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

Hey guys! Are you ready to shred? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on whether this iconic skateboarding experience holds up on the handheld console. Get ready to dive into the ramps, rails, and retro vibes of this awesome game. This review will cover everything from gameplay and graphics to performance and overall value, so you can decide if it's worth adding to your Switch library. Let's kickflip into it!

What is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a remaster of the first two games in the legendary Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. Developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision, it brings back the classic levels, skaters, and soundtrack that fans know and love, but with updated graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and new features. Originally released on other platforms in 2020, the game has now made its way to the Nintendo Switch, giving players the chance to ollie and grind on the go. The game combines the nostalgia of the late 90s and early 2000s with modern gaming sensibilities, making it appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. The core gameplay loop revolves around completing various goals within each level, such as achieving high scores, collecting items, and performing specific tricks. As you progress, you unlock new skaters, boards, and gear, allowing you to customize your experience and tackle increasingly challenging objectives. The Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes add even more depth, letting you design your own characters and skateparks to share with the community. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is more than just a trip down memory lane; it's a comprehensive skateboarding game that offers hours of fun and replayability.

Gameplay and Controls

The gameplay of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is, for the most part, incredibly faithful to the original games. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to pick up and play, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie. You'll be grinding, flipping, and manualing like a pro in no time. The Switch version retains the same control scheme as other platforms, utilizing the analog sticks for movement, the face buttons for ollies, grabs, and grinds, and the shoulder buttons for reverts and manuals. The responsiveness of the controls is crucial in a game like this, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 delivers a satisfyingly tight and accurate experience. Whether you're playing in handheld mode or docked, the controls feel natural and comfortable. One minor gripe is that the smaller Joy-Con controllers can feel a bit cramped during extended play sessions, especially for those with larger hands. However, this can be alleviated by using a Pro Controller, which offers a more ergonomic grip and improved button layout. The game also includes helpful tutorials and challenges to help you master the basics and learn advanced techniques. These tutorials are well-designed and provide clear instructions, making it easy for new players to get up to speed. The challenge system encourages you to experiment with different tricks and combos, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. Overall, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch provides a solid and enjoyable gameplay experience, with controls that are both accessible and rewarding.

Graphics and Performance

Now, let's talk about the visuals. The graphics in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 are a significant upgrade from the original games, but the Switch version does take a hit compared to other consoles. While the game still looks good, the textures are less detailed, and the overall visual fidelity is lower. This is understandable, given the Switch's hardware limitations, but it's worth noting if you're expecting a visual showcase. Despite the graphical compromises, the game maintains a consistent frame rate, which is crucial for a fast-paced action game like this. The game generally runs at a smooth 30 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes, with only occasional dips during particularly hectic moments. The stable frame rate ensures that the gameplay remains responsive and enjoyable, even with the reduced graphical detail. The level design remains faithful to the original games, with each park recreated in loving detail. From the iconic Warehouse to the sun-soaked Venice Beach, each location is instantly recognizable and packed with opportunities for sick tricks. The character models are also well-done, with each skater sporting their signature look and style. While the Switch version may not be the prettiest version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, it still delivers a visually appealing experience that captures the spirit of the original games. The focus on maintaining a stable frame rate ensures that the gameplay remains smooth and responsive, making it a worthwhile trade-off for the reduced graphical detail.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is legendary, and thankfully, it's fully intact on the Nintendo Switch. The game features a killer mix of punk, rock, and hip-hop tracks that perfectly complement the skateboarding action. From Goldfinger's "Superman" to Rage Against the Machine's "Guerrilla Radio," the music is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. The sound design is also well-done, with realistic skateboarding sounds that add to the immersion. The clatter of your board on the pavement, the grind of your trucks on a rail, and the satisfying thwack of a successful trick all sound authentic and impactful. The game also includes updated audio cues and effects, such as crowd cheers and announcer commentary, which further enhance the overall experience. The voice acting is solid, with the original skaters reprising their roles and delivering their lines with plenty of attitude. The game also includes new voice work from contemporary skaters, adding a fresh perspective to the mix. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, the soundtrack and sound design of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 are sure to impress. The music is iconic, the sound effects are realistic, and the voice acting is top-notch, creating a truly immersive and enjoyable skateboarding experience. The ability to customize the soundtrack and create your own playlists adds an extra layer of personalization, allowing you to tailor the music to your own tastes.

Replayability

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 offers a ton of replayability on the Nintendo Switch. The core gameplay loop of completing goals, unlocking new skaters and boards, and improving your skills is incredibly addictive. Each level is packed with secrets and challenges, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny. The Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes add even more depth, allowing you to customize your experience and share your creations with the community. The online multiplayer mode is also a blast, allowing you to compete against other players in a variety of game modes. Whether you're playing classic score attack, trick attack, or graffiti, the online multiplayer is sure to keep you coming back for more. The game also includes a comprehensive challenge system, with hundreds of goals to complete. These challenges range from simple tasks like landing a specific trick to more complex objectives like achieving a high score in a single combo. Completing challenges unlocks new rewards, such as skaters, boards, and gear, providing plenty of incentive to keep playing. The game also features a robust stat-tracking system, allowing you to monitor your progress and compare your skills to other players. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore completionist, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 offers endless hours of fun and replayability. The combination of addictive gameplay, customizable content, and online multiplayer ensures that you'll be shredding on your Switch for a long time to come.

Final Verdict

So, is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 worth it on the Nintendo Switch? Absolutely! Despite some graphical compromises, the game delivers a fantastic skateboarding experience that captures the spirit of the original games. The gameplay is smooth and responsive, the soundtrack is killer, and the replayability is off the charts. If you're a fan of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, or just looking for a fun and addictive game to play on your Switch, then Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a must-have. Grab your board, lace up your shoes, and get ready to shred! This game is a triumphant return to form for the series, and it's a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're playing in handheld mode or docked, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So go ahead and add it to your Switch library – you won't regret it!