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Review of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on Xbox Series X/S

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Mar 2021
Cover image of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 9
Released: 26 Mar 2021
Genre: Sports
Developer: Vicarious Visions
Publisher: Activision

Introduction

Grab your skateboard and prepare to shred like it's 1999! 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2' has swooped in like a kickflip wizard to remind us all why we loved skating games in the first place. It's an exhilarating nostalgia trip that's as rad as flipping a burger on a Sunday afternoon. Does it tick all the boxes or does it just make you want to throw your controller in frustration? Let's find out!

Gameplay

'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2' is not your average slap-and-dash remake. Instead, it dives deep with the controls and tricks that made the originals such an iconic staple of gaming. Each level is like a perfectly crafted sandwich filled with objectives, collectibles, and, of course, insane tricks that will make your friends drop their controllers in envy (or disbelief!). Whether you're grinding rails like a pro or bailing harder than your cousin's attempts at cooking, the game has you covered. You can customize your skater and even your skate park - imagine the power! Remember those intricate designs you used to doodle in math class? Now you can bring them to life, minus the judgmental stares from your math teacher. The game also brings back those beloved objectives: collect the letters to spell 'SKATE,' perform specific moves, and rack up enough points to make even Tony Hawk slightly impressed. And if you're somehow an overachiever, special tricks will bring your score to the next level, assuming you don't wipe out spectacularly.

Graphics

Fasten your seatbelts or, better yet, your helmet because the visuals are stunning. The game runs on Unreal Engine 4, making it look as crisp as your newest pair of sneakers. Each level, from the school to the warehouse, is beautifully recreated, capturing the essence of what made the originals so memorable, but with a polish that suggests someone has been watching too many YouTube tutorials on lighting. Textures are vibrant, animations are smooth, and if you'd told a 1999 gamer that one day they'd be skating through the digital equivalent of an art gallery, they would have nodded while holding a soda can over their controller. Seriously though, these graphics are clearer than your mom's insistence that you wear a jacket on a summer day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2' is a delightful trip down memory lane that manages to keep the fun alive without feeling stale. It has everything a fan could want: tight controls, a killer soundtrack bursting with nostalgic tracks, and level design that honors the classics while layering in modern flair. Despite its minor hiccups-like the limited multiplayer modes that can sometimes feel as repetitive as your dad's old jokes-it's undeniably one of the best remakes out there. Whether you're a returning pro or a curious newbie, this game guarantees a good time. So grab your board (or your controller if you're pretending to be a grown-up), and hit the half-pipe of awesome! 9 out of 10, it's a gnarly hit!

See Latest Prices for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

See Prices for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on Xbox Series X/S on Ebay

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