I actually prefer a lot of things in skate1 over 2, mainly I find 1 has way better spots. Haven't felt like dropping $40 on 3 yet though.
i agree with this. plus, my copy of skate 2 kept skipping and lagging all the time and i think it had something to do with the online features cause when I'd unplug my 360 from the internet, it wouldn't do it nearly as much.
I'd compare it to the left 4 dead series. Sure the 2nd has more features and options, but the mechanics in the first is tighter and the simplicity keeps it from being over burdened by wack shit and more realistic (as realistic as zombies can be that is).
and while were on the subject (that i brought up), I can't stand it when zombie mythos have crazy super final boss style monsters in them. plain ol' zombies aren't only scary and deadly enough, they're also classy.