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

Hey guys! So, you wanna shred on the go? Let’s dive into Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch. This is the iconic game that defined a generation, now available in a handheld format. Does it stick the landing, or does it bail? Let's find out!

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

For those who might've been living under a rock (or just missed out on the late '90s/early 2000s), Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a remake of the first two games in the legendary Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. Originally developed by Neversoft and published by Activision, these games revolutionized the skateboarding scene in the gaming world. The remake was developed by Vicarious Visions, who absolutely nailed the feel and spirit of the originals while giving it a fresh, modern coat of paint. Now, ported to the Nintendo Switch, the game promises portable skateboarding action. But how well does it hold up?

The game is all about performing tricks, grinds, and manuals to rack up high scores across various levels. Each level is packed with objectives, such as collecting SKATE letters, finding hidden tapes, and achieving specific scores. The gameplay is addictive and rewarding, offering a perfect blend of challenge and fun. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, there’s something here for everyone. The controls are easy to pick up, but mastering the combos and achieving those high scores takes practice and dedication. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the thrill of landing a perfect 900 or a massive kickflip over a gap?

One of the standout features is the amazing soundtrack, which is a perfect mix of punk rock, hip-hop, and alternative music that perfectly complements the gameplay. From Goldfinger's "Superman" to Rage Against the Machine's "Guerrilla Radio," the music brings back a flood of nostalgia for longtime fans. But it's not just about nostalgia; the soundtrack also includes new tracks that fit seamlessly with the classics, ensuring that the game feels both familiar and fresh. And let’s not forget about the skaters themselves! You can play as legendary skaters like Tony Hawk, Bucky Lasek, and Elissa Steamer, each with their own unique stats and special moves. Or, you can create your own skater and customize their appearance, skills, and gear.

Gameplay and Controls on the Switch

So, how does Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 play on the Nintendo Switch? Well, the gameplay remains as tight and responsive as ever. The controls are intuitive, making it easy to pull off ollies, grinds, and kickflips. Whether you're using the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller, the game feels great in your hands. However, the smaller size of the Joy-Cons can take some getting used to, especially if you have larger hands. But once you find your groove, you'll be shredding like a pro in no time.

The game offers several control options, allowing you to customize the layout to your liking. You can remap the buttons, adjust the sensitivity, and even use motion controls if you're feeling adventurous. The motion controls are surprisingly accurate, but they're not for everyone. Some players may prefer the traditional button layout, while others may find the motion controls to be a fun and immersive way to play. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. The important thing is that the game gives you the flexibility to choose the control scheme that works best for you.

Despite the excellent controls, there are a few minor drawbacks. The Switch's limited processing power can sometimes lead to frame rate drops, especially in more crowded levels. This can be a bit distracting, but it doesn't significantly impact the gameplay. Additionally, the smaller screen size can make it difficult to see some of the finer details, particularly when playing in handheld mode. However, these issues are relatively minor and don't detract from the overall experience. For the most part, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 plays smoothly and responsively on the Nintendo Switch, delivering the same addictive gameplay that fans know and love.

Graphics and Performance

Graphically, the Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a step down from the PlayStation and Xbox versions. The textures are less detailed, and the lighting effects are not as impressive. However, the game still looks good on the Switch's screen, especially in handheld mode. The developers have done a great job of optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware, ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently.

One of the biggest challenges in porting the game to the Switch was maintaining a stable frame rate. The Switch is not as powerful as the other consoles, so the developers had to make some compromises to ensure that the game runs smoothly. As a result, the frame rate can sometimes dip below 30fps, especially in more demanding areas. However, these dips are usually brief and don't significantly impact the gameplay. For the most part, the game runs at a solid 30fps, which is perfectly playable.

Despite the graphical compromises, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 still looks great on the Switch. The character models are well-detailed, the environments are colorful and vibrant, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The game captures the look and feel of the original games while giving it a fresh, modern update. And let's be honest, who cares about a few graphical compromises when you're shredding on the go? The Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a testament to the power of optimization and the dedication of the developers.

Portability: Shredding on the Go

Here's the big selling point: playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch means you can take it anywhere. Waiting for a flight? Shred some rails. Long car ride? Do some kickflips. The portability is a game-changer, allowing you to practice your combos and complete challenges whenever and wherever you want.

The Switch's portability is a major advantage, especially for gamers who are always on the go. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling on vacation, or simply relaxing at home, you can always squeeze in a quick session of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. The game is perfect for short bursts of play, allowing you to make progress even when you only have a few minutes to spare. And let's be honest, who doesn't love the idea of shredding on the toilet?

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The Switch's battery life is not the greatest, so you'll need to make sure you have a charger handy if you plan on playing for extended periods. Additionally, the smaller screen size can make it difficult to see some of the finer details, especially when playing in handheld mode. But these issues are relatively minor and don't detract from the overall experience. The portability of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is a game-changer, making it the perfect choice for gamers who want to shred on the go.

Verdict: Is it Worth It?

So, is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely. Despite some minor graphical compromises, the game delivers the same addictive gameplay and nostalgic charm as the original. The portability factor makes it a must-have for fans of the series, allowing you to shred on the go whenever and wherever you want.

The game is a perfect blend of old and new, capturing the spirit of the original games while adding modern features and enhancements. The gameplay is tight and responsive, the controls are intuitive, and the soundtrack is legendary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, there's something here for everyone. And let's not forget about the nostalgia factor! Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a trip down memory lane, bringing back all the good times and reminding us why we fell in love with skateboarding in the first place.

Final Thoughts

If you're a fan of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series or just love skateboarding games in general, you need to pick this up. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic addition to any gamer's library, offering hours of fun and excitement. So grab your board, lace up your shoes, and get ready to shred! You won't regret it. This game is a solid 9/10 – go get it!