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

Hey guys! Are you ready to ollie, kickflip, and grind your way through some serious nostalgia? Then buckle up, because Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has officially landed on the Nintendo Switch! This isn't just a port; it's a fully-fledged return to the glory days of skateboarding games, bringing the iconic levels, skaters, and soundtrack to a whole new generation – and a handheld console, no less! For those who grew up playing the originals, this is a fantastic trip down memory lane, and for newcomers, it's a perfect introduction to the legendary Tony Hawk franchise. But how does it hold up on the Switch? Let's dive in and find out!

A Perfect Grind: Gameplay and Performance

The core gameplay of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 remains as tight and addictive as ever. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to chain together combos and pull off those signature tricks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie just learning to ollie, the game offers a satisfying learning curve that will keep you hooked for hours. The level design is brilliant, each one a perfectly crafted playground for skaters, filled with ramps, rails, and hidden areas to discover. From the iconic Warehouse to the sun-soaked Venice Beach, every level is a love letter to the original games. The feeling of nailing a perfect run, stringing together a massive combo, and watching your score climb is just as exhilarating as it was back in the day. Seriously, guys, the gameplay is so smooth and the tricks feel so satisfying to land. You'll be spending hours trying to perfect your runs and beat your high scores.

Now, let's talk about performance on the Switch. This is where things get a little trickier. While the game runs smoothly for the most part, there are some noticeable dips in frame rate, especially in more crowded areas or when the action gets intense. These dips aren't game-breaking, but they can be a bit distracting. However, considering the sheer amount of detail and the fast-paced gameplay, it's impressive that the Switch can handle the game at all. The developers have done a solid job optimizing the game for the hardware, and the occasional frame rate drops are a small price to pay for having this classic on a portable console. Plus, let's be real, the ability to play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on the go is pretty awesome. Imagine shredding through the Warehouse on your commute or pulling off a 900 in your lunch break. It's a dream come true for fans of the series!

Visuals and Sound: A Fresh Coat of Paint

The visual upgrade in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is stunning. The levels have been meticulously recreated with updated textures, lighting, and character models. The skaters look fantastic, and the environments are vibrant and full of life. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern graphics. The game manages to capture the essence of the originals while still feeling fresh and new. While the Switch version doesn't quite match the visual fidelity of the PlayStation or Xbox versions, it still looks great in both handheld and docked modes. The slight graphical downgrade is hardly noticeable during gameplay, and the overall presentation is still top-notch. Honestly, guys, the levels look incredible. They've kept the spirit of the originals while making them look modern and polished. It's like seeing your favorite old haunts in a whole new light!

The soundtrack, oh man, the soundtrack! It's an absolute classic, featuring a killer mix of punk rock, hip-hop, and alternative tunes that perfectly complement the high-octane action. From Goldfinger's “Superman” to Rage Against the Machine's “Guerrilla Radio,” the soundtrack is a nostalgic blast from the past. And the best part? Most of the original tracks are included, so you can relive those memories while shredding through your favorite levels. The music is such an integral part of the Tony Hawk's experience, and this game nails it. It's the perfect soundtrack for pulling off insane tricks and grinding those rails. You'll be humming these tunes for days after you put the controller down!

Game Modes and Features: More Than Just a Remaster

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 isn't just a simple remaster; it's a full-fledged remake that includes all the features and content from the original games, plus some new additions. The Career Mode is back, allowing you to create your own skater and progress through the levels, completing challenges and unlocking new gear. The Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park modes are also included, giving you the freedom to customize your skater and build your own skate parks. These features add a ton of replayability to the game, allowing you to express your creativity and share your creations with the community. Guys, the Create-a-Park mode is seriously addictive. You can build some truly insane skate parks, and it's so much fun to share them with your friends and see what they come up with.

Multiplayer is another highlight, with both local and online options available. You can compete against friends in classic modes like H-O-R-S-E and Trick Attack, or team up in online free skate sessions. The online multiplayer is smooth and stable, making it easy to connect with other players and shred together. The competitive aspect of multiplayer adds another layer of excitement to the game, and it's a great way to test your skills against other players from around the world. Whether you're playing with friends on the couch or battling it out online, the multiplayer in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a blast.

The Switch Factor: Portability vs. Power

The biggest draw of the Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is, of course, its portability. Being able to play this classic on the go is a huge selling point. However, as mentioned earlier, the Switch version does come with some compromises in terms of graphics and performance. The frame rate dips can be noticeable, and the visuals aren't quite as sharp as on other consoles. But, the trade-off is worth it for the convenience of playing Tony Hawk's on a handheld. The ability to pick up and play a quick session whenever and wherever you want is incredibly appealing. Plus, the Switch's controls are well-suited to the game, and the Joy-Cons feel comfortable in hand. Guys, being able to play this game on the train or on a plane is a game-changer. It's the perfect way to kill time and get your shred on!

Ultimately, the decision of whether to get the Switch version or another console version comes down to your priorities. If you prioritize portability above all else, then the Switch version is a no-brainer. But, if you demand the best possible graphics and performance, you might want to consider playing on a more powerful console. However, even with its slight compromises, the Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a fantastic game that offers a ton of fun and replayability.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Skateboarding Fans

So, what's the final verdict? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a triumphant return to form for the franchise. It captures the spirit of the originals perfectly while adding modern touches and improvements. The gameplay is addictive, the levels are iconic, and the soundtrack is legendary. While the Switch version does have some minor performance issues, the portability factor more than makes up for it. If you're a fan of skateboarding games, or if you're just looking for a fun and challenging game to play on the go, then Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a must-have. Guys, seriously, this game is awesome. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay, and it's an absolute blast to play. Go grab it and get ready to shred!

Pros:

• Addictive gameplay
• Iconic levels and skaters
• Classic soundtrack
• Excellent create-a-skater and create-a-park modes
• Fun multiplayer options
• Portability on the Switch

Cons:

• Occasional frame rate dips
• Slight graphical downgrade compared to other consoles

Overall Score: 9/10