Played the demo and I really don't see what the fuss is about? I wasn't really taken by it as there doesn't really seem like theres that much difference and the difference there is, is not worth £35 - £40. I mean, yeah you can get off your board etc.. and theres a new story and apparently new environments and tricks but it doesn't seem to add up to that price tag. The graphics look the same and the gameplay looks the same and unless you are a real fan of skating and really admire the differences there actually are in the new game then I wouldn't recommend buying it. Of course I would have to buy and play the full game to give a whole opinion, by what I have seen in the demo I have come to this conclusion. I actually went and bought another game instead of Skate 2 because of this.
I'm happy with Skate 1 and will continue to play it and may get Skate 2 when it's down in price a bit such as £20, until then it's a no no.