Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2: Nintendo Switch Review
Hey guys! Are you ready to kickflip, grind, and ollie your way back to the good old days? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on whether this retro revival is worth your time and money. As a long-time fan of the series, I had pretty high expectations, and I'm stoked to share my thoughts with you. Let's dive in!
Gameplay: Still Rad After All These Years
Okay, let's talk gameplay. The core gameplay of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 remains as addictive and satisfying as ever. Pulling off insane combos, grinding those iconic rails, and perfecting your trick lines feels just as good as it did back in the day. The controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master – which is exactly what you want in a skateboarding game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, you’ll find yourself having a blast trying to nail those high scores and complete the classic goals.
One of the things that makes this game so great is the balance between simplicity and depth. On the surface, it’s easy enough to learn the basics: ollie, grind, manual, and a few basic tricks. But once you start digging deeper, you'll discover a wealth of more advanced techniques and combos that will allow you to truly express yourself on the board. From reverts and wallrides to special tricks and manuals, there's always something new to learn and master. And trust me, landing a perfectly executed combo that spans the entire level is one of the most satisfying feelings in gaming.
The level design is also top-notch. The levels from the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 have been faithfully recreated with stunning detail, and they're just as fun to skate in now as they were back then. From the iconic Warehouse level to the challenging School II, each level is packed with secrets, challenges, and opportunities for creative skateboarding. And with the addition of new challenges and goals, there's always something new to discover, even if you've played the original games to death. I spent hours exploring every nook and cranny of each level, searching for hidden tapes, gaps, and high scores. It’s like rediscovering a long-lost playground, and it's an absolute blast.
Graphics and Performance: A Mixed Bag on the Switch
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the graphics and performance on the Nintendo Switch. While the game looks great in handheld mode, with sharp visuals and vibrant colors, it's not quite as impressive when played on a big screen. The resolution takes a hit, and the textures can look a bit muddy. However, considering the limitations of the Switch hardware, I think the developers did a pretty solid job of bringing the game to the platform.
Performance-wise, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 runs pretty smoothly most of the time. I experienced occasional frame rate dips, especially in more crowded areas or when performing complex tricks, but it wasn't anything game-breaking. For the most part, the game is perfectly playable and enjoyable, even in handheld mode. And let's be real, the ability to play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on the go is a huge selling point for the Switch version. I found myself pulling out my Switch during my commute, on lunch breaks, and even during boring meetings (don't tell my boss!). It's the perfect way to get a quick dose of skateboarding action whenever and wherever you want.
Of course, it's worth noting that the Switch version doesn't look quite as polished as the versions on other platforms, such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. But if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of visual fidelity for the convenience of portability, then the Switch version is definitely worth considering. And honestly, once you get into the flow of the gameplay, you'll hardly notice the graphical shortcomings.
Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park: Unleash Your Creativity
One of the coolest features of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is the Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park modes. These modes allow you to customize your skater and create your own skate parks, giving you endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Whether you want to create a park filled with massive ramps and rails or a more technical street course, the only limit is your imagination.
The Create-a-Skater mode is incredibly robust, allowing you to customize everything from your skater's appearance and clothing to their stats and trick animations. You can choose from a wide variety of hairstyles, clothing items, and accessories to create a skater that truly reflects your personal style. And with the ability to adjust your skater's stats, you can create a character that's tailored to your preferred playstyle. Whether you want a skater who's all about speed and power or one who's more focused on technical tricks, the choice is yours.
The Create-a-Park mode is equally impressive, allowing you to build your dream skate park from the ground up. You can choose from a wide variety of ramps, rails, and other obstacles to create a park that's perfectly suited to your skating style. And with the ability to share your creations online, you can show off your park to the world and download parks created by other players. I spent hours tinkering with the Create-a-Park mode, building crazy ramps, designing intricate rail setups, and creating the ultimate skateboarding playground. It’s incredibly addictive, and it adds a ton of replay value to the game.
Multiplayer: Skate with Your Friends (or Strangers)
No Tony Hawk's Pro Skater game would be complete without a multiplayer mode, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 doesn't disappoint. The game features both local and online multiplayer modes, allowing you to skate with your friends or compete against other players from around the world. Whether you're playing classic modes like H-O-R-S-E and Tag or trying out new modes like Combo Challenge and Trick Attack, there's always something fun to do in multiplayer.
The online multiplayer mode is particularly impressive, with smooth performance and a wide variety of options. You can join public lobbies or create private matches with your friends, and you can choose from a variety of different game modes and settings. I had a blast competing against other players online, trying to outscore them with my sickest combos and most creative trick lines. It’s a great way to test your skills against the best players in the world and to learn new tricks and techniques.
The local multiplayer mode is also a lot of fun, especially if you have friends or family members who are also fans of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. You can play split-screen on the same console, or you can connect multiple consoles together for a more immersive experience. It's a great way to relive the glory days of couch multiplayer and to create new memories with your friends and family.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Skateboarding Fans
So, what's the final verdict? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic game that's well worth your money. While the graphics and performance aren't quite as impressive as on other platforms, the core gameplay remains as addictive and satisfying as ever. And with the addition of the Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park modes, as well as the robust multiplayer options, there's plenty of content to keep you entertained for hours on end.
If you're a fan of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, or if you're just looking for a fun and challenging skateboarding game, then I highly recommend picking up Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch. It's a great way to relive the glory days of the series, and it's also a perfect introduction for new players. Just be prepared to lose a lot of sleep as you try to perfect your trick lines and unlock all the secrets of the game. Trust me, it's worth it!
Pros:
- Addictive and satisfying gameplay
- Faithful recreation of the original levels
- Robust Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park modes
- Fun and engaging multiplayer options
- Perfect for playing on the go
Cons:
- Graphics and performance aren't as impressive as on other platforms
- Occasional frame rate dips
Overall Score: 8.5/10