Tony Hawk-man is finally back (let’s ignore that last game), gracing our tragic 2020 with a blast from the past. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 are receiving a full remaster releasing 4 September 2020.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS) was originally published by Activision in 1999 to critical acclaim. Treyarch and Neversoft’s perfect representation of 90s sports, fashion, music, and gaming vibes hit home with many of us. With several sequels and questionable spin-offs, we can finally return to form with a full 4K remaster of the original two games.
Hawk-man himself revealed the game is coming via his text message mailing list. Tony Hawk released a phone number on twitter a few months ago where his fans could send him questions and he’d answer back. This essentially became a mailing list, and everyone who tried to get in contact got a cheeky little message announcing the THPS remaster. This follows a slip of the tongue from respected skateboarder Jason Dill.
https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/1260228966893453317
Following the texts, a full trailer and accompanying gameplay video with Jack Black has been posted online. The trailer features the famous warehouse level, excellent kickflips, and the fantastic ‘Police Truck‘ by the Dead Kennedys. The gameplay video with Jack Black and Tony Hawk showcases what actual gameplay looks like (unlike a certain Xbox Series X live stream…). In true Vicarious Visions quality, it matches exactly what our romanticised memories of the game remember.
THPS 1+2 remaster is being developed by Vicarious Visions. This is the team that recently brought back the Crash Bandicoot series with absolute quality. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy was vivid, fun, and graphically on point with our nostalgic memories. The team did fantastic work with bringing the Bandicoot back from the dead and undoubtedly will do Tony Hawk justice.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 remaster most importantly includes 4K with all 3D models and levels rebuilt in the new engine. The classic soundtrack mostly returns, but with two games packed into one and already a Dead Kennedys song confirmed, I think they’re on the right track. Additionally, a few tricks that didn’t appear in the games until THPS3 and beyond, like reverts, have been added to help chase crazy combo scores.
Another big part of this remaster is online multiplayer. Along with the traditional split-screen, you’ll be able to challenge your friends across the world to a game of HORSE. A ‘Create-A-Park’ editor will allow skaters to build their own skateparks and share them, too. A progression system will support the game’s longevity, unlocking cosmetics and new skaters the more kickflips you can do.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 will release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on 4 September 2020 for a discount price. The collector’s edition includes the game, soundtrack, and exclusive THPS skateboard deck for true fans. Pre-orders will receive the Warehouse level demo before the game releases. Now… it’s your turn Skate 4.
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