Tony Hawk, both as a skateboarder and Intelectual property, has fascinated me ever since the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2. At the time, not many games felt this radical and represented an unrepresented alternative youth culture.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater: The Birdman Returns
Looking at the soundtrack for example, who could discover bands like Goldfinger and Rage Against the Machine without ‘word of mouth’ or the Internet. As I stated in my ‘Pretending I’m a Superman’ review, the soundtracks put a lot of bands on the map and into planet Earth musical sights.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is quite possibly one of the biggest remakes to be demanded by gaming fans worldwide. It doesn’t matter if gamers liked the franchise or not, it changed perceptions world wide. Yes, it’s Skateboarding.
This Is What It’s Like When World Collide (In Tony Hawks Pro Skater)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 retains the same control layout, precision, and mechanics its original outing was praised for. A remake isn’t a remake without improvements to the original formula. Vicarious Visions and Beenox have also delivered on this front too. Always use the D-Pad, this game is impossible to play using the thumbsticks
A skaters’ progress in terms of stats, new moves, and apparel are carried into both remakes. Whilst some fans of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 would like a Vanilla remake with two separate games, this approach is genius. Not only does this approach alleviate player fatigue by not doing the same job twice, but this also leaves the game open to DLC (I want Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3 levels, Activision).
There’s a Place Where Everyone Can Be Happy
One thing that didn’t age well as the game character model animations. Thankfully, these have been recaptured alongside aging original skaters accordingly. Alongside returning skaters, new and upcoming faces have been added to the roster and featured in the new intro video. It’s great that the franchise Is still championing and shedding light onto deserving pro skaters.
The best feature of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2? Nothing has changed. Previous attempts at remasters and franchise reboots simply tried too hard to distance itself from what made the franchise so great in the first place. The premise for each level is how you may remember it. Hit all the goals on the checklist, and unlock more levels and XP. It’s that simple.
No More Waiting On Them
Each character has several skins to unlock/buy, this includes secret skaters. Create-A-Skater also makes a return, which preset base faces, however. With the game essentials being an arcade skating title, it really isn’t a big deal. Create-A-Park also returns, giving players the opportunity to create their own skate heavens. See what I did there?
Multiplayer is supported online and offline via split-screen. That’s right kids, you can once again settle every argument with a game of Horse. Once again, Vicarious Visions are simply giving THPS 1 + 2 a fresh set of trucks and wheels to glide into 2020 with.
Turn That S**T Up!
The original soundtrack is intact for THPS 1 +2 with some new additions. It’s once again great to see the franchise help out artists, but for many, the original OST will suffice. Sound effects are executed with pinpoint accuracy.
Every wheel roll, Ollie, and grind feels authentic and crystal clear. A lovely addition is panning the music as appropriate at various levels. For example, the OST feels like it’s being played over the Warehouses speaker system.
It really is amazing to see Activision successfully revive some beloved franchises over this generation. THPS 1 + 2 are respectful of what came before and only improve the formula. If a new Tony Hawks titles were announced, I’d have the upmost faith Vicarious, Beenox, and Activision would deliver.
Do you think the Tony Hawks franchise is ready for a fresh entry, or would you like to see more features and games become incorporated into Tony Hawks Pro Skater? Think Master Chief Collection for skaters.
