'Skate 2' a challenging skateboarding sequel

— -- To truly appreciate skateboarding video game Skate 2, prepare to become a glutton for punishment.

The game goes beyond broken bones and bruises incurred when attempting to show off your skills. Because the Electronic Arts title is so difficult, players must also repeat challenges over and over until executed to perfection.

When the first Skate arrived in 2007, it was hailed as a breath of fresh air for the genre. Unlike the rival Tony Hawk franchise rooted in a simpler arcade style, Skate focused on creating a realistic skateboarding experience.

Skate 2 feels like more of the same, offering incremental upgrades and expanding customization options for skaters and venues.

For those unfamiliar with the franchise, performing tricks requires precision. Players use the left analog stick to steer, and the right stick for flips, jumps and other stunts. To perform an ollie, for example, a player would pull the right stick down to crouch then flick it back up.

The main character in Skate 2 returns to the city of New San Vanelona after a mysterious five-year absence. The objective is to revive the dying skateboarding scene by participating in races, trick competitions and other events.

New San Vanelona teems with life. As you roam the city on your board, you'll dodge cars and pedestrians all while searching for that nice curb to grind, or structure to leap over.

As you conquer Skate 2's challenges, you're rewarded with cash to use toward new clothes, equipment and property.

The highlight, however, is the restructuring of the Thrasher Hall of Meat feature. Whenever you seriously hurt yourself in the original Skate, a skeletal blueprint appears detailing your sprains, bruises and broken bones.

Skate 2 takes this a step further by assigning points based on how horrendous your crash. When freely roaming the city, any nasty spill racks up a set number of points. This, of course, encourages you to wipe out with style. Players also earn cash for pulling off Hall of Meat achievements. During one plunge off a bridge, my skater received a cash reward for breaking 15 bones.