Originally released in August 1999 with the follow-up dropping just over a year later in September 2000 – Tony Hawk Pro Skater was a console defining game for me and many of my friends. The gameplay just felt so responsive and it quickly became our go-to game to stick on while drinking before a night out. One run then pass the controller and tank as much drink as you could before your next shot. Whoever had the lowest high score at the end was on the first round at the pub.
When you have great memories like that so intrinsically linked to a game, there is always going to be a decent amount of nostalgia there too. So when Activision announced the Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2 Remastered package I was delighted. In the past when something like this was unveiled it would be met with concern that the legacy of the original games would be damaged. However, after developer Vicarious Visions outstanding work on the Crash Bandicoot N Sane Trilogy back in 2017, I had no doubt this would live up to the hype.
GAMEPLAY
This is where the development team really nail this remaster. Longtime fans of the series have muscle memory for these games and if too much was changed it was bound to be met with criticism. Thankfully, it’s everything you remember and more. Pulling off sick tricks and grinds just feels right. That’s not to say it’s identical though. More modern additions like the manual, first introduced in Tony Hawk 3, has been added to bridge the gap between moves and extend your combo.
I must admit that getting back into the swing of the gameplay and racking up high scores took longer than I expected, but this wasn’t the games fault – I’m just not quick to react anymore. I have heard a lot of people mention that it seems harder than the original, but this is due to years of hand-holding in games (Not you FromSoftware) and not so much any changes from the original to the remaster.
Thankfully other later additions to gameplay like being able to get off the board in Tony Hawk Underground have been binned. It did feel like a natural evolution at the time, but when going back to basics and trying to light a fire under the hardcore THPS fanbase, I feel like a faithful return to the skill-based gameplay was absolutely the way to go.
GRAPHICS
Vicarious Visions had already proved themselves capable of exceeding expectations with the excellent Crash Bandicoot remake and once again have done a superb job at recreating a classic. Skaters from newcomers Riley Hawk to returning favourites like Bucky Lasek are brilliantly rendered, while every skate park from both games has been given an immense level of restoration. Frame rate is also buttery smooth which is vital when going for the biggest combos.
OTHER MODES
Online is pretty well done, although it remains to be seen how popular it will be long term. The transition between matches is quick, ensuring as little downtime as possible. You can also skate on the park while waiting for other players to join. Local multiplayer is a lot of fun, with old favourites such a horse only playable in this mode.
The create-a-park is intuitive and easy to use. Pieces snap together and can be easily moved and rotated. You can also alter the appearance of it to suit your desired style. Best of all, at any point, while editing you can jump in and test the level out with no loading screen. More items can also be unlocked via the skate shop and levelling up.
VALUE
All the old challenges are still present and accounted for. Collect S-K-A-T-E, collect 5 textbooks, destroy 5 directories and more. While the challenges across both games won’t last you forever, there is still so much to do in each level with unlimited replayability when chasing high scores via online and friends leaderboards.
If you ever somehow do get bored of the official skate parks, you can play the custom ones in create-a-park like the one made by Vicarious Visions that resembles a rollercoaster where you grind the rails. This really is the type of game that fans can throw on for an hour or two a week for years to come and when you factor in the budget price, the value for money is excellent.
TROPHIES
There is no two ways about it – Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2 Remastered is a tough list. A fair few trophies will come naturally while you skate around getting reacquainted with the controls and the timing of jumps, landings etc. But when it comes to getting the platinum, that will be reserved for the most skilled few. It’s also a grindy list (pun intended), requiring you to reach career level 100. So be prepared to put the hours in.
VERDICT
I honestly challenge anyone who liked the original games not to enjoy this remaster. It met my expectations in every way and then exceeded them by being an even better game than I remember. Sure, it’s frustrating at times, but that’s because I sometimes fall below the required skill for the really high combos. The game is unforgiving, but it makes you want to get better and keeps you coming back. This is a must-play.
-VDZE ✌️
A review code for this product was kindly provided by the publisher. Reviewed on PS4 Pro.
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