Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 Switch Review

Hey, what's up, gamers! Remember shredding in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2? Well, get ready to dust off those virtual skateboards because this legendary combo has landed on the Nintendo Switch! That's right, you can now experience the thrill of nailing those epic combos and reliving the golden age of skateboarding, all in the palm of your hand. I've spent a good chunk of time with this Switch port, and I'm stoked to share my thoughts, break down the good, the bad, and everything in between, and help you decide if it's worth taking a ride. I am very excited to share all this information with you guys.

What Makes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 So Special?

Alright, let's rewind for a sec. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 isn't just a simple port; it's a complete remaster of the first two games in the iconic series. If you're new to the Tony Hawk scene, these games were groundbreaking back in the day. The games took the world by storm, and for good reason! They took the world by storm with their addictive gameplay, killer soundtracks, and a roster of real-life pro skaters. This combination created a gaming experience like no other, allowing players to pull off insane tricks, explore detailed environments, and feel like they were part of the skateboarding culture. The games were a huge success, spawning numerous sequels and influencing countless other games in the genre. So, when the remastered version was announced, fans like me were ecstatic. We knew that this could be a gaming experience like no other. I am happy to say that the game lives up to the expectations.

The game's core gameplay loop revolves around completing objectives within a two-minute time limit. These objectives range from collecting letters to finding hidden tapes, and of course, racking up high scores by chaining together impressive trick combinations. The controls are intuitive, allowing for easy execution of grinds, manuals, and aerial maneuvers. The level design is also a major highlight, with each level offering a unique environment filled with ramps, rails, and other obstacles that beg to be explored. You’ll be revisiting iconic skate spots like the Warehouse, Hangar, and School, all of which have been lovingly recreated with stunning visuals. The game’s focus on flow and creativity is what makes it so replayable. You're constantly finding new lines, experimenting with different tricks, and trying to perfect your runs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, there's always something new to discover and enjoy.

What truly sets Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 apart is its perfect blend of nostalgia and modern polish. The gameplay is faithful to the original, preserving the feel and fun that made the games so beloved. The developers have also added a few quality-of-life improvements, such as a more forgiving combo system and refined controls, which make the experience even more accessible. The game also features a fully customizable create-a-skater mode, as well as a robust multiplayer component that allows players to compete against each other online. The soundtrack is an absolute banger, featuring a mix of classic tracks from the original games and some new additions that perfectly complement the gameplay. The game is a true love letter to the skateboarding genre, and a must-play for fans of the original games.

The Nintendo Switch Experience: How Does It Hold Up?

Alright, so we know the game itself is amazing. But how does Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 hold up on the Nintendo Switch? After all, the Switch is a different beast compared to the PS5, Xbox Series X, and even PC. Well, let me break it down for you. The first thing you'll notice is the graphics. The Switch version isn't going to look as stunning as the other platforms. However, the game still looks great! The environments are detailed, the skaters look fantastic, and the overall art style is faithful to the original. The developers have made some visual compromises to ensure the game runs smoothly on the Switch. The textures aren't as sharp, and the frame rate might dip occasionally during particularly hectic moments. But overall, the game still looks great and the art style does not lose its charm.

The game runs at a mostly stable frame rate, which is crucial for a fast-paced game like this. I did encounter some minor slowdowns during more intense gameplay sections, but nothing that significantly impacts the experience. The game is fully playable in both docked and handheld modes. The handheld mode is where the Switch version truly shines. It’s perfect for those quick sessions on the go. Imagine being able to pull off epic combos while commuting on the bus or waiting in line at the grocery store. The controls are responsive and the game feels great to play. I'd argue it's the best way to experience the game for its portability. The game offers full controller support, and the Joy-Cons work surprisingly well. You can also use a Pro Controller for a more traditional experience. The Switch version also includes all the content from the original game, including all the skaters, levels, and game modes. The game offers online multiplayer, where you can compete against other players in various game modes.

In terms of performance, the Switch version does a pretty good job. It is not perfect, but I've found it to be a very stable game. The load times are acceptable, and the game is free of any major glitches or bugs. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes. The only real downside is that the graphics aren't as sharp as on other platforms. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a fantastic experience. It’s a true testament to the power of the Switch and the developers who brought the game to the platform.

The Good, The Bad, and The Verdict

Let's break down the pros and cons of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch.

The Good:

• Fantastic Gameplay: The core gameplay is as fun and addictive as ever, capturing the magic of the originals. The mechanics are easy to pick up, but difficult to master. The game offers tons of depth for those who want to improve their skills. The game has various modes, from single-player to multiplayer, offering players a variety of ways to play and challenge themselves. The game's replayability is also a big plus, with players constantly striving to beat their high scores, complete challenges, and unlock new content.
• Great Content: You get the complete Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 experience, including all levels, skaters, and game modes. The game is packed with content, and you will not get bored of it easily. The game features a wide range of skaters, each with their own unique style and abilities. The game offers players the chance to play as their favorite skaters or create their own custom skaters. The game also features a variety of different game modes, including the classic single-player campaign, online multiplayer, and local multiplayer.
• Awesome Soundtrack: The iconic soundtrack is a major part of the experience, and it's all here in its glory. The soundtrack perfectly complements the fast-paced gameplay. The soundtrack also features a mix of classic tracks from the original games and some new additions.
• Portability: The ability to play this game on the go is a huge win for the Switch. This feature is a game-changer. The portability of the Switch version is a huge advantage. You can play the game anywhere, anytime. The game is perfect for those who want to play on the go or when they are short on time. The game is also great for playing with friends. You can easily pass the Switch around and play the game together.
• Solid Performance: The game runs well on the Switch, with a mostly stable frame rate and responsive controls. The developers have done a great job optimizing the game for the Switch hardware. The game is free of any major glitches or bugs. The performance of the Switch version is a testament to the developers' skills and attention to detail.

The Bad:

• Visual Downgrades: The graphics aren't as sharp as on other platforms, with some visual compromises made for the Switch. The graphics aren't as sharp as on other platforms. The textures aren't as sharp, and the frame rate might dip occasionally during particularly hectic moments. Some players might be disappointed by the visual compromises. But overall, the game still looks great and the art style does not lose its charm.
• Occasional Frame Rate Drops: You might experience some minor slowdowns during intense gameplay moments. This can be annoying, especially during online multiplayer. The game's performance is generally solid, but there are times when the frame rate drops. This can be distracting and can impact the gameplay experience. These frame rate drops are infrequent. I did not experience any significant performance issues, but some people have complained.

The Verdict:

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a must-have for fans of the series and a great entry point for newcomers. Despite some minor visual compromises, the game is still an amazing experience, packed with content, and perfectly suited for portable play. The game retains the magic of the originals while offering a fresh, modern experience. This is a game that is hard to put down. It's a game that you will want to play over and over again. If you're a fan of skateboarding games or are looking for a fun and addictive game to play on your Switch, I highly recommend checking this one out.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?

Alright, so, should you buy Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch? If you're a fan of the original games or a skateboarding enthusiast, absolutely YES! The Switch version is a fantastic way to experience this classic game on the go. The portability, the solid performance, and the addictive gameplay make it a winner. Even if you've already played the game on another platform, the Switch version offers a unique and enjoyable experience. The ability to pull out your Switch and shred some rails whenever you have a few minutes is just awesome. For newcomers, this is a perfect introduction to the series. The gameplay is easy to learn, yet challenging to master, and the game offers tons of replayability. The game’s focus on flow and creativity is what makes it so replayable. You're constantly finding new lines, experimenting with different tricks, and trying to perfect your runs. So, what are you waiting for, guys? Get out there and start shredding!

I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's an excellent port that delivers the classic Tony Hawk experience in a portable package. Get ready to relive those glory days, guys. You won’t regret it!