
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series needs little introduction. It dominated the late 90s and early 2000s, becoming synonymous with skateboarding games. After a string of mediocre entries and a long hiatus, the franchise roared back to life in 2015 with “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5,” promising a return to the series’ glory days. But did it deliver on those lofty expectations?
The game’s premise is simple: create your own skater, customize their look and board, then hit the streets (or skateparks) and shred! Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 features eight new levels designed by renowned skatepark designers, offering a diverse mix of environments from Venice Beach to Berlin. You can also play as iconic pro skaters like Tony Hawk himself, Nyjah Huston, Riley Hawk, Lizzie Armanto, and more.
Grinding Through the Gameplay Mechanics:
While the core gameplay mechanics remain faithful to the series’ roots – pulling off tricks, grinding rails, and landing sick combos – “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” introduces a few new wrinkles.
- Special Moves: Each skater now has unique “special moves” activated by filling a meter through performing tricks. These powerful maneuvers can unleash devastating combos or clear huge gaps.
Skater | Special Move Description |
---|---|
Tony Hawk | “The 900”: A massive, gravity-defying aerial spin that earns massive points |
Nyjah Huston | “Huston Flip”: A lightning-fast, multi-flip combo ideal for tight spaces |
Lizzie Armanto | “Airwalk Grind”: A unique grind technique allowing her to balance on thin rails and edges |
- Create-a-Skater: “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” allows for extensive customization of your own skater, from their appearance (clothing, tattoos, hairstyles) to their skating style. This level of personalization adds depth to the gameplay experience.
- Multiplayer Mayhem: The game features both local and online multiplayer modes, letting you compete with friends or players worldwide in various challenges and skate sessions.
The Soundtrack: A Blast from the Past?
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games were always known for their killer soundtracks. “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” continues this tradition, featuring a mix of punk rock, hip-hop, and alternative tunes.
While the soundtrack isn’t as iconic as some of its predecessors, it still provides a solid backdrop for shredding sessions. Some highlights include:
- Death From Above “Trainwreck”: A high-energy punk anthem perfect for nailing big air tricks.
- Fidlar “Cheap Beer”: A raucous, garage-rock track that embodies the spirit of rebellious skateboarding.
- Atlas Genius “Where It Goes”: An anthemic indie rock song with a soaring chorus ideal for cruising through levels.
The Controversial Reception:
Despite its ambition to recapture the magic of the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” received a mixed reception upon release. Critics praised the game’s updated graphics and smooth skateboarding physics but lamented its numerous technical issues:
- Framerate Drops: Frequent frame rate dips hampered the fluidity of gameplay, especially during online multiplayer sessions.
- Clunky Controls: Some players found the controls to be less responsive than previous entries in the series, leading to frustration during complex trick sequences.
- Limited Content: Compared to earlier games, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” lacked a significant amount of content, with fewer levels and unlockable characters.
Post-launch updates addressed some of these issues, but the damage had already been done. The game struggled to live up to the hype generated by its announcement.
Is Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 Worth Playing?
For diehard fans of the series who are willing to overlook its flaws, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5” can offer some entertaining moments. The updated graphics and physics engine provide a fresh experience, and customizing your own skater is a fun addition. However, players looking for a truly polished skateboarding experience might be better off revisiting earlier entries in the franchise.
The Future of Tony Hawk:
After the mixed reception of “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5,” the series took another hiatus. However, hope for the franchise was reignited with the release of the “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2” remake in 2020. This faithful and meticulously crafted remake brought the first two games to a new generation of gamers while satisfying longtime fans’ cravings for classic skateboarding action.
The future of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater remains uncertain. However, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5,” despite its shortcomings, represents an intriguing attempt to modernize a beloved franchise. It serves as a reminder that even iconic series face challenges when adapting to new platforms and expectations.