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

Hey guys! Let's dive into the Nintendo Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2. This game is a blast from the past, a complete remake of the original two Tony Hawk games, and it brings all the nostalgic goodness to Nintendo's handheld console. If you were a fan back in the day or are just discovering the series, there’s plenty to get excited about. I’m going to break down what makes this version tick, how it holds up on the Switch, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. So, grab your board (or your Joy-Cons) and let’s get rolling!

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

Alright, for those who might be new to the scene, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a remastered combo of the first two games in the iconic Tony Hawk series. These games were legendary back in the late '90s and early 2000s, defining a whole generation of skateboarding games. What made them so special? Simple: they were incredibly fun, accessible, and packed with a killer soundtrack. The remake keeps everything that made the originals great while giving them a fresh coat of paint with modern graphics, smoother gameplay, and online multiplayer. You get to play as legendary skaters like Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, and Elissa Steamer, or even create your own skater and rise through the ranks. The goal is to complete various challenges in iconic levels like the Warehouse, School II, and Venice Beach, all while pulling off insane tricks and combos. The gameplay is addictive, the levels are brilliantly designed, and the sense of progression is super rewarding. Whether you’re trying to nail that elusive 900 or just cruising around and grinding rails, there’s always something to keep you hooked. The remake does an excellent job of honoring the legacy of the original games while making them feel fresh and relevant for today's gamers.

First Impressions on Nintendo Switch

Booting up Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch for the first time is a real treat. The game looks surprisingly good on the handheld screen, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. Sure, it might not be as visually stunning as on a high-end PC or console, but the developers did a fantastic job optimizing it for the Switch's hardware. One of the first things you'll notice is how smooth the gameplay feels. Despite the Switch's limitations, the game runs at a solid frame rate, which is crucial for pulling off precise tricks and combos. The controls are responsive and intuitive, making it easy to pick up and play, whether you're using the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. The menus are clean and easy to navigate, and the loading times are reasonably quick. Overall, the initial impression is that this is a well-polished and thoughtfully ported game that does justice to the Tony Hawk legacy. It’s clear that the developers put a lot of effort into ensuring that the Switch version delivers a fun and authentic skateboarding experience.

Graphics and Performance

Okay, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the graphics and performance on the Nintendo Switch. As I mentioned earlier, the game looks surprisingly good, especially in handheld mode. The character models are well-detailed, the environments are vibrant and colorful, and the overall visual quality is impressive for a handheld console. However, it’s important to keep expectations in check. The Switch is not as powerful as other modern consoles, so there are some compromises. You might notice some slightly lower resolution textures and less detailed environmental effects compared to the PlayStation or Xbox versions. In terms of performance, the game generally runs smoothly, maintaining a stable frame rate most of the time. However, there can be occasional dips, especially in more crowded or complex levels. These dips aren't game-breaking, but they can be noticeable and slightly disruptive. Docked mode offers a slightly improved visual experience, with a higher resolution output, but the performance is roughly the same as in handheld mode. Overall, the graphics and performance are more than acceptable for the Switch, and the developers have done a commendable job optimizing the game for the platform. It’s a testament to their skill that they were able to bring such a visually impressive and smooth-playing game to the Switch.

Gameplay and Controls

The gameplay and controls in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 are where this game truly shines, especially on the Nintendo Switch. The controls are tight, responsive, and easy to learn, whether you're using the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. Pulling off ollies, kickflips, and grinds feels natural and intuitive, and the game does a great job of teaching you the basics through its tutorial system. One of the best things about the gameplay is how accessible it is. Whether you're a seasoned Tony Hawk veteran or a complete newcomer, you can pick up the game and start having fun right away. The challenge system is well-designed, offering a mix of easy and difficult objectives that keep you motivated to improve your skills. The levels are brilliantly designed, with plenty of opportunities for creative trick lines and hidden secrets to discover. The game also includes a robust create-a-skater mode, allowing you to customize your skater's appearance, skills, and gear. The create-a-park mode is equally impressive, giving you the tools to build your own dream skatepark and share it with the world. The online multiplayer mode is a blast, allowing you to compete against other players in a variety of game modes. Overall, the gameplay and controls in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 are top-notch, offering a fun, engaging, and rewarding skateboarding experience that's perfect for the Switch.

Sound and Music

Let's talk about the sound and music in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch because, let's be real, the soundtrack is almost as iconic as the gameplay itself! The game features a killer soundtrack that includes a mix of classic tracks from the original games, as well as some new additions. You'll be skating to the sounds of Rage Against the Machine, Goldfinger, Papa Roach, and many more. The music is perfectly suited to the gameplay, creating an energetic and exciting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. The sound effects are also well-done, with realistic skateboarding sounds that add to the immersion. The grinds, ollies, and slams all sound authentic, making you feel like you're really there on the board. One minor issue is that the Switch's speakers aren't the greatest, so you might want to use headphones for the best audio experience. But overall, the sound and music in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 are fantastic, and they play a big role in making the game so enjoyable.

Replay Value

When it comes to replay value, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch offers plenty to keep you coming back for more. The game features a robust career mode, with a variety of challenges to complete in each level. Once you've finished the career mode, there are still plenty of reasons to keep playing. The create-a-skater and create-a-park modes offer endless possibilities for customization and creativity. You can spend hours tweaking your skater's appearance, skills, and gear, or building your own dream skatepark from scratch. The online multiplayer mode is also a great way to extend the game's lifespan, allowing you to compete against other players in a variety of game modes. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, there's always something new to discover and achieve. The game also includes a variety of unlockable content, such as new skaters, boards, and clothing items, which gives you even more incentive to keep playing. Overall, the replay value in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is excellent, and you'll likely be playing this game for months or even years to come.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 for the Nintendo Switch? Overall, it’s a fantastic remake that brings all the nostalgic goodness of the original games to Nintendo's handheld console. The graphics are surprisingly good, the gameplay is smooth and responsive, and the soundtrack is killer. While there are some minor compromises in terms of visual fidelity and performance, the developers have done a commendable job optimizing the game for the Switch. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a complete newcomer, there's plenty to enjoy in this game. The career mode is engaging, the create-a-skater and create-a-park modes are robust, and the online multiplayer mode is a blast. The game also offers excellent replay value, with plenty of challenges, unlockable content, and creative opportunities to keep you coming back for more. If you're looking for a fun, addictive, and well-made skateboarding game for your Switch, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is definitely worth checking out. It’s a triumphant return to form for the series and a must-have for any Switch owner who loves skateboarding or just wants a great arcade-style sports game.