The First Two Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Games are Being Remade!
One of my all-time favourite PS1 games are coming back, again! I say “again”, because a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD released in 2013 digitally for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 developed by Robomode. This remaster was fine and I quite enjoyed it, but I don’t think it quite lived up to expectations and the game was delisted on digital platforms in 2017. Then in 2015, we got Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, but the less said about that abomination, the better.
However, and thankfully, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is getting another crack at the whip as the first two games in the series are being remastered, even though they look more like remakes to me, when I look at the length and detail of work that is going into them. The original games in the series were developed by Neversoft, but now taking the original source code and enhancing it will be Vicarious Visions, a studio with an impressive resume since 1996 and most recently are known for the fantastic Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy remakes.
Both Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 will come bundled-in together, will feature 4K resolution with new and improved graphics, textures, all at a super smooth 60 frames-per-second. Unlike the 2013 HD remaster, these remakes will feature the full iconic soundtrack and will have the original and full roster of pro skaters including Tony Hawk (naturally), Andrew Reynolds, Bob Burnquist, Bucky Lasek, Chad Muska, Elissa Steamer, Eric Koston, Geoff Rowley, Jamie Thomas, Kareem Campbell, Rodney Mullen, Rune Glifberg and Steve Caballero.
As already mentioned, Vicarious Visions have taken the original source code, but have now updated it into the modern era with not only each of the pro skaters having their own special moves such as Tony Hawk’s legendary 900, but they’ve also added in some new moves and tricks too, including the Lip Tricks, the Revert, the Wall Plant and more. All the original stages will be included, which will be played either solo, local co-op or online via its multiplayer modes. One of the methods of racking up high scores in the originals was by acquiring the in-game goals, well now they still exist, but you’ll also be able to take on new goals too.
In terms of controls, as the game has been modernised, you’ll of course be able to use the analogue sticks, but you’ll also be able to go old-school by using the D-Pad to control your skater if you wish. Create-a-Skater and Create-a-Park will also return, both will be better than ever before with brand new features added. You’ll then be able to share you created Skate Park with the online community and with friends.
For those that like to pre-order the game, if you pre-order digitally you’ll get access to the Warehouse Demo, which will be available in the summer. Though it’s a shame this isn’t a playable demo made available for everyone via their digital platform store of their choice, but it is what it is. For those that pre-order a physical edition, you will receive an in-game Tony Hawk Mini Finger (Skate) Board at launch. The standard edition game has an RRP of £39.99/$49.99 USD.
Finally, a Collector’s Edition will also be available with an RRP of £89.99/$99.99 USD which comes will all digital deluxe content and a full size limited-run Birdhouse Deck. The board has an “iconic” Falcon 2 design and a printed autograph from Tony Hawk.
Tony Haw’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 will release for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 4th this year. Are you excited for some 90’s skating nostalgia? Let us know across our social media channels. Also below, you’ll find some added gameplay courtesy of Mr Jablinski aka Jack Black and Tony Hawk.