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

Hey guys! Are you ready to shred? Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on whether this iconic skateboarding experience holds up on the portable platform. As a massive fan of the original games, I was both excited and a little nervous to see how Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Albany) would translate the fast-paced, trick-heavy gameplay to the Switch. So, grab your board (or your Joy-Cons), and let’s dive in!

What is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2?

For those of you who might have been living under a rock (or maybe just weren't into skateboarding games in the early 2000s), Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a remaster of the first two games in the legendary Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. Originally released on other platforms in 2020, it brings back the classic levels, skaters, and soundtracks that made the originals so beloved, while also adding modern enhancements to graphics, gameplay, and features. Think of it as the ultimate nostalgia trip with a fresh coat of paint. The game combines the levels of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. The game features most of the original skaters, plus some new skaters. The game features almost all of the songs from the first two games, and also includes some new music.

Gameplay and Controls

Now, let’s talk about how it feels to play Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch. The core gameplay remains as addictive and satisfying as ever. Pulling off ollies, kickflips, grinds, and manuals to rack up massive combos is incredibly rewarding. The control scheme is intuitive and easy to pick up, whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the series. However, the Switch version does have a few quirks.

The Joy-Cons can feel a bit cramped, especially during long sessions. The smaller buttons and analog sticks don't offer the same level of precision as a traditional controller, which can make some of the more complex tricks and combos challenging to execute consistently. I found myself often switching to a Pro Controller for a more comfortable and accurate experience. When playing in handheld mode, I sometimes experienced noticeable input lag, which was a bit of a bummer. In a game where timing is everything, even a slight delay can throw off your rhythm and lead to frustrating bails. This issue seemed to be less prevalent when playing docked, but it's still something to keep in mind.

Despite these minor control issues, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch is still a blast to play. The sense of speed and momentum is well-translated, and the level design is as brilliant as ever. Discovering hidden areas, completing challenges, and unlocking new skaters and decks kept me hooked for hours on end. The game offers a variety of modes to keep things interesting, including the classic Career mode, Free Skate, and multiplayer options.

Graphics and Performance

Visually, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch is a mixed bag. While the game looks sharp and vibrant in many areas, it's clear that some compromises were made to get it running smoothly on the Switch's hardware. The character models and environments are nicely detailed, but the textures and lighting effects are noticeably less impressive than on other platforms. The game targets 30fps, but it doesn’t always hit that target. Frame rate drops can occur, especially in the more complex levels or during intense trick sequences. While these drops aren't game-breaking, they can be distracting and impact the overall sense of fluidity. Comparing it to the other consoles, the Switch version is inferior, but if you only own a switch, you might not even notice. The graphic fidelity is good enough to provide a fun experience!

Sound and Music

One area where Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch truly shines is in its sound design and music. The soundtrack is a perfect blend of classic tracks from the original games and new songs that fit the vibe. Hearing those familiar tunes instantly transported me back to my teenage years, grinding rails and perfecting my manuals. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic board noises, satisfying trick sounds, and the occasional quip from Tony Hawk himself. The music alone is enough to make you want to pick up the game!

Online and Multiplayer

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch offers several online and multiplayer modes to keep you shredding with friends (or strangers). You can compete in classic modes like Score Challenge and Trick Attack, or try your hand at the new online competitions. The online experience is generally smooth and stable, but I did encounter some occasional lag and connectivity issues. These problems seemed to be more prevalent during peak hours, so your mileage may vary.

Local multiplayer is also supported, allowing you to play with friends in the same room. This is a great way to relive the glory days of couch co-op gaming, and it's especially fun if you have a group of friends who are also fans of the series. Just be prepared for some friendly competition and trash-talking!

Replay Value

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Switch offers a ton of replay value. In addition to the main Career mode, there are countless challenges to complete, skaters to unlock, and decks to customize. The Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park modes also add a lot of depth, allowing you to design your own unique skaters and skateparks. The game also has a great sense of progression, as you unlock new tricks, gear, and customization options as you play. This constant stream of rewards kept me motivated to keep playing, even after I had completed the main story.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, there's plenty to keep you coming back for more. The challenges are well-designed and offer a good mix of difficulty, and the unlockable content is genuinely cool and rewarding. Plus, the ability to play the game on the go makes it perfect for quick sessions during your commute or on your lunch break.

Final Verdict

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is a solid port of a fantastic game. While it does have some minor drawbacks, such as the occasionally cramped controls and the inconsistent frame rate, the core gameplay remains as addictive and enjoyable as ever. If you're a fan of the series or just looking for a fun and challenging skateboarding game to play on your Switch, then I highly recommend giving this one a try. Just be sure to invest in a Pro Controller for the best possible experience.

Pros:

• Faithful recreation of the classic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games
• Addictive and rewarding gameplay
• Great soundtrack
• Tons of replay value
• Portable

Cons:

• Cramped controls with Joy-Cons
• Inconsistent frame rate
• Graphics not as impressive as other platforms

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is a must-have for fans of the series and a great addition to any Switch owner's library. Despite some minor flaws, the core gameplay is so good that it's easy to overlook the shortcomings. So, grab your board and get ready to shred!