Released in September 2020, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a remake of the first two games in the franchise, which became synonymous with skateboarding in video games. The series, which had already earned a place in the hearts of 90s fans, received an impressive visual upgrade, maintaining the mechanics that made it so popular, while also incorporating other mechanics from later games to make the experience better. Developed by Vicarious Visions, the game brought back the original skaters and levels to modern consoles, offering a familiar yet refreshing experience.
The sensation of speed, acrobatic tricks, and smooth combos were enhanced to take advantage of modern console capabilities. The title was carefully crafted to please long-time fans while attracting new players who might be discovering the game for the first time. Here are some things you should know about the great package.
1. A Faithful Remaster of the Classics
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is more than just a graphical update; it’s a remaster that respects the elements that made the original games iconic. Vicarious Visions took care to keep the core gameplay intact without making significant changes that might alienate fans. The game structure remains the same, with the goal of completing objectives under a time limit in vibrant and challenging levels, but with graphics that capitalize on the power of modern platforms.
In addition to the improved graphics, the animations of the characters also received significant polishing. The skaters now move more fluidly, performing maneuvers and tricks in a more natural way. Each level has been meticulously recreated with extra details and richer textures, but without losing the familiarity of the environments players loved in the past. It brings a more immersive and up-to-date experience.
2. The Return of Tony Hawk and Other Iconic Skaters
The game brings back the legendary Tony Hawk as the main character, but he’s not alone. Other popular skaters from the series, such as Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, and Bucky Lasek, also return to ensure the title has a variety of styles and personalities. Each skater has their own unique characteristics and special tricks, allowing players to choose who best suits their playstyle.
This diversity of skaters is one of the most interesting aspects of the game. Not only does it enhance the gameplay, but it also contributes to reinterpreting what makes each character unique. The skater designs were carefully updated, keeping the essence of their original versions but with a modern touch. This creates a nostalgic yet renewed experience for those who played in the classic era.
3. Iconic Tricks and Reimagined Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 are one of its strongest features. Tricks like ollies, grinds, and flips, which were the foundation of the original games, return with impressive fluidity. Additionally, the game introduces movements that were perfected in later titles of the series, such as the manual and the revert, which allow for more complex combos and higher scores. These elements add an extra layer of depth to the gameplay, making the game even more engaging.
The combo system has also been enhanced to allow for even more impressive plays. With the addition of new tricks and the ability to chain maneuvers, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 rewards players for creativity and skill, allowing them to create epic trick sequences. The game becomes a platform for individual style and skill expression in skateboarding, with every play providing satisfaction both in terms of scoring and style.
4. Carefully Recreated Environments
The levels in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 are some of the most iconic in the series, and the remaster does justice to them. Classic levels like “Warehouse,” “School,” and “Hangar” were meticulously recreated to fully leverage the graphical power of modern consoles. Every detail, from the textures on the walls to the background elements, has been redesigned, but without losing the familiarity of the locations that players knew and loved.
Moreover, the levels aren’t just visually stunning, but also functional for gameplay. The arrangement of obstacles, ramps, and wide open spaces for tricks has been maintained, ensuring that the gameplay experience mirrors the classics while adding a layer of modern visual polish. The feeling of being in the same environment, but with an updated visual layer, creates a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
5. Career Mode and Challenging Objectives
Career mode remains the backbone of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2. Players can complete a series of objectives in each level, such as collecting the letters of S-K-A-T-E or performing specific tricks, all while trying to rack up the highest score possible. Each mission presents challenges that keep the game interesting, ensuring players always have something to do, even after completing the main objectives.
These objectives aren’t just a way to extend gameplay but also a means of encouraging exploration. As players progress through the career, new items, skaters, and levels become unlockable, offering rewards that motivate replayability. The combination of creative objectives and high-level challenges makes Career mode engaging, prompting players to return to complete everything.
6. Multiplayer and Online Competition
While Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was primarily known for its single-player gameplay, the remastered version introduces online multiplayer modes that add a new dimension to the experience. Players can compete in various modes, including the classic Score Attack, where the goal is to rack up the highest score within a limited time. Another popular mode is Combo Mambo, which challenges players to create trick sequences and combos.
Additionally, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 offers the option for real-time competitions with other players. The Ghost Skater mode, for example, allows players to compete with the scores of other players, battling for high scores in creative and challenging ways. This online competition adds a community aspect to the game, allowing players to compare themselves with other skaters from around the world.
7. A Nostalgic Yet Updated Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater has always been an important part of the experience, and this remastered version does not disappoint. The game brings back classic tracks like “Superman” by Goldfinger and “New Girl” by Deftones, which instantly transport players back to the 90s era. However, to give it a modern touch, new songs were also added, offering a mix of old and contemporary sounds.
This combination of classic tracks with new music creates an energetic atmosphere that complements the frantic action of the game. The music isn’t just background noise, but an integral part of the gameplay, enhancing the rhythm of the tricks and ramping up the adrenaline as players pull off epic moves. The soundtrack becomes an extension of the game itself, creating an even more immersive and fun experience.
