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

Alright guys, buckle up! Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch, and if you're anything like me, you've been eagerly awaiting this moment. The big question is: does it live up to the hype and deliver the same nostalgic kick we all remember, but in a portable package? Let's dive deep into what makes this Switch port tick, covering everything from gameplay and graphics to performance and those all-important Tony Hawk feels.

Gameplay: Still Got That Classic Grind

The core gameplay of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 remains as addictive and satisfying as ever on the Nintendo Switch. For those who might be new to the series (welcome!), you're in for a treat. The game revolves around performing various skateboarding tricks, stringing them together into combos, and completing objectives within a set time limit. Whether you're grinding rails, landing kickflips, or perfecting your manual skills, the controls feel tight and responsive. The muscle memory from the original games will kick in almost instantly, allowing you to pull off those signature moves with ease. The reimagined levels are beautifully crafted, staying true to the original designs while adding a fresh coat of paint. Finding those hidden tapes and nailing high scores is just as rewarding as it was back in the day. The challenge is definitely there, encouraging you to learn new tricks and refine your skills to conquer each level. The control scheme translates well to the Switch, whether you're using the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. I found that the Pro Controller offered a slightly more comfortable experience for extended play sessions, but the Joy-Cons are perfectly serviceable. Overall, the gameplay is a faithful recreation of the originals, making it a must-have for both veteran skaters and newcomers alike. The learning curve is gentle enough for beginners to pick up the basics quickly, while the depth of the trick system provides endless opportunities for advanced players to master their skills. The sense of progression is also well-balanced, with new skaters, boards, and customization options unlocking as you complete challenges and earn cash. This keeps you motivated to keep playing and improving, adding to the game's overall replayability. The intuitive controls and addictive gameplay make it hard to put down, whether you're playing in docked mode on your TV or on the go in handheld mode. This is Tony Hawk at its finest, and it feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch.

Graphics: A Decent Grind, But Not Perfect

Visually, the Nintendo Switch version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a bit of a mixed bag. While the game retains the updated character models and level designs from the other console versions, there's a noticeable downgrade in graphical fidelity. Textures are less detailed, and the overall image quality is softer, especially when playing in handheld mode. However, the developers have done a commendable job of optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware. The character models are still well-animated, and the levels are instantly recognizable, even with the graphical compromises. The frame rate generally holds up well, although there can be occasional dips during particularly busy sequences with lots of skaters on screen. The game looks significantly better when docked and played on a larger TV, but even then, it's not going to win any awards for graphical prowess. It's important to remember that the Switch is a less powerful console than the PlayStation and Xbox, so some graphical compromises were inevitable. Despite these limitations, the game is still visually appealing and doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience. The stylized art direction helps to mask some of the technical shortcomings, and the vibrant colors and detailed environments keep you immersed in the world of skateboarding. Ultimately, the graphics are good enough to get the job done, but don't expect a visual showcase. The focus here is on gameplay, and the Switch version delivers that in spades.

Performance: Sticking the Landing… Mostly

Performance is a crucial aspect of any game, especially one that relies on precise timing and quick reflexes like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. On the Nintendo Switch, the game generally runs smoothly, maintaining a playable frame rate for the majority of the time. However, there are occasional dips and stutters, particularly in more crowded areas or during complex trick sequences. These performance hiccups can be a bit distracting, but they're not frequent enough to ruin the experience. The gameplay feels responsive, and the controls are tight, allowing you to execute tricks with precision. Load times are also reasonably fast, so you won't be stuck waiting for long periods between levels. One thing to note is that the game's performance can vary depending on whether you're playing in docked or handheld mode. In general, the docked mode offers a slightly smoother experience, with fewer frame rate drops. This is likely due to the Switch being able to draw more power when connected to the dock. However, the handheld mode is still perfectly playable, and the convenience of being able to take the game on the go more than makes up for the occasional performance hitches. Overall, the performance of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch is solid, but not perfect. It's a testament to the developers' optimization efforts that they were able to get the game running as well as it does on the Switch's hardware. While there are some minor issues, they don't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the game. The consistent frame rates and responsive controls ensure that the gameplay remains engaging and addictive, whether you're playing at home or on the move.

Tony Hawk Feels: Nostalgia Overload!

Let's be real, a huge part of the appeal of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is the nostalgia factor. And on that front, the Nintendo Switch version delivers in spades. From the iconic soundtrack to the faithfully recreated levels and skaters, everything about the game screams classic Tony Hawk. Hearing those familiar songs instantly transports you back to the late 90s/early 2000s, when the original games were at the peak of their popularity. The level designs are spot-on, capturing the unique atmosphere and challenges of each location. Whether you're grinding the rails in the Warehouse or skating through the streets of Venice Beach, you'll feel like you're right back where you belong. The return of legendary skaters like Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, and Elissa Steamer adds to the authenticity, and the ability to create your own skater and customize their appearance is a welcome addition. But it's not just about nostalgia. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a genuinely great game in its own right, with addictive gameplay, challenging objectives, and a deep trick system. The Switch version captures the essence of what made the originals so special, while also adding modern enhancements and improvements. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, you're sure to find something to love in this game. The perfect blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay makes it a must-have for any Switch owner.

Verdict: A Kickflip Worth Landing

So, is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 on the Nintendo Switch worth your time and money? Absolutely! Despite some minor graphical and performance compromises, the game delivers a fantastic skateboarding experience that stays true to the spirit of the originals. The addictive gameplay, challenging objectives, and nostalgic atmosphere make it a must-have for both veteran skaters and newcomers alike. The ability to play on the go is a huge plus, allowing you to shred wherever and whenever you want. If you're looking for a fun, engaging, and nostalgic game to play on your Nintendo Switch, look no further than Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. It's a kickflip worth landing.