Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2: Nintendo Switch Review
Hey guys! Get ready to ollie, kickflip, and grind your way back to the good old days because Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch! This isn't just a port; it's a full-on revival of two iconic games that defined a generation of skateboarding fans. Now, you might be wondering how well this classic translates to the Switch. Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into everything you need to know about Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on Nintendo's hybrid console. Is it a perfect landing, or does it bail halfway through? Let’s find out!
What is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2?
For those of you who might have been living under a rock (or maybe just weren't into skateboarding games back in the day), Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 are remakes of the original two games that revolutionized the skateboarding genre. Developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision, these remakes bring back all the levels, skaters, tricks, and music that made the originals so beloved, but with a fresh coat of paint and modern gameplay enhancements. Imagine reliving your childhood, but with better graphics and smoother controls. That's essentially what you're getting here.
The game combines the levels from the first two Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games, offering a seamless blend of nostalgia and modern gaming technology. You can play as the legendary Tony Hawk himself, or choose from a roster of other professional skaters, each with their own unique stats and special tricks. The gameplay revolves around completing objectives in each level, such as achieving high scores, collecting items, and performing specific tricks. As you progress, you unlock new skaters, decks, and other customization options.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 isn't just about reliving the past; it also adds new features and improvements. The create-a-skater mode allows you to design your own персонажей, complete with customizable clothing, accessories, and boards. You can also create your own skateparks using the robust park editor, and then share them online with other players. The online multiplayer mode lets you compete against friends and strangers in various game types, such as score attack and trick attack. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the series, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.
Gameplay and Controls on the Switch
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: how does Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 actually play on the Nintendo Switch? Given the Switch's unique hardware, there are always questions about performance and control. Fortunately, the developers have done a commendable job of optimizing the game for the console.
The gameplay remains true to the originals, with the same addictive combo-based trick system that made the series famous. Stringing together grinds, manuals, and aerial tricks is as satisfying as ever, and the controls are generally responsive and intuitive. Whether you're using the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller, you'll find it easy to pull off all your favorite moves. The smaller form factor of the Joy-Cons can take some getting used to, especially for players with larger hands, but overall, the controls are well-implemented.
However, there are a few caveats. The Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 does suffer from some performance issues, particularly in handheld mode. The frame rate can occasionally dip, especially in more detailed levels or when performing complex tricks. This can be distracting and can sometimes impact your timing. Docked mode generally offers a smoother experience, but even then, the game isn't quite as polished as it is on other platforms. Despite these issues, the gameplay is still enjoyable, and the core mechanics remain intact.
One of the great things about the Switch is its portability, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a perfect game to take on the go. Whether you're on a long commute or just relaxing at home, you can always squeeze in a few rounds of skateboarding action. The game also supports local multiplayer, so you can play with friends on the same console. Just be aware of the aforementioned performance issues in handheld mode.
Graphics and Sound
Visually, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a mixed bag. On one hand, the game looks significantly better than the original versions, with updated character models, textures, and environments. The levels are faithfully recreated, and the skaters look more realistic than ever before. On the other hand, the Switch version does suffer from some graphical compromises compared to other platforms.
The resolution is noticeably lower, and some of the textures appear blurry. The lighting and shadow effects are also less impressive. These graphical downgrades are more apparent in docked mode, where the game is displayed on a larger screen. In handheld mode, the smaller screen size helps to mask some of these issues, but they're still noticeable. Despite these compromises, the game is still visually appealing, and the overall aesthetic remains faithful to the originals.
The soundtrack, on the other hand, is a slam dunk. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 features the same iconic soundtrack that made the originals so memorable, with tracks from artists like Rage Against the Machine, Goldfinger, and Papa Roach. These songs perfectly capture the energy and attitude of the skateboarding scene, and they add a lot to the overall experience. The game also includes some new tracks, which fit in seamlessly with the classics. Whether you're a fan of punk rock, hip hop, or ska, you're sure to find something to love in this soundtrack.
The sound effects are also well-done, with realistic skateboarding sounds that add to the immersion. The sound of your board hitting the pavement, the grinding of your trucks on a rail, and the cheers of the crowd all contribute to the overall atmosphere of the game. The voice acting is also solid, with the original skaters reprising their roles and delivering humorous lines.
Additional Features and Content
Beyond the core gameplay, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 offers a wealth of additional features and content to keep you entertained for hours. The create-a-skater mode allows you to design your own персонажей, complete with customizable clothing, accessories, and boards. You can tweak everything from your skater's appearance to their stats, allowing you to create a truly unique character.
The park editor is another standout feature, allowing you to design your own skateparks from scratch. The editor is surprisingly robust, with a wide variety of ramps, rails, and other objects to choose from. You can also share your creations online with other players, allowing you to explore and skate in parks created by the community. This adds a lot of replay value to the game, as you can always find new and exciting parks to skate in.
The online multiplayer mode is also a lot of fun, allowing you to compete against friends and strangers in various game types. You can play classic modes like score attack and trick attack, or try out some of the new modes that have been added to the game. The online multiplayer is generally smooth and stable, but there can be some lag depending on your internet connection. Despite this, it's a great way to test your skills against other players and see who's the best skater.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 also includes a variety of challenges and achievements to unlock. These challenges range from simple tasks like completing a level to more difficult feats like landing specific tricks. Completing these challenges unlocks new skaters, decks, and other customization options. This provides an additional incentive to keep playing and mastering the game.
Final Verdict
So, is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch worth your time and money? Despite some graphical and performance compromises, the answer is a resounding yes. The core gameplay remains as addictive and satisfying as ever, and the wealth of additional features and content make this a must-have for fans of the series. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of skateboarding games, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.
The Switch version may not be the definitive version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, but it's still a fantastic game in its own right. The ability to take this classic on the go is a major selling point, and the online multiplayer and park editor add a lot of replay value. If you can look past the occasional frame rate dip and graphical downgrade, you're in for a treat. So grab your board, lace up your shoes, and get ready to shred!
Pros:
- Faithful recreation of the original games
- Addictive and satisfying gameplay
- Wealth of additional features and content
- Portable fun on the Nintendo Switch
- Iconic soundtrack
Cons:
- Graphical and performance compromises
- Occasional frame rate dips
- Can be difficult to control with Joy-Cons
In conclusion, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a solid port of a fantastic remake. It's not perfect, but it's still a lot of fun. If you're a fan of the series, or if you're just looking for a fun and addictive game to play on the go, this is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware of the limitations and adjust your expectations accordingly. Happy skating, guys!