Buy On Amazon Now
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 - Nintendo Switch Standard Edition Review
The return of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 to the Nintendo Switch marks a nostalgic revival of two of the most iconic skateboarding games ever made. This remastered collection brings the beloved classics to a new generation, allowing fans to relive the thrill of skating through vibrant environments with improved graphics, tight controls, and all the tricks that made these games legendary. The Switch version, while slightly different from the more powerful console counterparts, still captures the magic of the originals.
Pros:
-
Nostalgic Gameplay: The core gameplay is just as fun as it was in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Whether you're grinding rails, executing tricks, or completing challenges, the flow of gameplay feels smooth and satisfying. The remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 maintains the original’s fun, pick-up-and-play appeal, while adding modern touches that make it feel fresh.
-
Improved Graphics and Sound: Even on the Switch, the remastered versions of Pro Skater 1 and Pro Skater 2 look great. The vibrant, detailed environments and smoother character models breathe new life into the classic levels, making them more immersive than ever. The soundtrack is also a standout feature, with a collection of classic songs that evoke tons of nostalgia, alongside some new tracks that keep things feeling lively.
-
Tight Controls: The controls have been polished and refined, maintaining the perfect balance between accessibility and skill. For both newcomers and seasoned players, the learning curve is smooth, and the addition of modern tricks feels seamless. Whether you're pulling off a kickflip or executing an epic combo, everything feels responsive and fluid, which is key in a game like this.
-
All the Classic Content: All the original levels, skaters, and tricks from Pro Skater 1 and Pro Skater 2 are here, plus the additional content from the remastered versions. It’s a treasure trove of classic nostalgia, featuring iconic locations like the Warehouse, Downtown, and Mall, each recreated with updated graphics and new details to enjoy.
-
Multiple Play Modes: The game offers a variety of modes, from the traditional single-player career mode to local multiplayer and online leaderboards. Completing challenges, unlocking new gear, and ranking up in online modes add a layer of replayability that keeps the game exciting for hours on end.
-
Portability on Switch: One of the biggest draws of the Nintendo Switch version is the portability. You can now take Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 on the go, whether you're playing on your commute or during a break. The handheld mode still runs smoothly, offering a fun and portable skating experience that the Switch excels at.
Cons:
-
Performance Issues in Docked Mode: While the graphics look great, there are occasional frame rate drops and performance dips in docked mode. The game may struggle a bit during more intense moments, especially on larger screens. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is noticeable when compared to the performance on more powerful consoles like the PS4 or Xbox One.
-
Smaller Screen in Handheld Mode: Playing on the Switch's smaller screen in handheld mode could make some of the details harder to appreciate, especially during fast-paced gameplay. While still very playable, the experience might not be as visually immersive as it would be on larger screens.
-
No Online Multiplayer (Yet): While there is a local multiplayer mode, the online multiplayer feature is lacking at launch. It’s a bit disappointing, as this is something that fans have been hoping to see in a modern version of the game. Hopefully, it will be added in future updates, but as of now, this feature is missing.
-
Minor Control Tweaks: The Switch’s Joy-Con controllers are functional, but for precision tricks and combos, you might miss the more robust controls offered by other platforms or a Pro Controller. It can feel a bit cramped if you're used to more ergonomic controllers.
Final Thoughts:
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is an excellent collection for fans of the original games or newcomers looking to experience what made the series so beloved. It brings the nostalgia of these classic titles with polished graphics, tight controls, and a killer soundtrack. Despite some performance issues and missing online multiplayer at launch, the game’s portability on the Switch and the sheer fun factor make it a must-have for skateboarding fans. Whether you’re doing tricks on the go or reliving your childhood memories, this remastered edition is still a blast to play.