When the last few entries in the series seemed to be on their way out, it was fresh air when Activision announced this remaster. With a stimulating trick system, tight controls, and an unforgettable soundtrack, this game proves it’s still worth scouring dense parks for gaps, rails, and secret paths.
Gameplay
As you might expect from a modern-day reboot of the classic series, the gameplay has been brought up to date. The traditional controls have been remapped, and the iconic soundtrack is back. The skaters have also been digitally recreated at their current age. Fans of the franchise will likely welcome all the new features.
The original game was known for its combination of arcade-style play and a sense of zany fun. The game’s mechanics revolved around grinding and jumping on rails to perform tricks and gain points, and performing several tricks in succession without a pause results in a combo, which increases the player’s score. The game also features a manual, which allows the player to hold the left controller stick down while pushing forward or backward to move in the desired direction.
Pro Skater HD developer Robomodo’s attempt at remaking the first two games could have been better. The game included seven levels from the two games and added the Venice level from the second game to the mix. However, the number of groups could have been higher than the total in the two original titles.
Activision’s remaster of the first two games, which they call Pro Skater 1 + 2, will have more levels than ever before. In addition to the classics, the remaster will include some stories only available in the first game. The remaster will also have online multiplayer and brand-new Create-A-Skater modes.
Graphics
In the decades since the first Tony Hawk game’s release, gamers have become more daring and their tricks more elaborate. But even the most skilled players can’t match the half-crazy gap or grind the pros would have pulled in THPS1+2.
The remaster has updated the graphics of the original games, bringing them to the current generation of consoles. And while it may not be the most technically proficient remake on the market — Techradar notes that the PS5 version tops out at 1080p in Performance mode and 120 frames per second, while the Xbox Series X|S versions hit 1440p with an uncapped frame rate — it still looks good.
The in-game character models are also updated, with more realistic faces and clothing that make the skaters feel more like themselves than the chunky, blocky figures from the original games. And while the physics of skating haven’t changed much, some nice touches bring it up to date: The remaster includes bail and recovery animations, while the older games had ragdoll physics when players fell off their board.
Revisiting classic games is a delicate balance; change too much, and the new iteration can feel off. But when done right, remasters can be just as fun and nostalgic as the originals. This week’s rebirth of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is more than just a cash-in, with its fresh coat of paint and expanded soundtrack that adds some rock-n-roll to its already kick-ass soundtrack.
Soundtrack
While many gaming series have a stellar soundtrack, few have made such an impact as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Released at the peak of skateboarding’s popularity in the late ’90s/early ’00s, the game’s iconic levels, plethora of tricks to master, and banging soundtrack helped to put the sport in the spotlight.
With many punk rock and alternative artists to choose from, the soundtrack is a must for fans of the genre. While many of the tracks were already famous then, the games’ release pushed them to new heights. Here are a few of our favorite tunes from the competition.
The Dead Kennedys’ ‘Police Truck’ is one of the most recognizable songs from the game’s original release. The snide anthem about police corruption and brutality is perfect for the gritty world of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, instantly transporting you into the virtual skateboarder’s mindset.
A decade before nu-metal became a phenomenon, thrash metal stalwarts Anthrax teamed up with activist and rapper Chuck D for this hard-hitting cover of Public Enemy’s ‘Bring the Noise.’ The track features heavy riffs, classic rock guitars, and Chuck D’s direct delivery. It’s an instant head-banger, making it the perfect fit for the action-packed world of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2.
Online Multiplayer
The re-arrival of THPS is a victory of wistfulness. It exhibits that it’s feasible to take the dearest example and cause it to feel new once more. When servers pass on, and games become forever inaccessible, it’s reviving to see that an exemplary can, i.e., delighted without the gamble of being denied of its deep-rooted heritage.
The game has been refreshed with significant new highlights. These incorporate the capacity to string together monstrous combos, further developed illustrations, and a large group of new deceives. Exploiting mechanics presented in later games in the series, these augmentations make the interactivity more open to current players. The new manuals and returns are especially critical, adding a ton of profundity to the generally complicated game.
This remaster likewise incorporates the choice to play in split-screen multiplayer, a component that is certain to satisfy devotees of the first game. It’s an incredible method for partaking in the game with companions. The remastered adaptation likewise upholds cross-stage play, permitting players to contend with one another on various stages.
With a broad vocation mode, a multiplayer mode, and a new Make-A-Recreation area, Tony Bird of Prey’s Master Skater 1+2 Remastered is an extraordinary decision for anyone who cherishes the establishment. The remaster offers the ideal equilibrium of sentimentality for fans and a new encounter for novices, making it an unquestionable requirement for anyone who loves skating computer games.
