Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2: Switch Skateboarding Fun!

Hey, what's up, gamers! If you're anything like me, you probably spent a good chunk of your younger years glued to your TV, pulling off sick grinds and nailing those perfect manuals in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Well, get stoked, because Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has landed on the Nintendo Switch, and it's bringing all the nostalgia and skatepark mayhem with it! I'm here to give you the lowdown on whether this port holds up, if it's worth your time (and your hard-earned cash), and if it's the perfect way to relive those glory days. Buckle up, because we're about to drop in!

The Hype is Real: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch is a massive win for fans of the series. This isn't just a simple port; it's a full-blown remaster of the iconic first two games, rebuilt from the ground up with updated graphics, improved gameplay, and a whole host of new features. When the original game was released, it took the gaming world by storm. Now, with the Nintendo Switch version, the developers had a lot of work to do. They had to ensure that the game was optimized for the Switch's hardware. So, let's talk about the gameplay.

The gameplay is where Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 shines the brightest. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to pull off those crazy combos. The classic trick system is back, with the familiar button combinations for ollies, kickflips, heelflips, and all the other moves you know and love. But the gameplay isn't just a carbon copy of the originals. There are some welcome additions, such as the ability to revert out of a trick, which opens up even more combo possibilities. Plus, the game introduces a new combo system which makes it easier for you to link tricks together and boost your scores. The Switch version also lets you play with motion controls, which, to be honest, I wasn't the biggest fan of. But, hey, it's there for those who dig that kind of thing.

Then comes the visuals. The graphics are a significant upgrade from the original games, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and improved character models. The levels look absolutely stunning, and the sense of speed and fluidity is incredible. It really captures the feel of skateboarding. You can also customize your character with a wide range of outfits, boards, and accessories. There's plenty of unlockable content, like secret characters, levels, and cheats, which keeps you coming back for more. In addition, the game boasts an awesome soundtrack, featuring a mix of classic tracks from the original games and some new additions. The soundtrack perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay, and it's sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Overall, the Nintendo Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a true love letter to the original games, and a must-have for any fan of the series. It's a fantastic game in its own right, and it's a great way to experience the magic of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater all over again.

Gameplay and Features: Shredding on the Go

Alright, let's dive deep into what makes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch so rad. As mentioned before, the core gameplay is all about chaining together tricks, racking up massive scores, and completing objectives in each level. But there is a lot more to it than that. This game provides a super fun way to experience the thrills and challenges that skateboarding presents.

The Levels

First off, the levels are iconic. From the Warehouse to the School, to the Hangar, the game faithfully recreates the memorable skate parks from the original games. Each level is packed with secrets, hidden areas, and challenges to discover. Exploring and mastering each level is a huge part of the fun, as you learn the layout, find the best lines for your combos, and discover secret areas. There's a real sense of accomplishment when you finally nail that perfect run, and it's even more rewarding if you manage to complete all the objectives within the level.

Character Customization

Character customization is another major aspect. You can choose from a roster of pro skaters, each with their own unique stats and special moves. You can also customize your character's appearance with a wide range of clothing, board designs, and accessories. The customization options allow you to personalize your skater and make them truly your own. It's awesome to be able to express your creativity. You can become whoever you want to be. And of course, you will look good while doing it. The game also provides a great sense of progression. As you complete challenges and earn points, you'll unlock new skaters, levels, and customization options. There is a lot to keep you engaged. This is a game that you can come back to. I find this aspect of the game very fun and helps you to improve.

Game Modes

The game offers a variety of game modes to keep you entertained. There is a career mode. In the Career mode, you can work your way through the levels, complete objectives, and unlock new content. There is also a free skate mode, which allows you to explore the levels without any objectives. Free skate mode is perfect for practicing your tricks and experimenting with different lines. Plus, there is a multiplayer mode, where you can compete against other players online. The multiplayer mode is a great way to test your skills, compete for high scores, and enjoy the game with friends. Overall, the gameplay and features of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch provide a rich and engaging experience that will keep you coming back for more. It's a game that is easy to pick up and play, but challenging to master. You can get a lot of value out of this game.

Graphics and Performance: Does it Hold Up on the Switch?

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 perform on the Nintendo Switch? The graphics are a significant step up from the original games, with detailed environments and improved character models. Of course, the Switch version isn't going to look as good as its counterparts on the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, but the developers have done an admirable job of optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware.

The game runs at a smooth frame rate in both docked and handheld modes. This ensures a fluid and responsive gameplay experience. There are, however, some minor visual compromises. Some textures and details are a bit less crisp compared to the other platforms. But honestly, these are barely noticeable, especially when you're busy shredding and pulling off those insane combos. The art style is also preserved, which is a good thing. The game has a vibrant and colorful art style, which is true to the original. This helps to enhance the gameplay experience and capture the fun of skateboarding.

Performance

In terms of performance, the game runs smoothly, and the load times are generally quick. I didn't experience any major technical issues or glitches during my playthrough. Which is always good! The developers have clearly put in the work to ensure that the Switch version is a polished and enjoyable experience. The Switch version also has some advantages. The ability to play on the go is a major selling point. The game is perfect for playing on the go, whether you're on a long commute or just lounging on the couch. The Joy-Cons can be used for motion controls, which adds an extra layer of immersion. I did not like this option, but it is available. Overall, the graphics and performance of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Switch are very impressive. The game looks great, runs smoothly, and is a blast to play. It's a testament to the developers' dedication to delivering a high-quality experience on the Switch. This makes it an ideal pick for those who love this game.

The Soundtrack: A Blast from the Past (and Present!)

Let's be honest, part of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater experience is the epic soundtrack. The music is integral to the game's identity. From the moment you boot up the game, you're greeted with a collection of tracks that perfectly complement the fast-paced gameplay and skateboarding culture. The Switch version doesn't disappoint, featuring a mix of classic tracks from the original games and some new additions. It's a nostalgia trip of the best kind!

The soundtrack is a mix of genres, including punk rock, hip-hop, and alternative rock. Every track fits perfectly with the skateboarding theme. Each song is carefully selected to get your adrenaline pumping. It also perfectly matches the level you are playing in. You'll hear iconic tracks like