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

Hey guys! Are you ready to kickflip into nostalgia? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, and it’s time to dive deep into whether this re-mastered gem lives up to the hype on the go. For those who grew up grinding rails and mastering manuals, this is a trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it’s a chance to experience what made these games legendary. Let's break down what makes this Switch port special, or if it's just another board in the pile.

Gameplay and Controls

Alright, let’s talk gameplay. The core mechanics of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 are as solid as ever. The controls are tight and responsive, which is crucial for pulling off those insane combos. Whether you’re a veteran who can still nail a 900 or a newbie just learning to ollie, the game does a fantastic job of making you feel in control. The Nintendo Switch version doesn't disappoint in this department, offering several control options to suit your play style.

One of the first things you'll notice is how well the controls translate to the Switch's Joy-Cons. While the Joy-Cons might feel a bit small for some, especially during long play sessions, the game's control scheme is intuitive enough to compensate. You can also use a Pro Controller, which many players might find more comfortable, especially for those longer sessions grinding for high scores. The button layout is customizable, allowing you to tweak it to your preference, ensuring that your fingers are always ready for the next kickflip or grind.

Furthermore, the game includes all the original skaters, levels, and tricks from the first two games, plus a few modern additions. The revert, which was introduced in later Tony Hawk games, is seamlessly integrated, allowing for even longer and more complex combos. The challenge system is also back, giving you specific goals to achieve in each level, which adds a lot of replay value. Whether you're collecting S-K-A-T-E letters, finding hidden tapes, or pulling off specific tricks in certain locations, there's always something to keep you engaged.

Graphics and Performance

Graphically, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the game looks fantastic in handheld mode. The smaller screen helps to mask some of the visual compromises that were made to get the game running on the Switch. The textures are crisp, the colors are vibrant, and the character models look great. However, when you dock the Switch and play on a larger screen, the visual downgrades become more apparent. The resolution takes a hit, and some textures appear muddy. Aliasing (jagged edges) is also noticeable, which can be distracting at times.

Performance-wise, the game mostly holds up. The frame rate generally stays around 30fps, which is acceptable but not ideal. There are occasional dips, especially in more crowded areas or during particularly intense combo sequences. While these dips aren't game-breaking, they can be a bit jarring, especially if you're used to playing the game on more powerful hardware. Despite these issues, the overall performance is stable enough to ensure that the game is still enjoyable. The developers have done a commendable job optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware, but it's clear that some sacrifices had to be made.

Level Design and Nostalgia

One of the biggest strengths of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is its level design. The levels are iconic and perfectly capture the spirit of the late 90s and early 2000s. From the School level with its perfect blend of rails, ramps, and gaps, to the Warehouse with its challenging layout and hidden areas, each level is a masterclass in skateboarding game design. The levels are not only fun to skate in, but they're also packed with secrets and easter eggs that reward exploration.

The nostalgia factor is also incredibly strong. Playing through these levels again, with the updated graphics and improved gameplay, is a real treat for longtime fans. The soundtrack is also fantastic, featuring a mix of classic tracks from the original games and some new additions. The music perfectly complements the action on screen and adds to the overall sense of immersion. Whether you're listening to Goldfinger's "Superman" or Rage Against the Machine's "Guerrilla Radio," the soundtrack is sure to get your blood pumping.

Multiplayer and Online Features

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch includes both local and online multiplayer modes. Local multiplayer is a blast, allowing you to compete against friends in a variety of game types, such as Trick Attack, Graffiti, and Horse. Playing with friends on the same console is a great way to relive the glory days of split-screen gaming. Online multiplayer is also available, allowing you to compete against players from around the world. The online modes are generally stable, but there can be occasional lag issues, depending on your connection speed.

The game also features a robust park editor, allowing you to create your own custom skate parks and share them with the community. The park editor is easy to use and offers a wide range of options, allowing you to create everything from simple skate parks to complex and elaborate creations. Sharing your parks online is a great way to show off your creativity and see what other players have come up with.

Final Verdict

So, is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch worth it? Absolutely! Despite some graphical and performance limitations, the game is still a blast to play. The core gameplay is as solid as ever, the level design is fantastic, and the nostalgia factor is through the roof. The ability to play this game on the go is a huge plus, making it perfect for long commutes or travel. If you're a fan of the original games or just looking for a fun and challenging skateboarding game, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some visual compromises and occasional frame rate dips. Overall, it’s a solid port that brings a classic skateboarding experience to the Nintendo Switch.

Pros:

• Solid gameplay and controls
• Fantastic level design
• Strong nostalgia factor
• Portable gaming
• Robust park editor

Cons:

• Graphical limitations
• Occasional frame rate dips
• Joy-Con might be uncomfortable for some

Overall Score: 8.5/10