Tony Hawk's™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2
Step back into the deck shoes of a skateboarding legend with the triumphant return of Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2, a stylistically stunning recreation of an iconic series that once ruled the gaming sphere. Developer Vicarious Visions has managed to infuse respect for the originals while injecting modern sparkle into this brilliant remaster.
A Blend of Old and New
The magic starts immediately in THPS1+2, with an engaging montage that fuses nostalgic footage from the original releases with snippets of current skateboarding luminaries added to the mix. This clever approach seamlessly integrates the new faces into the Pro Skater fabric, enhancing the already solid base of the classic stars. It stands as a tribute to the legacy while acknowledging the popularity and evolution of the sport.
Reimagined Levels with Modern Vitality
Slipping into the nostalgic rollercoaster ride of nearly 20 reincarnated levels, players will not only be surprised by the stunning visual overhaul but also appreciate how faithfully the original geometry is represented. Modern graphics bring a welcome richness with meticulous details, excellent lighting, and unlimited draw distance — a sharp contrast to the fog-laden vistas of the past. A standout example is the Mall’s transformation into a ghost town bearing the eerie marks of past floods, providing a tense backdrop to your skateboarding stunts.
Unified Progression and Overarching Challenges
The decision to represent both games as separate yet part of a unified central hub lends an elegant cut to the player progression. Regardless of the map or game chosen, your skater’s skill progression is consistent and all-inclusive. Further depth is added to the gameplay by introducing an imposing list of overarching challenges that can be completed across any level and at any time, unlocking exciting rewards and gears for your skaters in the process.
Controls and Accessibility
The default controls in THPS1+2 are great news for newcomers and veterans who’ve experienced subsequent versions. However, if you hanker after the original control scheme, the option to toggle to the more limited, original versions is available. For beginners or those who enjoy more relaxed play, assist features can be enabled to provide an operative crutch. Nonetheless, any score made under these conditions is separately tracked, ensuring the integrity of the expert achievements.
Pros
- Seamless integration of original and new elements
- Rich visual details with faithful replication of the original levels
- Unified progression throughout both games in the series
- Exhaustive list of overarching challenges
Cons
- Overwhelming notifications might numb the excitement of some players
- Collectibles and map goals remain the same, which might dampen the thrill for veteran players
Tony Hawk's™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2
Great
The remake of Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2 is a triumphant return from the shadow of a disappointing predecessor. The game manages to satisfy at many levels – nostalgia-filled gameplay, modernized graphics, and a slew of exciting challenges. For a franchise that has faced a downward trend in recent years, this revival effort by Vicarious Visions is nothing short of a mid-air 720-degree spin into success.
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