- Evokes strong sense of nostalgia for fans
- Extensive content offers high replayability value
- Fluid, responsive, and customizable controls enhance gameplay
- Faithful remake with impressive graphical overhaul
- Soundtrack changes disappoint some fans
- Online multiplayer is broken or inactive
Verdict
Mostly positive
Summary
Positive 88% · Negative 12%. Score: 12 / 100
Positives:
- The remake successfully captures the nostalgic feel of the original THPS games, providing a delightful trip down memory lane for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Players are able to relive their childhood memories with updated graphics and gameplay while retaining the core elements that made the originals so enjoyable.
- The game offers a wealth of content, including a large number of challenges, customization options, and a park creator. This provides high replayability and keeps players engaged for hours as they pursue 100% completion and create their own unique skating experiences.
- The game features fluid and responsive controls, making it easy to pick up but difficult to master. The well-designed gameplay mechanics, combined with quality-of-life improvements, provide an enjoyable experience for both casual players and those seeking a challenge.
- The remake is well-executed and faithful to the original games, with developers adding features from newer games while maintaining the core gameplay. This results in a definitive Tony Hawk's Pro Skater experience that respects the source material and satisfies fans of the series.
- The game features significantly updated and visually appealing graphics, with detailed textures, improved lighting, and modernized maps that retain their original charm. The enhanced visuals contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.
Negatives:
- The online multiplayer mode is plagued with problems, including low player activity, broken functionality, and a lack of essential features like voice chat and cross-platform play. The always-online DRM requirement further restricts the game, preventing offline play and causing stuttering issues when the internet connection is unstable.
- The Create-a-Skater mode is criticized for its limited customization options compared to previous Tony Hawk games. Players express disappointment in the lack of control over character appearance, including body shape, facial features, and clothing choices, hindering the ability to create unique and personalized skaters.
- Some reviewers feel the levels are too small, bland, and repetitive, lacking the flow and interesting geometry of older games. The short time limits in each run further restrict exploration and make it difficult to complete all objectives.
- The game's soundtrack is criticized for missing original songs, adding poorly-fitting new tracks, and censoring existing music. This negatively impacts the game's atmosphere and nostalgic appeal, disappointing fans of the original soundtracks.
- Players report issues with bugged achievements that do not unlock correctly, preventing them from achieving 100% completion. The presence of in-game cheats that trivialize achievements further diminishes the sense of accomplishment.
Gameplay:
- The game features a variety of modes and challenges, including career mode, tour mode, speed runs, free roam, and online multiplayer. Players can also level up their account by completing goals and challenges.
- The game remasters Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2, featuring levels and skaters from the original games. It aims to recreate the classic skateboarding experience with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.
- Players can create and share custom skate parks using the in-game editor. These parks can then be shared online, allowing players to explore and play in other users' creations, extending the gameplay experience.
- Players can customize their skaters with unlocked clothing, skate parts, and boards. The game also features a skate shop for cosmetics and boards, allowing for further personalization.
- The game blends classic THPS 1 & 2 mechanics with elements from later entries, such as reverts, manuals, and spine transfers. Players can also choose to limit their playing style to the original THPS 1 or THPS 2 controls.
Performance:
- The game is generally well-optimized, delivering smooth performance and high frame rates on a variety of hardware configurations, including the Steam Deck. Some users report that the PC port is well-done, and the game runs smoother than previous versions.
- The game's physics are more realistic compared to THPS 2, preventing the player from flying excessively high above ramps. This change affects gameplay by grounding the player more.
- The soundtrack volume is too low, even when set to maximum in the game's menu. This makes it difficult to hear the music during gameplay.
- Some players have noticed baked-in motion blur that they find distracting or unpleasant. This can affect the visual clarity of the game.
- The game features faster loading times. This improves the overall user experience by reducing wait times between levels and menus.
Recommendations:
- The game is overwhelmingly recommended as a high-quality remake that captures the essence of the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games. Reviewers praise its gameplay, nostalgic appeal, and faithfulness to the source material, making it enjoyable for both returning fans and newcomers. Many consider it a must-buy and a standout title in the series.
- Many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing the game, indicating that the full price may not be justified for all players. While the game is generally well-received, the price point is a concern for some, making it a more attractive purchase at a discounted rate. This is a common sentiment among those who find the game enjoyable but not necessarily worth the full investment.
- Some reviewers suggest that while this remake is good, other Tony Hawk games or modded versions (like THUG Pro) might offer more mechanical depth or a better overall experience depending on individual preferences. This suggests that the remake, while well-executed, may not fully satisfy all players, especially those seeking specific features or gameplay styles found in other titles.
- The game's always-online requirement is a significant drawback, particularly for players who want to play on the Steam Deck or prefer offline play. This requirement limits the game's portability and accessibility, leading to negative reviews from those who cannot consistently maintain an internet connection. An exemption was implemented due to player complaints.
Miscellaneous:
- Many reviewers expressed a strong desire for a remaster of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, but acknowledge that the project was cancelled after Vicarious Visions merged with Blizzard Albany. Some hoped that purchasing THPS 1+2 would somehow fund the development of the cancelled remaster.
- The game features a mix of classic and new music tracks, including iconic songs like Superman by Goldfinger. Players can customize their playlist or use external music apps to personalize their experience.
- The game uses always-online DRM, and progress carry-over from the Epic Games Store can be inconsistent. Some progress may be restored, but more recent progress might be lost.
- A specific translation error was noted in Aori Nishimura's challenge in Venice Beach. The challenge mentions a non-existent "GAP Meia-Volta," which should be "Volta Completa."
- The game contains interesting and well-hidden elements that reward exploration. For example, in the Marseille level of the second game, a destructible wall leads to a hidden area with an alien doll.
