Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2: Nintendo Switch Review

Hey guys! Are you ready to ollie, grind, and kickflip your way back into the late 90s and early 2000s? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, bringing all the nostalgia and addictive gameplay of the originals to Nintendo's handheld console. As a massive fan of the original games, I was both excited and a little apprehensive about how this port would turn out. Could it capture the magic of the originals while running smoothly on the Switch? Let’s dive in and see what this game has to offer!

Gameplay: Classic Hawk with a Modern Twist

The gameplay in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is where this game truly shines. The developers at Vicarious Visions (now part of Blizzard) did an outstanding job of recreating the feel of the original games while adding modern enhancements. All the classic skaters are here, from Tony Hawk himself to Bob Burnquist, Elissa Steamer, and more. Each skater has their signature tricks and stats, encouraging you to find your favorites and master their unique styles. The control scheme is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to pick up for both veterans and newcomers. Whether you're performing a simple ollie or chaining together massive combos, the game feels incredibly satisfying.

One of the biggest improvements in this remake is the enhanced trick system. While the core mechanics remain faithful to the originals, new tricks and moves have been added to expand your repertoire. This adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, allowing for even more creative and impressive combos. The levels themselves are meticulously recreated, staying true to the original layouts while receiving visual upgrades. From the iconic Warehouse to the sun-soaked Venice Beach, each level is packed with hidden areas, challenges, and secrets to discover. The objectives are the same as in the original games – achieve high scores, collect S-K-A-T-E letters, find hidden tapes, and complete specific challenges. This structure provides a great balance of freedom and direction, keeping you engaged as you explore each level and improve your skills.

The Career Mode is another highlight, allowing you to create your custom skater and progress through the game's various levels and challenges. As you complete objectives, you earn money that can be used to upgrade your skater's stats, unlock new tricks, and purchase new decks and clothing. This progression system adds a layer of depth to the game, giving you a sense of accomplishment as you improve your skater and unlock new content. Moreover, the Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes are fantastic additions that allow for endless customization and creativity. You can design your dream skater with a wide range of options for appearance, clothing, and equipment. The Create-A-Park mode is equally impressive, offering a robust set of tools for building your custom skate park. You can share your creations online and download parks created by other players, adding even more replay value to the game. The combination of classic gameplay, modern enhancements, and extensive customization options makes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. It perfectly captures the spirit of the originals while providing a fresh and engaging experience for modern gamers.

Graphics and Performance on Switch: A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk about the visuals and performance on the Nintendo Switch. Graphically, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 looks good on the Switch, but it's a noticeable step down from the PlayStation and Xbox versions. The character models and environments are still detailed, but the textures are less sharp, and some of the visual effects have been toned down. This is understandable given the Switch's hardware limitations, but it's something to be aware of if you're expecting a visually stunning experience. The game runs at a mostly stable 30 frames per second, which is generally smooth enough for enjoyable gameplay. However, there are occasional frame drops, especially in busier levels or when performing complex tricks. These dips in performance can be a bit distracting, but they don't significantly impact the overall experience.

One of the biggest advantages of the Switch version is its portability. Being able to play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the go is a huge draw, and the game looks surprisingly good on the Switch's handheld screen. The smaller screen size helps to mask some of the graphical compromises, and the convenience of playing anywhere makes up for the visual downgrades. However, there are a few drawbacks to the Switch version. The loading times are noticeably longer compared to other platforms, which can be frustrating when restarting levels or switching between modes. Additionally, the game requires a significant amount of storage space, so you may need to invest in a microSD card if you plan on downloading it digitally. Despite these issues, the overall performance of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch is acceptable. While it's not the best-looking or smoothest-running version of the game, it's still a fun and enjoyable experience, especially if you value portability.

Soundtrack: A Nostalgic Playlist

The soundtrack of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is legendary, and it's one of the main reasons why these games are so beloved. Fortunately, the Switch version includes almost all the original tracks, featuring iconic songs from artists like Goldfinger, Rage Against the Machine, Papa Roach, and more. These songs perfectly capture the energy and attitude of the late 90s and early 2000s skate scene, adding a huge amount of nostalgia to the game. The soundtrack is not just a collection of songs; it's an integral part of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater experience. Each track is perfectly synced to the gameplay, enhancing the feeling of speed and momentum as you perform tricks and combos. The music swells and crescendos at just the right moments, creating a sense of excitement and immersion.

In addition to the classic tracks, the game also includes several new songs that fit seamlessly with the original playlist. These new additions help to keep the soundtrack fresh and diverse, while still maintaining the overall tone and style of the originals. One minor issue with the Switch version is that the music can sometimes cut out or stutter during gameplay. This seems to be related to the game's performance issues, and it can be a bit distracting when it happens. However, this issue is relatively rare, and it doesn't significantly detract from the overall experience. Overall, the soundtrack of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch is fantastic. It's a nostalgic trip back to the glory days of skateboarding culture, and it perfectly complements the game's fast-paced and addictive gameplay. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, you're sure to appreciate the iconic tracks and the energy they bring to the game.

Multiplayer: Skate with Friends On the Go

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch offers a variety of multiplayer options, allowing you to skate with friends both locally and online. The local multiplayer mode is perfect for playing with friends and family in the same room. You can compete in a variety of game modes, such as Graffiti, Trick Attack, and Horse, and the split-screen functionality works well on the Switch's screen. Playing with others locally is a blast, and it's a great way to relive the classic multiplayer experiences of the original games. The online multiplayer mode allows you to compete against players from around the world. You can join public lobbies or create private matches with your friends. The online gameplay is generally smooth and responsive, but there can be occasional lag or connection issues, depending on your internet connection. However, these issues are relatively rare, and the online multiplayer is a fun and engaging way to extend the life of the game.

One of the unique features of the Switch version is its portability, which makes it easy to play multiplayer on the go. You can set up a local multiplayer session in a park, on a train, or anywhere else you can imagine. This adds a new level of convenience and accessibility to the multiplayer experience, making it easy to skate with friends wherever you are. However, the Switch version does lack some of the features found in the PlayStation and Xbox versions. For example, there is no cross-platform play, so you can only play with other Switch users. Additionally, the Switch version has a smaller online community compared to other platforms, which can make it harder to find matches at certain times. Despite these limitations, the multiplayer options in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch are solid. The combination of local and online multiplayer, along with the portability of the Switch, makes it easy to skate with friends and compete against other players.

Final Verdict: A Great Port with Some Compromises

So, what's the final verdict on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 for the Nintendo Switch? Overall, it's a great port that successfully brings the nostalgia and addictive gameplay of the originals to Nintendo's handheld console. The gameplay is fantastic, the soundtrack is iconic, and the multiplayer options are solid. However, the Switch version does have some compromises in terms of graphics and performance. The visuals are noticeably downgraded compared to other platforms, and there are occasional frame drops that can be distracting. Additionally, the loading times are longer, and the game requires a significant amount of storage space.

Despite these issues, the portability of the Switch version is a huge selling point. Being able to play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the go is a game-changer, and it makes up for many of the graphical and performance limitations. If you're a fan of the series and you value portability, then the Switch version is definitely worth checking out. However, if you prioritize graphics and performance above all else, you may want to consider playing the game on another platform. Ultimately, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch is a fun and enjoyable experience that captures the spirit of the originals. It's a great way to relive the glory days of skateboarding culture, and it's a must-play for fans of the series. Just be aware of the compromises before you buy, and you're sure to have a blast shredding on the go!