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

Hey guys! Are you ready to ollie, grind, and kickflip your way through iconic skate parks on the go? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, bringing all the nostalgic goodness and revamped gameplay to Nintendo's hybrid console. As a long-time fan of the series, I was stoked to get my hands on this version and see how it holds up. Let's dive into what makes this game a must-have for skating fans and newcomers alike.

Gameplay: Still a Kickflipin' Blast

The gameplay in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is as addictive and rewarding as ever. The controls are tight and responsive, making it easy to pull off your favorite tricks. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, you'll find yourself quickly mastering the basics and stringing together impressive combos. The game perfectly captures the feel of the original titles while adding modern enhancements. The revert and manual are now natural extensions of your trick arsenal, allowing for even more creative and complex lines. The level design is faithful to the originals, with each park feeling like a perfectly crafted playground for skaters. From the iconic Warehouse to the sunny Venice Beach, every location is packed with secrets, challenges, and opportunities for epic skate sessions.

One of the best aspects of the gameplay is its accessibility. The game offers a comprehensive tutorial that guides you through the basics, teaching you how to ollie, grind, and perform special tricks. Even if you've never played a Tony Hawk game before, you'll be grinding rails and landing kickflips in no time. For veteran players, the game offers plenty of advanced challenges and goals to keep you engaged. The Skate Tours mode lets you relive the original games' career modes, completing objectives and unlocking new skaters and gear. Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park modes provide endless customization options, allowing you to design your dream skater and skate park. The online multiplayer mode is also a blast, letting you compete against other players in various skate jams. The game's progression system keeps you motivated to improve your skills and unlock new content.

Graphics and Performance: A Solid Port

Now, let's talk about the visuals. Considering the Switch's hardware limitations, the game looks surprisingly good. The character models are detailed, and the environments are vibrant and well-rendered. While it doesn't quite match the graphical fidelity of the PlayStation or PC versions, the Switch version still delivers a visually appealing experience. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, maintaining a stable frame rate that keeps the gameplay fluid and responsive. I was particularly impressed with how well the game performed in handheld mode. The smaller screen size actually enhances the clarity of the visuals, making it easy to spot gaps, rails, and other skateable objects. Of course, there are some minor compromises. The draw distance is slightly reduced, and there are some occasional frame drops during particularly chaotic moments. However, these issues are minor and don't detract from the overall experience.

One of the standout features of the Switch version is its portability. Being able to play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the go is a game-changer. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling, or just chilling on the couch, you can always squeeze in a quick skate session. The Switch's sleep mode is also a huge plus, allowing you to pause the game at any time and pick up right where you left off. The game also supports local multiplayer, so you can shred with your friends on the same console. The Switch's versatile nature makes it the perfect platform for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, allowing you to enjoy the game whenever and wherever you want.

Sound and Music: The Soundtrack of a Generation

The soundtrack of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is legendary. It's a perfect blend of punk rock, hip-hop, and alternative tunes that perfectly captures the energy and spirit of skateboarding. From Goldfinger's Superman to Rage Against the Machine's Guerrilla Radio, every song is a banger that will get your blood pumping. The game also includes some new tracks that fit seamlessly with the classic tunes. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic skateboarding sounds that add to the immersion. The grinding, ollieing, and trick sounds are crisp and satisfying, making every skate session feel authentic.

Playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 with headphones is a must. The music and sound effects are so well-integrated into the gameplay that they enhance the overall experience. Whether you're listening to the iconic soundtrack or the realistic skateboarding sounds, the audio quality is excellent. The game also supports custom soundtracks, so you can add your own favorite tunes to the mix. This is a great way to personalize your skate sessions and make them even more enjoyable.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Switch Owners

So, should you buy Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch? Absolutely! Despite some minor graphical compromises, this is an excellent port that captures the magic of the original games. The gameplay is addictive, the graphics are solid, and the soundtrack is legendary. The Switch's portability makes it the perfect platform for this game, allowing you to shred on the go. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, you'll find plenty to love about Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch. It's a must-have for any Switch owner who loves skateboarding, retro games, or just plain fun.

Pros:

• Addictive gameplay
• Solid graphics and performance
• Legendary soundtrack
• Excellent portability
• Faithful to the original games

Cons:

• Minor graphical compromises
• Occasional frame drops

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Game

Alright, skaters, let's get into some tips and tricks to help you become a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 master on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a newbie just learning the ropes or a seasoned veteran looking to up your game, these tips will have you landing those high-scoring combos in no time.

1. Master the Basics

Before you start attempting those crazy special tricks, make sure you've got the basics down. Ollies, grinds, and manuals are the foundation of any good run. Practice these until they become second nature. Focus on timing your ollies perfectly to clear gaps and land on rails. Get comfortable with different types of grinds, like 50-50s, nose grinds, and tail slides. And don't forget about manuals! Linking manuals between grinds and tricks is key to racking up those big scores.

2. Explore Every Level

Each level in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is packed with secrets, hidden areas, and unique challenges. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny. Look for hidden tapes, gaps, and other collectibles. Pay attention to the level design and learn the best routes for chaining together combos. Knowing the layout of each level is essential for maximizing your score.

3. Use the Revert and Manual

The revert and manual are your best friends when it comes to creating long, flowing combos. Use the revert to transition from vert tricks back into manuals. This allows you to keep your combo going and rack up those multiplier points. Practice linking manuals between grinds and tricks. The longer you can keep your combo going, the higher your score will be.

4. Learn Special Tricks

Each skater in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 has their own unique set of special tricks. These tricks are more difficult to perform than regular tricks, but they also award more points. Take the time to learn each skater's special tricks and incorporate them into your combos. Experiment with different combinations of special tricks to find what works best for you.

5. Grind Everything

Grinding is one of the easiest ways to rack up points in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. Look for rails, ledges, and other grindable surfaces. Grind everything! Experiment with different types of grinds to find the ones that award the most points. Don't be afraid to get creative with your grinds. Try grinding over gaps, around corners, and even up walls.

6. Complete Challenges

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is full of challenges. Completing these challenges is a great way to earn experience points and unlock new content. Pay attention to the challenges that are available in each level and try to complete as many as possible. Some challenges are easy, while others are more difficult. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're struggling with a particular challenge.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

The most important tip for mastering Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is to practice, practice, practice. The more you play the game, the better you'll become. Don't get discouraged if you're not landing those big combos right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there. Watch videos of other players to learn new tricks and strategies. And most importantly, have fun!

Conclusion: Time to Shred!

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is a blast from the past with a modern twist. It's a fantastic addition to any Switch library, offering hours of fun and nostalgia. So grab your Switch, lace up your virtual skate shoes, and get ready to shred! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, this game has something for everyone. Now go out there and become the ultimate Tony Hawk's Pro Skater!