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

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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. As a long-time fan of the series, I was both excited and a little nervous to see how this classic would translate to Nintendo’s handheld console. Let's dive into what makes this game a must-have for both veterans and newcomers alike.

First Impressions: A Nostalgic Kickflip

Right off the bat, the nostalgia hits hard. The updated visuals are fantastic, breathing new life into the iconic levels we all know and love. Seeing the Warehouse, School II, and Venice Beach in crisp, modern graphics is a real treat. The soundtrack is, of course, legendary, featuring a mix of classic tracks and some great new additions. Hearing those familiar tunes instantly takes you back to the late '90s and early 2000s, setting the perfect tone for some high-score chasing. The gameplay feels incredibly smooth and responsive, which is crucial for a game that demands precision. Pulling off combos and special tricks feels just as satisfying as it did back in the day, if not more so. The control scheme is intuitive, making it easy to pick up for new players while still offering enough depth for veterans to master. Whether you're grinding rails, landing perfect manuals, or pulling off signature tricks, the game just feels right.

Visuals and Performance: A Tale of Two Modes

Now, let's talk about the visuals and performance on the Switch. This is where things get a bit more complicated. The game offers two graphics modes: Performance Mode and Fidelity Mode. In Performance Mode, the game targets 60 frames per second, which is ideal for maintaining smooth gameplay. However, to achieve this, the resolution takes a hit, and the visuals can look a bit blurry, especially in handheld mode. Fidelity Mode, on the other hand, prioritizes visual quality, offering a sharper and more detailed image. The trade-off is that the frame rate is capped at 30fps, which can feel a bit sluggish compared to Performance Mode. Personally, I found Performance Mode to be the more enjoyable option. While the visuals aren't as impressive, the smoother gameplay makes a big difference in nailing those tricky combos and maintaining control. Fidelity Mode is fine for casual play, but if you're serious about scoring big, Performance Mode is the way to go. It's a compromise, but one that I think is worth making for the sake of responsiveness.

Gameplay and Features: More Than Just a Remaster

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 isn't just a simple remaster; it's a complete reimagining of the originals. The game includes all the levels, skaters, and tricks from the first two games, but with a host of new features and improvements. The Create-a-Skater mode is back and better than ever, allowing you to customize your skater with a wide range of clothing, accessories, and boards. The Create-a-Park mode is also a standout feature, giving you the tools to design and share your own skate parks with the community. This adds a ton of replay value to the game, as you can constantly discover new and creative parks to skate. The online multiplayer mode is another great addition, allowing you to compete against other players in a variety of modes. Whether you're playing classic modes like H-O-R-S-E or trying out new challenges, the online multiplayer is a fun way to test your skills and compete against the best. The challenges and progression system are well-designed, offering plenty of goals to strive for and rewards to unlock. Whether you're completing specific trick challenges or leveling up your skater's stats, there's always something to keep you engaged. The game also includes a helpful tutorial mode, which is great for new players who want to learn the basics of skating. Overall, the gameplay and features in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 are excellent, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern innovation.

Handheld vs. Docked: Which is Better?

One of the great things about the Nintendo Switch is its versatility. You can play it on the go in handheld mode or dock it to your TV for a more traditional console experience. So, how does Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 fare in each mode? In handheld mode, the game is perfectly playable, but the smaller screen can make it a bit harder to see details, especially in Performance Mode. The controls feel comfortable, and the game runs smoothly for the most part. However, if you're playing in Fidelity Mode, the lower frame rate can be more noticeable on the smaller screen. Docked mode offers a more visually impressive experience, especially if you're playing on a large TV. The higher resolution and sharper image quality make the game look much better, and the frame rate issues are less noticeable. However, the game still doesn't look as good as it does on other platforms like the PlayStation or Xbox. Ultimately, which mode is better comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize portability and smooth gameplay, handheld mode is the way to go. If you prefer a more visually impressive experience and don't mind the lower frame rate, docked mode is a good option. I personally enjoyed playing the game in both modes, depending on my mood and where I was playing.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite its many positives, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch does have a few drawbacks. The most significant issue is the visual quality, which is noticeably lower than on other platforms. The game can look blurry and pixelated at times, especially in handheld mode. The frame rate issues in Fidelity Mode can also be a bit jarring, particularly if you're used to playing the game at 60fps. Another potential drawback is the price. The game is more expensive on the Switch than it is on other platforms, which may be a deterrent for some players. While the game is definitely worth playing, it's hard to ignore the fact that you're paying more for a visually inferior version. Finally, the lack of any exclusive content for the Switch is a bit disappointing. It would have been nice to see some Nintendo-themed skaters, boards, or parks to add a bit of unique flair to the game. Despite these drawbacks, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is still a great game on the Nintendo Switch. The gameplay is excellent, the features are robust, and the nostalgia factor is strong. If you can look past the visual limitations and the higher price, you'll find a lot to love in this remastered classic.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Switch Owners

So, should you buy Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch? Absolutely! Despite the visual compromises, the core gameplay is so good that it's easy to overlook the flaws. The ability to play this classic on the go is a huge selling point, and the nostalgia factor is off the charts. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a fun and challenging skateboarding game, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a must-have for your Switch library. Just be prepared to tweak the graphics settings to find the right balance between visual quality and performance. And don't forget to practice your kickflips!

Key Takeaways

  • Nostalgia Overload: Relive the glory days of skateboarding with this faithful and modernized remaster.
  • Smooth Gameplay: The responsive controls and fluid animations make pulling off tricks a joy.
  • Versatile Modes: Choose between Performance Mode for smooth gameplay or Fidelity Mode for enhanced visuals.
  • Create and Share: Design your own skate parks and share them with the community.
  • Online Multiplayer: Compete against other players in a variety of online modes.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic game that's well worth your time and money. While it may not be the definitive version of the game, it's still a ton of fun to play, especially on the go. So grab your Switch, lace up your virtual skate shoes, and get ready to shred!