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

Hey guys! So, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, and I had to drop everything and dive in. As a long-time fan of the series, I was both hyped and a little nervous. Could the Switch handle the fast-paced, combo-heavy gameplay that makes THPS so iconic? Well, after spending a bunch of hours grinding rails, nailing (and bailing) tricks, and reliving the nostalgia, here's the lowdown. This article will dive deep into what makes this game tick, exploring its gameplay, graphics, performance, and overall value on Nintendo's hybrid console.

Gameplay: Still Got It!

Okay, let's get straight to the core of it: the gameplay. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a masterful recreation of the original two games. Everything feels just right, from the responsiveness of the controls to the satisfying thunk of landing a perfect trick. The control scheme is intuitive, making it easy for newcomers to pick up while still offering the depth and complexity that veterans crave. Stringing together massive combos is as addictive as ever, and the sense of accomplishment you get from finally nailing that elusive trick is just pure joy. The revert, manual, and other advanced moves are there, allowing for insane combos that push the boundaries of what's possible. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, you'll find yourself hooked on the gameplay loop of learning new tricks, mastering levels, and chasing high scores.

The level design is also top-notch. All the classic levels from the first two games are faithfully recreated, complete with their iconic layouts, hidden areas, and quirky details. From the warehouses to schoolyards, each level is a playground for creativity and experimentation. Finding the perfect lines, discovering hidden gaps, and mastering each level's unique challenges is a huge part of the fun. The challenges themselves are also well-designed, offering a good mix of skill-based objectives, collection tasks, and score challenges. Completing these challenges unlocks new skaters, decks, and other goodies, giving you plenty of reasons to keep playing.

Moreover, the game introduces a fantastic create-a-skater mode, allowing players to customize their own skater with a plethora of options for appearance, clothing, and equipment. This feature adds a personal touch to the game, allowing players to express their creativity and style. The create-a-park mode is another standout feature, empowering players to design and share their own skate parks with the community. This not only extends the replayability of the game but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among players. The sharing and discovery of user-generated content add a dynamic and ever-evolving element to the gameplay experience, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Graphics and Performance: A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk about the visuals. On the Nintendo Switch, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 looks... okay. It's definitely a step down from the versions on other platforms, with lower resolution textures, simplified models, and some noticeable aliasing. However, it's not a complete eyesore. The art style is still charming, and the levels are recognizable and well-designed. The frame rate, on the other hand, is a bit more problematic. While the game generally runs at a stable 30fps, there are occasional dips, especially in more crowded areas or during particularly intense trick sequences. These dips can be distracting and can sometimes affect your timing, leading to missed tricks and frustrating bails. It's not a game-breaker, but it's definitely something to be aware of.

Furthermore, when playing in handheld mode, the graphics appear slightly sharper due to the smaller screen size, which helps to mask some of the visual compromises. However, the performance issues remain consistent across both docked and handheld modes. While the game is still playable and enjoyable, the graphical downgrades and occasional frame rate drops are noticeable drawbacks that detract from the overall experience. Despite these limitations, the core gameplay shines through, and the nostalgic charm of the levels and skaters helps to mitigate some of the visual shortcomings. The developers have done a commendable job in optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware, but it's clear that compromises had to be made to ensure it runs on the platform.

Moreover, the visual fidelity of the character models and environments, while not on par with other platforms, still manages to capture the essence of the original games. The lighting and shadow effects, although simplified, contribute to the overall atmosphere and sense of immersion. The user interface is clean and functional, providing essential information without cluttering the screen. While the game may not be a visual showcase for the Nintendo Switch, it is still a respectable effort that allows players to experience the thrill of skateboarding on the go. Ultimately, the focus remains on the gameplay, which remains engaging and satisfying despite the graphical limitations.

Switch-Specific Features: On-the-Go Grinding

One of the biggest advantages of playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is the portability. Being able to take this game with you on the go is a huge plus, especially for those who remember playing the original games on the bus or during lunch breaks. The Switch's handheld mode works well, allowing you to grind rails and nail tricks wherever you are. The game also supports local multiplayer, so you can play with friends and family in the same room. However, online multiplayer is a bit limited, with only a few modes available. It's a shame that the full online experience from other platforms isn't present on the Switch, but the local multiplayer is a decent substitute.

The touch screen functionality is surprisingly well-integrated. Navigating menus and customizing your skater is much easier using the touch screen, and it adds a nice layer of convenience to the overall experience. The Joy-Con controllers work well for the game, although some players may prefer using a Pro Controller for more precise control. The HD Rumble feature is also used effectively, adding subtle feedback to tricks and grinds. Overall, the Switch-specific features enhance the game and make it a worthwhile addition to your Switch library. The ability to seamlessly switch between docked and handheld modes is a major selling point, allowing you to play the game on your TV or take it with you on the go without any interruption.

Moreover, the game's save system is reliable, ensuring that your progress is always saved, whether you're playing at home or on the move. The quick resume feature allows you to jump back into the game exactly where you left off, making it easy to pick up and play whenever you have a few minutes to spare. The game also supports cloud saves, so you can back up your progress and transfer it to another Switch console if needed. These features add to the overall convenience and user-friendliness of the game, making it a great choice for both casual and hardcore players.

Is it Worth It?

So, the big question: is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch worth your money? If you're a die-hard fan of the series and value portability above all else, then the answer is probably yes. The core gameplay is still fantastic, and being able to play it on the go is a huge plus. However, if you're more concerned about graphics and performance, you might be better off playing the game on another platform. The visual downgrades and occasional frame rate dips can be distracting, and the limited online multiplayer is a disappointment. Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities. If you're willing to overlook the technical shortcomings, you'll find a lot to love in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane that's sure to keep you grinding for hours on end.

In conclusion, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is a solid port that captures the essence of the original games while offering the convenience of portability. Despite the graphical compromises and occasional performance issues, the core gameplay remains engaging and addictive. The Switch-specific features, such as touch screen functionality and local multiplayer, enhance the overall experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this game is worth considering if you're looking for a fun and nostalgic skateboarding experience on the go. Just be prepared to make some visual sacrifices in exchange for the convenience of playing on the Nintendo Switch. And with that, I'm off to land that elusive 900! Peace out, guys!