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Tony Hawk's Pro Skater: A Comprehensive Review of a Genre-Defining Franchise

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The "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" video game franchise is one of the most influential series in the sports and action genre, bringing skateboarding culture to mainstream gaming. Here's an in-depth look at each game in the series

1. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (1999)

The original game was developed by Neversoft and published by Activision for PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and later for other platforms. It introduced a revolutionary control scheme, realistic physics, and a variety of tricks. Players could skate as Tony Hawk or other professional skaters, completing various objectives in each level.

2. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (2000)

Building on the success of the first game, THPS2 added manuals, which allowed players to link tricks together for higher scores. The game introduced a level editor and more skaters. It was released on multiple platforms including PlayStation, Game Boy Color, and PC, with the Dreamcast version being particularly praised.

3. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (2001)

THPS3 introduced the revert, a move that allowed players to extend combos from vert tricks, significantly enhancing the gameplay. It was the first game in the series to be released on PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, and PC. Online multiplayer was introduced in this iteration, expanding the game’s replayability.

4. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (2002)

This game featured an open-ended career mode without a time limit, allowing players to explore and complete goals at their own pace. It also added more advanced tricks and new levels. Available on PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, and other platforms, it refined the series' formula further.

5. Tony Hawk's Underground (2003)

THUG marked a shift with a story mode where players could create their own character and rise from amateur to pro skater. It introduced the ability to get off the skateboard and walk, climb, and drive vehicles. This entry was released on PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, and other platforms.

6. Tony Hawk's Underground 2 (2004)

A direct sequel to THUG, this game featured a more humorous and chaotic story mode involving a world destruction tour. It expanded on the gameplay mechanics and featured new skaters and levels. It maintained the same platforms as its predecessor.

7. Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (2005)

This entry aimed to provide a seamless open world without load times. Players could freely explore Los Angeles and participate in a variety of missions. The game was released on PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Xbox 360, and PC.

8. Tony Hawk's Project 8 (2006)

THP8 featured a new physics engine and realistic animations. Players had to rise through the ranks to become the number one skater. The game was available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and other platforms.

9. Tony Hawk's Proving Ground (2007)

Offering a more customizable experience, this game allowed players to choose their career paths (rigger, career, or hardcore). It was released on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and other platforms.

10. Tony Hawk: Ride (2009)

An attempt to innovate, this game came with a skateboard-shaped controller. However, it was criticized for poor controls and gameplay mechanics. It was available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii.

11. Tony Hawk: Shred (2010)

A follow-up to Ride, Shred also used the skateboard controller but was similarly panned by critics. It aimed at a younger audience with more family-friendly graphics and modes.

12. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD (2012)

This was a high-definition remake of levels from the first two games in the series. It was released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. While nostalgic, it received mixed reviews due to control issues and missing features.

13. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 (2015)

Attempting to return to the series' roots, THPS5 was poorly received due to numerous bugs, dated graphics, and lackluster gameplay. It was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and later on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

14. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (2020)

This remake of the first two games was highly praised for its faithful recreation, updated graphics, and improved controls. Developed by Vicarious Visions, it was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, with later versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

Other Spin-offs and Ports

Several spin-offs and portable versions were released over the years, including titles for Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, and mobile devices. These versions varied in quality but expanded the franchise's reach.

Legacy and Impact

The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series is credited with popularizing skateboarding culture and video games in the late '90s and early 2000s. Its innovative gameplay, memorable soundtracks, and cultural impact have left a lasting legacy in the gaming world. The recent success of the Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake demonstrates the enduring appeal of the series.