Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD

Blog Post: Does the job just right

Cowcommander — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 05:13:00 GMT

I remember playing the first tony hawk pro skater a long time ago so me and my friend decided to get it, Its a fun ride thats not too exciting but pretty good. The single player is a bit too plain as they are simply timed objectives which you can score points to use for new boards and tricks. The gameplay is fun as all you do is button mash for a combo of tricks. Some of the landing and grinding seem to be off though at times. The online is fun especially with a friend as it can be competitive with 4 player trick score or domination. It doesn't lag very much too which is good to know! Overall the gameplay, online, and memories of old levels are great even if its not as exciting and those small glitches.

Blog Post: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD

John Wrek — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 23:26:00 GMT

I've been a long-time fan and player of the Tony Hawk series of video games, through thick and thin, and witness to countless formulaic changes in look and feel. It's been a real shame these last few years, what with the fact that the franchise has all but died off and lost all of it's luster and intrigue, but Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD offers a chance for nostalgic thrill seekers to experience some of the best elements from the first two Pro Skater games. What is an even bigger shame is the fact that the game- while not an utter or complete failure, is not able to stand very tall on it's own without leaning on it's older brother, the original Pro Skater series. As Kato said, it wouldn't be a great thing to make the game exactly the same as it's namesake, however, the fact that it takes those old issues and adds them into the smelting pot of new ones does absolutely nothing for the game or any future installments. All we can hope is that any future iterations of the Pro Skater HD series realize this one's mistakes and remedy them, or that they decide not to even make any more.

The best things about all of the Pro Skater games remain mostly true in this HD remake as well, mostly due to the fact that it is still incredibly satisfying to pull off massive trick combos and explore the expansive worlds and parks as well. Everything about the way the controls work and the ways you can traverse the world at high speed showcases the flexibility and mobility of the control scheme in it's classic form. In classic Hawk action, players can choose to use either the control stick- in a Skate like manner, or the D-pad in nostalgic Pro Skater form. It's the little things about the choices of control and tricks that really make the game shine in it's brightest moments, and cast a shadow on the gameplay in it's darkest.

Although it is in fact a mixed selection of levels from both of the first Pro Skater games, the levels in Pro Skater HD fit together in a well-oiled manner, and offer a great selection of fast-paced runs and unique adventures. As already noted by the editors in the review for the game, the level design fits well with the trick-oriented gameplay, and the two items go hand in hand and make for interesting possibilities in terms of runs and action sequences. With all of these grandiose things going in favor of the HD remake here, it is only rightfully shown- as usually is with remakes, that there are certain hitches and issues to bring down the fun-o-meter to a mediocre level at most. It is these certain bugs and glitches that are solely responsible for any hampering of gameplay and the problems some longtime fans may experience in their trials of this new Tony Hawk game...

This having been said, certain problems stand out such as finding yourself in the center of the halfpipe after disastrous mishaps including missing the lips, moving away from the edge in mid air and crash landing, and other potentially deadly mistakes. This was not so much of a problem in the original games, and only goes to show that a new studio's touch on a game can be just as good of a thing as it can be a bad one. Make no mistake, this is no terrible job done- simply one with a few fledgling mistakes that the creators of the series would never have made at this point in time... Another pish poor combination is that of the physics and fluidity systems in conjunction with each other throughout the game. You may often find yourself jarred surprisingly off of rails or lips, and could just as often find yourself catapulted sporadically into the air a la the bull in Underground 2. One semi-archaic element of the game that stems from the older games would be the objective-based missions system that is essential one big fetch mission throughout the game. This is a valiant effort on their part in staying true to the formula created years ago, however it is a wasted one and one that is easily put aside in search of mere fun with the mechanics and trickery.

The objectives may have sucked tremendously in later games, however, the ones here take from both their ideas and those of the older games- to mixed review and success as well. Another thing that caters similarly to the newer feelings and layouts of the Tony Hawk games would be the addition of a map with all of a level's collectibles and hidden items. This does, however, severely detract from the overall experience of finding things on your own simply in the environment without usage of extras or hints. That is simply a small qualm though. In addition to these new items of interest, there are several multiplayer modes- ranging from the absurdity of the Big Head mode from the original Pro Skater games, to the classic trick attacks as well.

The game certainly recreates the majority of the nostalgia and action from the first games, but it doesn't do it very well- and it also shows through entirely too much. This is certainly a game to be released to mixed results, as will any possible future HD installments unless they are fixed for the better. The PSN version is the only thing that now stands between the HD remake of Pro skater and a terribly rough fate, as it could either be a saving grace or another nail in the coffin- much as Risen 2 seems to be right now...

Concept: A rough transcribing of ancient texts that shows that nobody is perfect, but that you should always respect your elders as well.

Graphics: While it is indeed an HD remake, and does of course look much better than it's elder brothers and other estranged relatives, the self-same issues of animations and collisions make starring roles in this venture as well.

Sound: Although there are some old songs from the previous Pro Skater games, the majority of the game's songs are new additions and new to the Tony Hawk aspect of things as well.

Playability: Runs can be more difficult than in other games, due mainly to the aforementioned glitches and issues, however, this simply makes them more satisfying in the long run.

Entertainment: The game does a wonderful job of being a nostalgic experience and a walk down memory lane, however it does show where it's limits are, and tries not to go too entirely far past them for fear of failure and exposure.

Replayability: Moderately Low

Overall Score: 7.0

Blog Post: The HD Mash Up

Constyx — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 07:14:00 GMT

Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Saying that name brings images of soaring over half pipes, grinding rails, and kickflips. The original Tony Hawk Pro Skater allowed players to perform the skating tricks from the depths of their imaginations. 360 melons and the 900 just to name a few. This gameplay paired with revamped high definition graphics has been rereleased with seven levels from Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1&2. The question, however, is this: is the repackaged collection of levels worth $15

In the past few years popular games have been rereleased with HD graphics. Some of these releases have looked good (Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary) and not so good (Silent Hill HD Collection). Worry not, because the visuals in Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD are great. The levels are appropriately detailed and look nice. Unfortunately there are a few problems. Character models will sometimes clip through the environment or be thrown into the air like a rag doll if they do not land the trick. All in all though the graphics are not compromised in any important way and the HD initials rightfully deserve to be in the title.

The original Tony Hawk Pro Skater had a great soundtrack that fit the action of pulling tricks. Fear not skeptical consumer, because the soundtrack to Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD is fantastic. A mixture of old and new tracks still fit the feeling of the game. The sound effects of grinding and your skateboard hitting the ground and flying off ramps are decent.

Landing tricks and scoring points is what Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD is all about. Landing a long combo multi thousand point combo is one of the most satisfying expierences in the game. Each of the seven stages in the game has a list of goals to complete ranging from getting a high score to finding collectables. Each goal completed earns you cash, which in turn allows you to buy tricks, boards, and upgrade your skater’s stats. Finding all the collectables in a level is not challenging at all with the inclusion of a map that shows the placement of them. Another great feature is the ability to restart a level with the back button, which is awesome when you have a crappy run. Other single modes include Free Skate, Hawkman, and single session. The multiplayer modes include Graffiti, Trick Attack, and Big Head Elimination. Big Head Elimination is a fun and frantic game mode where your skater’s head increases unless you do tricks. Don’t do enough though and your skaters head will explode. The controls are a very well done and don’t hinder the experience.

The final question for Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD is: Does it deliver on a fun and enjoyable experience? Is it worth your hard earned cash? The answer is simple. Yes! With fantastic gameplay, an awesome soundtrack, and multiplayer modes this game is well worth the price tag and, more importantly, your time.

Wiki: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD Guides

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:19:00 GMT

Guides for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD

Blog Post: so this is it

vakam-8_9 — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 19:07:00 GMT

after a year of waiting we finally have the hd remake of THPS HD and all i can say its average, the nostalgia still there, but this is not really the original one, it takes some elements from the first 3 games and blend them all while making a game that's average at best. its full of bugs and you'll be frustated more than one at how badly did they tackle the original game. still with all the crap the game give you a neat roster of old an new skaters including Mr. hawk itself, and your own xbox 360 avatar as a skater (neat), some of the coolest maps are drop into this game, including the famous warehouse level that has been a returning map on nearly every sequel of the game, you can buy boards and stats which its fun actually, soundtrack its kind of cool but anoying at times due to the fact that you can not edit your playlist still if you wait long enough one track from the first game comes and everything goes back in time (flash back) which is pretty fun, the career mode its return to its clasic much simpler status which it was one of the strongest points of the old pro skater game, have fun and skate all while doing some simple objectives.

Blog Post: Its been a long time...again?

GeneralChurch — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:45:00 GMT

For those of us who remember Tony Hawk for what it used to be, THPS HD is a fresh reminder of our nostalgic minds! I bought the game as soon as it was available, waiting for the page on XBLA to refresh and I have to say...Not at all disappointed. Its been a long time since i picked up the board and it the hills but this game brings my memories fleeting back! As we grew up with tony hawk we remember the timed trials, the small maps and the great feeling of pulling off a 900... But the HD version ads some new and awesome additions to the franchise. for 360 users, you can play as your Avatar in any outfit that he or she wears (mine is in Master Chief) so its cool to see Chief rip it up! the new game modes of Hawk-man where you have to do certain tricks through certain orbs to get the points and finish the game or big head mode where you have to keep pulling of tricks or your head will burst! Its a great addition to the game and the 4 player competitive modes kinda bring it down... if you played the game before like I have you will be pulling off sick combos and tricks where newcomers have scores of 75K and I get 250K+ It kinda deters newbies from playing. The controls are solid and the music is ripped straight from the previous games with some new ones tossed in. So does this game feel the same...yes, look the same...yup but BETTER 10 fold! Anyone on XBLA needs to have this game as well as the PSN guys 1 week later!

Rating 9.5!

Blog Post: Tony Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

Matthew Kato — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:01:00 GMT

I vividly remember how the demo for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater on PlayStation sucked me in. With the passing of time and the fall of the franchise, that nostalgic moment has passed and is not fully recaptured in this downloadable title encompassing parts of the first two Tony Hawk games. I wouldn’t want it to be exactly the same, but Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD adds some of its own problems and preserves a few from the original games.[Excerpt]

Pulling off insane trick combos and traversing the expansive and varied environments is still surprisingly easy. It may feel like your hands are manipulating the controller like you’re doing a Rubik’s Cube speed run, but the gameplay is solid enough that your hands can keep up with your mind. Tricks can also be executed with the 360’s left analog stick, which I liked – except for tricks where you must tap twice in the same direction. The d-pad, meanwhile, is up to the task, albeit a little stiff.

Robomodo has culled a good selection of levels from the first two games. I particularly like the mall, warehouse, Venice Beach, and the downhill jam from the first game. The level design goes hand-in-hand with the trick system, allowing you to put together all unique runs no matter how many times you play the levels. The injection of manuals and switch stance also creates possibilities.

As strong as the gameplay is, a few hitches take it down a peg. Half-pipes runs are hampered by the fact that your skater tends to drift away from the lip of the pipe while in mid-air. This means that you sometimes land in the middle of the transition and fail landings you would have made in the original games. Moreover, the lack of transition animations robs the skating of fluidity and sometimes makes skaters jarringly jump to new railings. The physics and collision systems also sometimes propel you spectacularly into the air.

Adding to these technical problems, one aspect of the original titles that hasn’t aged well is the objectives. Kudos to developer Robomodo for adding new objectives to the levels in the spirit of the original games, but most of these are fetch quests. While I don’t love the crazy objectives in the later Tony Hawk games, having to collect X amount of objects in a level wears thin. Moreover, the menu has a map of all the collectibles in the level – including the secret tape and hidden areas. This undercuts the fun of exploring the levels.

A handful of multiplayer games – Trick Attack, Graffiti, and my favorite, Big Head Elimination mode – are slightly more successful. In Big Head mode you must constantly pull off tricks so your head doesn’t swell up and explode before your opponent’s.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD recreates the gameplay that made the franchise famous, but to mixed results. It lands the trick, but doesn’t do it cleanly.

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The XBLA Summer of Arcade Exception

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD is one of Xbox 360’s Summer of Arcade titles, but it will also come out on PSN later in the summer. We’ll evaluate that version at a later date and publish a separate review if it warrants one. If not, consider this the definitive review.

Blog Post: Tony Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

Matthew Kato — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:01:00 GMT

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD recreates the gameplay that made the franchise famous, but to mixed results. It lands the trick, but doesn’t do it cleanly.

[view:1740071861001]

The XBLA Summer of Arcade Exception

Blog Post: Tony Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

Matthew Kato — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:01:00 GMT

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD recreates the gameplay that made the franchise famous, but to mixed results. It lands the trick, but doesn’t do it cleanly.

Blog Post: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD

Blog Post: The HD Mash Up

Wiki: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD Guides

Blog Post: so this is it

Blog Post: Its been a long time...again?

Blog Post: Tony ﻿Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

Blog Post: Tony ﻿Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

Blog Post: Tony ﻿Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

File: THPS HD 7.18

File: THPS HD 7.18

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File: THPS HD 7.18

File: THPS HD 7.18

File: THPS HD 7.18

File: THPS HD 7.18

File: THPS HD 7.18

File: THPS HD 7.18

File: THPS HD 7.18

Blog: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD - PC

Blog Post: Tony Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

Blog Post: Tony Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish

Blog Post: Tony Creates A New Kind Of Stalefish