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

Alright, guys, let's dive into the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch. As a long-time fan of the series, I was super stoked to see how this iconic game would translate to Nintendo's handheld console. After spending a considerable amount of time grinding rails, perfecting my kickflips, and reliving the glory days, I’m here to give you the lowdown on whether this port lives up to the hype. So, grab your board (or your Switch), and let’s get started!

First Impressions and Gameplay

When you first boot up Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch, the nostalgia hits you like a perfectly executed 900. The game brilliantly remasters the original two titles, bringing them into the modern era with updated graphics, smoother gameplay, and a killer soundtrack. The core mechanics that made the original games so addictive are still here: the satisfying feeling of landing a trick, the rush of completing challenges, and the endless replayability of trying to beat your high score.

The controls feel intuitive on the Switch, whether you're using the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. The responsiveness is crucial in a game that demands precise timing, and thankfully, the Switch version delivers. Pulling off complex combos feels natural, and you'll quickly find yourself stringing together manuals, grinds, and aerials like a seasoned pro. However, the smaller size of the Joy-Cons might take some getting used to, especially for players with larger hands. I found that the Pro Controller offered a more comfortable and precise experience, but the Joy-Cons are perfectly serviceable for on-the-go gaming.

One of the standout features of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is its level design. The iconic skate parks from the original games have been lovingly recreated with stunning detail. From the Warehouse to School II, each level is packed with challenges, secrets, and opportunities for creative skating. The level of detail is impressive, with vibrant textures, realistic lighting, and dynamic environments that bring the skate parks to life. Whether you're a veteran of the series or a newcomer, you'll find yourself constantly discovering new lines and tricks in these meticulously crafted levels. The game does a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of the originals while enhancing the overall experience with modern technology.

Graphics and Performance

Now, let's talk about the visuals. The graphical fidelity of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is impressive, especially considering the hardware limitations of the console. The character models are detailed, the environments are vibrant, and the animations are smooth. However, it's worth noting that the Switch version doesn't quite match the visual quality of the PlayStation or Xbox versions. The textures are slightly less detailed, and there are some minor graphical compromises to maintain a smooth frame rate. Despite these minor differences, the game still looks fantastic on the Switch's screen, whether you're playing in handheld mode or docked on your TV.

Performance-wise, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 generally runs well on the Nintendo Switch. The game targets a frame rate of 30 frames per second, which it mostly maintains during gameplay. However, there can be occasional frame drops, especially in more demanding areas with lots of activity. These frame drops aren't game-breaking, but they can be noticeable and slightly disruptive to the overall experience. Overall, the performance is solid and allows for enjoyable gameplay, but it's not as rock-solid as some other versions of the game. If you're particularly sensitive to frame rate issues, this might be a concern, but for most players, it shouldn't be a major problem.

Game Modes and Features

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is packed with a variety of game modes and features to keep you entertained for hours. The core of the game is the Career Mode, where you create your skater and progress through the levels, completing challenges and unlocking new gear. This mode is incredibly addictive, and it's satisfying to see your skater improve as you master new tricks and conquer increasingly difficult challenges. The game also features a Create-a-Skater mode, where you can customize your skater's appearance, clothing, and board. This allows you to express your creativity and create a skater that truly reflects your personal style.

In addition to the Career Mode, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 includes a robust multiplayer mode, where you can compete against other players online in a variety of game types. This is a great way to test your skills against the best skaters in the world and see how you stack up. The game also features local multiplayer, allowing you to play with friends and family in the same room. This is a fantastic option for parties or gatherings, and it's always fun to see who can pull off the craziest tricks.

One of the most exciting features of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is the Create-a-Park mode, where you can design your own skate parks and share them with the community. This mode is incredibly powerful, allowing you to create everything from simple backyard ramps to elaborate, multi-level skate parks. The possibilities are endless, and it's amazing to see the creativity of the community. You can also download and play skate parks created by other players, giving you access to a virtually limitless supply of new content. This feature alone adds tremendous replay value to the game, ensuring that you'll always have something new to explore.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is legendary, and it's faithfully recreated in the Nintendo Switch version. The game features a mix of classic tracks from the original games, as well as some new additions that fit perfectly with the overall vibe. The music is energetic, upbeat, and perfectly suited to the fast-paced gameplay. It's impossible to play this game without feeling a surge of nostalgia and excitement. The sound effects are also well-done, with realistic skateboarding sounds that add to the overall immersion.

Issues and Drawbacks

While Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a fantastic game on the Nintendo Switch, it's not without its flaws. As mentioned earlier, the performance can be a bit inconsistent at times, with occasional frame drops that can be distracting. Additionally, the graphical quality is not quite as high as on other platforms, with some noticeable differences in texture detail and lighting. These issues are relatively minor, but they're worth considering if you're particularly sensitive to visual fidelity or performance.

Another potential drawback is the price. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a full-priced game, and some players may find it to be a bit expensive, especially if they already own the game on another platform. However, considering the amount of content and replay value that the game offers, I think it's ultimately worth the investment. The Career Mode, multiplayer, and Create-a-Park mode will keep you entertained for hours, and the nostalgia factor is priceless.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 for the Nintendo Switch? Overall, I'm incredibly impressed with this port. It captures the essence of the original games while bringing them into the modern era with updated graphics, smoother gameplay, and a killer soundtrack. The controls feel great on the Switch, the level design is fantastic, and the game is packed with content. While there are some minor graphical and performance issues, they're not enough to detract from the overall experience. If you're a fan of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, or if you're just looking for a fun and addictive skateboarding game, I highly recommend checking out Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch. It's a blast from the past that's sure to keep you grinding for hours.

Who Should Buy This Game?

• Fans of the Original Games: If you grew up playing the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games, this is a must-buy. The nostalgia factor alone is worth the price of admission.
• Skateboarding Enthusiasts: If you're passionate about skateboarding, you'll love the realistic gameplay and the ability to create your own skate parks.
• Nintendo Switch Owners: If you're looking for a high-quality, addictive game to play on your Nintendo Switch, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a great choice.

Final Score

I'm giving Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's a fantastic game that's sure to provide hours of entertainment. Despite some minor flaws, it's a must-have for any fan of the series.