Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2: School 2 Open Gym Guide

Alright guys, let's dive into one of the most iconic levels in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series: School 2! Specifically, we're going to break down the Open Gym area in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to perfect your lines or a newbie just trying to figure out where to start, this guide will give you all the details to dominate this classic spot. We'll cover everything from the layout of the gym to the best strategies for racking up those high scores and completing challenges.

Getting to Know School 2's Open Gym

First off, understanding the layout is key. School 2's Open Gym is a treasure trove of ramps, rails, and gaps, all packed into a relatively small space. This makes it perfect for chaining together long combos and racking up those big points. As you start, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area. Notice the quarter pipes lining the walls, the central platform with its various rails and jumps, and the smaller obstacles scattered around the floor. Each element is strategically placed to allow for seamless transitions and endless possibilities for creating your own unique lines.

One of the first things you'll notice is the height variation. The central platform offers a significant elevation change, which is perfect for building speed and launching into big tricks. Experiment with different approaches to the platform, trying out various grinds and manuals along the way. The quarter pipes are also crucial for maintaining momentum and linking together tricks. Pay attention to the angles and heights of the pipes, as they can be used to launch into gaps and transfers that will significantly boost your score. Also, don't forget the smaller obstacles like benches and trash cans. While they may seem insignificant, these can be used to add variety and complexity to your combos. A well-placed ollie over a bench can be the difference between a good run and a great run.

Ultimately, mastering the Open Gym requires experimentation and creativity. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of what's possible. The more you explore the area, the more you'll discover new lines and possibilities. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and improving. With a little practice and perseverance, you'll be shredding the Open Gym like a pro in no time.

Mastering Tricks and Combos in the Gym

Now, let's talk tricks. In Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, it's not just about doing tricks; it's about chaining them together into massive combos. In the Open Gym, there are many opportunities to do just that. Start by mastering the basics: ollies, kickflips, and grinds. Once you're comfortable with those, start experimenting with manuals to link tricks together. A manual allows you to maintain your combo meter between grinds and airs, and the Open Gym is perfect for long manual sequences. Practice transitioning from a grind on the central platform to a manual on the floor, then ollie into another grind on a nearby rail. The possibilities are endless.

When it comes to specific tricks, focus on those that earn you big points. Special tricks, which are unique to each skater, are a great way to boost your score. Make sure you know your skater's special tricks and practice performing them consistently. Another key to high scores is variation. The game rewards you for doing different tricks within a combo, so avoid repeating the same trick over and over. Mix things up by incorporating different grinds, flips, and spins. Also, pay attention to your landing. A clean landing is essential for maintaining your combo and earning bonus points. Try to land in a manual whenever possible, as this will allow you to keep your combo going even longer.

Don't underestimate the power of reverts and manuals. These techniques are crucial for extending your combos and maximizing your score. A revert allows you to quickly transition from a vert ramp to a manual, while a manual allows you to maintain your combo between grinds and airs. Practice incorporating reverts and manuals into your lines to keep your combo meter running. Remember, the key to mastering tricks and combos in the Open Gym is practice and experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of what's possible. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover new ways to link tricks together and maximize your score. With a little practice and perseverance, you'll be pulling off massive combos in no time.

Finding the Secret Areas and Collectibles

Alright, let's talk about secrets! School 2, including the Open Gym, has some hidden areas and collectibles that are worth exploring. These secrets not only add to the fun of the game but can also help you complete challenges and unlock new content. One of the most well-known secrets is the hidden tape. Finding the hidden tape is a classic Tony Hawk challenge, and it's no different in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. In the Open Gym, the hidden tape is located in a hard-to-reach spot that requires some skillful skating to access. Look for it above the bleachers, you'll need to use the quarter pipes to gain enough height and airtime to reach it. Once you grab it, you'll be one step closer to completing all the challenges in School 2.

Another secret to keep an eye out for is the SKATE letters. Collecting the SKATE letters is another classic Tony Hawk challenge that appears in almost every level. In the Open Gym, the SKATE letters are scattered throughout the area, often in tricky locations that require precise skating to reach. Pay close attention to the environment and look for opportunities to grind, ollie, and manual your way to each letter. Collecting all the SKATE letters will earn you a valuable bonus and help you progress through the game.

Don't forget about the stat points. Stat points are hidden collectibles that can be used to upgrade your skater's abilities. These stat points are scattered throughout the level and can be found in hard-to-reach places. Collecting stat points is essential for improving your skater's performance and tackling the more difficult challenges in the game. Keep an eye out for stat points in the Open Gym and make sure to grab them whenever you get the chance. Finding these hidden areas and collectibles adds an extra layer of depth and replayability to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. So, take your time, explore the environment, and uncover all the secrets that School 2 has to offer. With a little patience and perseverance, you'll discover new areas, unlock valuable bonuses, and take your skating skills to the next level.

Completing Challenges in the Open Gym

Challenges are a huge part of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, and the Open Gym is packed with them. Completing these challenges is essential for unlocking new skaters, decks, and other cool stuff. One of the most common types of challenges involves performing specific tricks in certain areas. For example, you might be challenged to do a kickflip over the central platform or grind a particular rail. Pay close attention to the challenge descriptions and make sure you understand exactly what you need to do.

Another common type of challenge involves achieving a certain score within a time limit. These challenges require you to string together long combos and maximize your score. The Open Gym is perfect for these types of challenges, as it offers plenty of opportunities for chaining together tricks. Practice your lines and focus on maintaining your combo meter. Also, don't forget to use special tricks and variations to boost your score.

Some challenges require you to find and collect specific items, such as the SKATE letters or the hidden tape. These challenges require you to explore the environment and use your skating skills to reach hard-to-reach places. Pay close attention to the layout of the Open Gym and look for clues that might lead you to the hidden items. Remember, the key to completing challenges is practice and perseverance. Don't get discouraged if you don't succeed on your first try. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you find what works best for you. With a little patience and determination, you'll be completing challenges and unlocking new content in no time.

Advanced Strategies for High Scores

So, you want to be a high-score hero? Let's get into some advanced strategies for racking up those big numbers in the Open Gym. First off, focus on maximizing your multiplier. The multiplier increases the points you earn for each trick, and it can be built up by performing a variety of tricks in a single combo. To maximize your multiplier, avoid repeating the same trick over and over. Instead, mix things up by incorporating different grinds, flips, and spins. Also, pay attention to your landing. A clean landing is essential for maintaining your combo and increasing your multiplier.

Another key to high scores is speed. The faster you're moving, the more airtime you'll get, and the more time you'll have to perform tricks. Use the quarter pipes and ramps to build up speed and launch into big airs. Also, don't be afraid to use the environment to your advantage. Grind along rails, ollie over obstacles, and manual across the floor to maintain your momentum and keep your combo going.

Don't underestimate the power of special tricks. Special tricks are unique to each skater and earn you a significant number of points. Make sure you know your skater's special tricks and practice performing them consistently. Also, try to incorporate special tricks into your combos whenever possible. A well-placed special trick can be the difference between a good run and a record-breaking run. Finally, remember to stay focused and avoid making mistakes. One wrong move can break your combo and cost you valuable points. Take your time, plan your lines carefully, and stay calm under pressure. With a little practice and dedication, you'll be racking up high scores in the Open Gym and dominating the leaderboards.