu|title=スケボーゲームの常識を破る話題作!!『トニー・ホークスアンダーグラウンド（Xbox ワールドコレクション）』|date=March 28, 2003|access-date=September 27, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006072657/http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1148090_1407.html|archive-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref> The [[mobile phone]] version was released worldwide in January 2004.<ref name="mobile"/> This version was distributed in the United States via [[AT&T Wireless Services|AT&T]]'s [[mMode]] data download service and also by [[Verizon Wireless]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-04-02 |title=JAMDAT Games: Tony Hawk's Underground |url=http://www.jamdat.com/html/games_thug.php |access-date=2024-10-08 |archive-date=April 2, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040402075712/http://www.jamdat.com/html/games_thug.php |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> ''Underground'' had a marketing budget of $8.6 million.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paula|last=Parisi|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA121283480&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=338d29b3|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903113501/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA121283480&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=338d29b3|title=Game points|magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archivedate=September 3, 2024|date=August 10, 2004|accessdate=September 4, 2024|via=[[Gale Research]]}}</ref>
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (PS2) 90/100<ref name="metaps2">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tony-hawks-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|website=[[Metacritic]]|title=Tony Hawk's Underground for PlayStation 2 Reviews|access-date=June 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123103358/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/tony-hawks-underground|archive-date=January 23, 2015}}</ref><br />(GC) 89/100<ref name="metagc">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tony-hawks-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|website=Metacritic|title=Tony Hawk's Underground for GameCube Reviews|access-date=June 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521022954/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/tony-hawks-underground|archive-date=May 21, 2014}}</ref><br />(GBA) 86/100<ref name="metagba">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tony-hawks-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|website=Metacritic|title=Tony Hawk's Underground for Game Boy Advance Reviews|access-date=June 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509030052/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/tony-hawks-underground|archive-date=May 9, 2014}}</ref><br />(Xbox) 85/100<ref name="metaxbox">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tony-hawks-underground/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|website=Metacritic|title=Tony Hawk's Underground for Xbox Reviews|access-date=June 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117123221/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/tony-hawks-underground|archive-date=November 17, 2014}}</ref>
| EuroG = 7/10<ref name="euro">{{cite web|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_thug_ps2|title=Tony Hawk's Underground: Tony's back, and this time he's you!|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=December 1, 2003|access-date=June 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041222182600/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=53980|archive-date=December 22, 2004}}</ref>
| Fam = (PS2) 33/40<ref name=famitsu>{{cite magazine|title=30 Point Plus: トニー・ホーク プロスケーター2003|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|number=1284|page=45|date=July 25, 2013}}</ref>
| GameRev = A−<ref name="gamerev">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33746-tony-hawks-underground-review|publisher=[[Game Revolution]]|last=Silverman|first=Ben|date=November 1, 2003|title=Tony Hawk's Underground Review|access-date=June 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602195355/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/tony-hawks-underground|archive-date=June 2, 2014}}</ref>
| GSpy = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813073650/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november03/thuggcn/|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november03/thuggcn/|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|archive-date=August 13, 2006|date=October 27, 2003|last=Williams|first=Bryn|title=Tony Hawk's Underground (GCN)|access-date=June 1, 2013}}</ref>
| GameZone = 9.5/10<ref name="gamezone">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22370.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050413043242/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r22370.htm|archive-date=April 13, 2005|last=Knutson|first=Michael|access-date=June 2, 2014|date=November 11, 2003|title=Tony Hawk's Underground by Activision Inc.|publisher=GameZone}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name="gi">{{cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302112304/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/F622E8AA-ED2C-4085-B903-95EC39CE9198.htm |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/F622E8AA-ED2C-4085-B903-95EC39CE9198.htm? |title=In Hawk We Trust |last=Leeper |first=Justin |access-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 2, 2008 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="ign">{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Douglass|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/456/456803p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017151807/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/456/456803p1.html|archive-date=October 17, 2008|title=Tony Hawk's Underground: Neversoft takes its game to the people. The full review.|website=[[IGN]]|date=October 28, 2003|url-status=dead|access-date=June 1, 2014}}</ref>
| OPM = 10/10<ref name="opm">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]|last=Rybicki|first=Joe|date=January 2004|issue=76|title=Tony Hawk's Underground}}</ref>
}}
=== Critical response ===
''Tony Hawk's Underground'' received "universal acclaim", according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metaps2"/><ref name="metagc"/><ref name="metagba"/><ref name="metaxbox"/> GameZone's Michael Knutson wrote that ''Underground'' is "one of the best skating games around" and that players of every skill level would enjoy it.<ref name="gamezone"/> [[Eurogamer]]'s Tom Bramwell concurred that "as a 'pick-up-and-play' sort of game, ''THUG'' is endlessly rewarding" and called it the best entry in the series.<ref name="euro"/>
The story was well received. Joe Rybicki of ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' said that, as an extreme-sports game, ''Underground'' has a real story with "honest-to-goodness characters".<ref name="opm"/> [[IGN]]'s Douglas Perry called it "a kick, albeit relatively lightweight in nature". He especially praised the pervasive sense of humor in the narrative and in the portrayal of real-world skaters.<ref name="ign"/> Knutson called the story "unique" and said that it blends well with the gameplay.<ref name="gamezone"/> Ben Silverman of [[Game Revolution]] described the plot as a "silly" cross between those of the 1980s films ''[[North Shore (1987 film)|North Shore]]'' and ''[[Gleaming the Cube]]'', but he praised it for giving context to the level goals and keeping distance between the skill unlocks.<ref name="gamerev"/> Bramwell called it "hackneyed".<ref name="euro"/> Rybicki found that the plot hurt the [[replay value]] and caused missions to be overly simplistic.<ref name="opm"/> By contrast, ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'}}s Justin Leeper thought that "it serves to make some of the less-entertaining goals tolerable, because there's a reason for doing them".<ref name="gi"/>
The aesthetics were generally well received. Bramwell called the graphics "unchanged and increasingly antiquated" and criticized the presence of "sharp, angular character models, eerily unrealistic lighting and odd little moments when the player is trying to turn round and ends up banging into a curb".<ref name="euro"/> Knutson, meanwhile, was positive regarding the graphics, art, and animation: he called them "nearly flawless" and praised the realism they brought to the inherently fantastical skateboarding genre.<ref name="gamezone"/> Williams said that "''THUG''{{'}}s cityscapes are incredibly well designed" and singled out the GameCube version of ''Underground'' as exceptionally well rendered.<ref name="gamespy"/> Rybicki called the levels "big and beautiful".<ref name="opm"/> Knutson commended the soundtrack's large size and the sound effects' realism.<ref name="gamezone"/> Perry appreciated the "hilariously hurtful" injury sounds and the extensive song list.<ref name="ign"/> By contrast, IGN's Craig Harris praised the graphics of the Game Boy Advance version but was more mixed on the soundtrack.<ref name="ign gba">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040426224154/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/456/456718p2.html|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/27/tony-hawks-underground-4?page=2|website=IGN|date=October 28, 2003|title=Tony Hawk's Underground: It's a remarkable feat to make a great design even better... but they've done it.|archive-date=April 26, 2004 |access-date=December 31, 2020|last=Harris|first=Craig}}</ref>
The alternate gameplay modes were received well. Knutson lauded the high degree of customization; he summarized that "everything is expounded a hundred fold: from create-a-skater to create-a-park mode, it is simply amazing". He singled out the level editor as one of the deepest he had ever seen.<ref name="gamezone"/> [[GameSpy]]'s Bryn Williams identified the level editor as an "extremely well-designed" feature that contributed to the overall "brilliance" of the full product.<ref name="gamespy"/> Leeper said that each customization mode is "intuitive and user-friendly", and both he and Rybicki especially enjoyed the trick-creation feature.<ref name="gi"/><ref name="opm"/> Reviewers for ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine praised the story mode, whose [[open world]] format they compared to the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series.<ref name=famitsu/> Knutson and Perry enjoyed the multiplayer, particularly the online Firefight mode.<ref name="gamezone"/> Williams thought similarly and stated that "the most notable disappointment" was the lack of online play for non-PlayStation 2 owners.<ref name="gamespy"/> Harris found the board customization of the Game Boy Advance version to be poorly implemented, though in-depth.<ref name="ign gba"/> Despite his praise for the customization modes, Leeper admitted that his greatest enjoyment still came from "seeking great lines" and beating own scores.<ref name="gi"/>
The walking and driving controls were criticized. Bramwell claimed that these modes felt "like they've been attached with an old stick of glue that's about as adhesive as baby oil".<ref name="euro"/> Knutson agreed, though he praised the novelty of these diversions. He stated that "the ''Tony Hawk'' series has always had exceptional controls" and that ''Underground'', overall, was no exception.<ref name="gamezone"/> Perry felt that the feature increased levels' replay value.<ref name="ign"/> Similarly, ''Famitsu'' reviewers noted that, although the fast pace was extremely challenging at times, the high difficulty provides a sense of accomplishment when jumps and tricks are performed correctly.<ref name=famitsu/> Williams found the GameCube version's controls mediocre, albeit manageable.<ref name="gamespy"/> Damon Brown from [[GameSpot]] said that the mobile version's restrictive controls—many tricks require three button inputs—were that version's only caveat.<ref name="mobile"/>
=== Sales and accolades ===
''Underground'' won Best Sports Game at the 2003 [[Game Critics Awards]] hosted by [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2003winners.html|publisher=[[Game Critics Awards]]|title=2003 Winners|access-date=June 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606050209/http://gamecriticsawards.com/2003winners.html|archive-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> The [[2004 MTV Video Music Awards]] introduced a new category, Best Video Game Soundtrack, which ''Underground'' won.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2004|publisher=[[MTV]]|title=MTV Video Music Awards / 2004|access-date=June 4, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717041721/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2004/|archive-date=July 17, 2014}}</ref> During the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|AIAS]]' [[7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], ''Underground'' received nominations for [[D.I.C.E. Award for Sports Game of the Year|Console Action Sports Game of the Year]], [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Game Design|Outstanding Achievement in Game Design]], and [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition|Outstanding Achievement in Licensed Soundtrack]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGame=320 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Tony Hawk's Underground |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=4 August 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804182759/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGame=320 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In Europe the week after the release, the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube versions were respectively the fifth, sixth, and eighth-best selling games for those consoles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps2-top-20-22nd-november-2003|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|title=PS2 Top 20|date=November 22, 2003|access-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013250/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps2-top-20-22nd-november-2003|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/xbox-top-20-22nd-november-2003|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|title=XBox Top 20|date=November 22, 2003|access-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013256/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/xbox-top-20-22nd-november-2003|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-top-20-22nd-november-2003|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|title=GameCube Top 20|date=November 22, 2003|access-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013258/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-top-20-22nd-november-2003|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> It would remain uninterrupted in the top twenty of every week until January 24, 2004, for the Xbox and GameCube<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/xbox-top-20-24th-january-2004|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|title=XBox Top 20|date=January 24, 2004|access-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013301/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/xbox-top-20-24th-january-2004|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-top-20-24th-january-2004|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|title=GameCube Top 20|date=January 24, 2004|access-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013253/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamecube-top-20-24th-january-2004|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> and February 21 for the PlayStation 2, inclusive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps2-top-20-21st-february-2004|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|title=PS2 Top 20|date=February 21, 2004|access-date=November 13, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013252/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ps2-top-20-21st-february-2004|archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> As of December 2007, the PlayStation 2 version had sold 2.11 million copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |publisher=The Magic Box |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |date=December 27, 2007 |access-date=June 4, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> The GameCube version made Nintendo's [[Nintendo Selects|Player's Choice]] list by selling 250,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220175943/http://www.nintendo.com/gamelist?category=pc|url=https://www.nintendo.com/gamelist?category=pc|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo.com]]|title=Player's Choice|archive-date=February 20, 2007|access-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref> Its PlayStation 2 version also received a "Platinum" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name=platinumelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> indicating sales of at least 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK |author=Caoili, Eric |date=November 26, 2008 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Sequel ==
{{Main|Tony Hawk's Underground 2|l1=''Tony Hawk's Underground 2''}}
Neversoft and Activision released a sequel, ''Underground 2'', on October 4, 2004, for [[Windows]], [[GameCube]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Game Boy Advance]], and [[PlayStation Portable]] consoles. The plot continues that of ''Underground'' and focuses on the player character and their team sabotaging an opposing team. The gameplay, structure, and level design are very similar to those of ''Underground'', but ''Underground 2'' features new tricks and gameplay mechanics, like the [[Natas Kaupas|Natas spin]], the ability to plant customized stickers in levels with the "sticker slap", a slow-motion "Focus" mode, and the ability to earn points by having a tantrum after falling. The plot is set in new locations, including [[Boston]], [[New Orleans]], [[Berlin]], [[Barcelona]], and [[Skatopia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/10/07/tony-hawks-underground-2-6|website=IGN|date=October 8, 2004|last=Perry|first=Douglass C.|title=Tony Hawk's Underground 2: Neversoft throws in everything and the kitchen sink, but will number six still satisfy that aging skating urge?|access-date=December 31, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408012448/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/10/07/tony-hawks-underground-2-6|archive-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref>
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite web |last1=Hester |first1=Blake |title=From Busted Teeth to Broken TVs: The Oral History of Tony Hawk's Underground |work=[[USgamer]] |date=August 30, 2017 |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-oral-history-of-thug |access-date=September 3, 2017 |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904012048/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-oral-history-of-thug |url-status=dead }}
{{refend}}
== External links ==
* {{moby game|id=/tony-hawks-underground}} (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox)
* {{moby game|id=/tony-hawks-underground_}} (Game Boy Advance)
{{Tony Hawk games}}
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