Summary
TheTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterseries might have started its life on the original PlayStation, but its longest streak of releases was on the PlayStation 2. There was something to play for just about every year of the console’s existence, but not every game was made the same.
Going through all the games for the PS2 from worst to best reveals that almost everyTony Hawk’s Pro Skatergame for the system was great. The times have changed, and it looks like there is no place for the series in the modern gaming landscape, but it is always possible to relive the glory days by checking out these games.
Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jamwas a spin-off originally developed for the Nintendo Wiibefore being ported to the Nintendo DS and the PS2. As the name suggests, the gameplay is built around linear downhill tracks, similar to the Downhill Jam level from the originalTony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
This gives the game a different feel, which would be fine if the gameplay were smooth. It ends up being clunky and difficult to control, ruining the novelty of the experience.
7Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground
The PS2 Version Has A Different Feel Than The PS3 Release
The series had moved on to the next generation by this point, but PS2 owners were still serviced a version ofProving Ground. It has an entirely different feel than the PS3 and Xbox 360 game. The camera and physics are different, making it feel more in line with the older games for the console.
Unfortunately, it lacks too many features to feel like a complete package. Things like a park editor which had been a staple of the series are missing from the PS2 version ofProving Ground.
6Tony Hawk’s Project 8
To runProject 8on the PS2,the open-world of the PS3 and Xbox 360version was cut into separate levels. This change prevents epic combos spanning the whole map, but it also helps the game run well on the PS2 so there are no frame rate of technical issues.
The story remains the same and all the mechanics from the new-gen versions make it into the package. Though held back by the technical limitations and not the best version ofProject 8, it is also perfectly acceptable for PS2 owners.
Tony Hawk’s American Wastelandis the game’s first attempt at an open-world environment. It is an ambitious move held back by obvious hidden load times and a story mode that acts too much like a tutorial for longtime fans who just want to skate to their heart’s content.
The addition of BMX bikesalso does not add a lot to the gameplay. They do not control as smoothly as the skateboard. The story mode at least revolves around building a skatepark, so players can still flex their creative muscles. The classic mode, which can be played cooperatively, isAmerican Wasteland’ssaving grace.
The sequel toTony Hawk’s Undergroundtook wilder swings with its story mode. The World Destruction Tour at the center of the game’s plot puts the protagonist on Tony Hawk’s team as his crew competes with Bam Margera’s to cause the most chaos around the world.
The levels are big, open, and varied. The objectives often let players control other characters orengage in silly minigames. Most important of all, the skating still feels great.THUG 2introduced Focus mode, letting players slow down time temporarily for better balance and precision.
It cannot be overstated how important the introduction of the revert was toTony Hawk’sgameplay. The ability to continue a combo after landing off a ramp made million-point combos a breeze.
The single-player retains the classic format of two-minute runs with a set of objectives to accomplish, but the bigger levels add a new layer of challenge. The game also features eight hidden characters to unlock and numerous cheats that modify the gameplay, adding a lot of variety to the gameplay.
It was also the first game for the PlayStation 2to have online multiplayer support.
After three games based on the classic formula,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4’scareer mode expands the scope of the gameplay. Players could now fully explore the bigger levels and activate goals at their leisure without the two-minute timer. Each goal is often accompanied by dialogue that adds flavor to the world.
With each goal being a separate objective, developers could play around with the gameplay more, giving players more challenging tasks or just making them do something silly. The addition of skitching and spine transfers do not dramatically change the core gameplay, but they do help make the gameplay a little smoother.
The firstTony Hawkgame with a story tells a tale about two friends torn apart by the battle between greed and integrity. Players create their own character who skates his way from thedirty New Jersey suburbsall the way to a professional spot in the world of skatebording.
The drama still has plenty of levity, though, with a humorous supporting cast that includes heavy participation from Bam Margera. The gameplay also sees the addition of walking, which lets players extend their combos even further than before.
