Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5: Grinding Rails and Defying Gravity in this Retro Revival!
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 takes us back to the golden age of skateboarding games, channeling the spirit and adrenaline-pumping gameplay of the original franchise. While not a direct sequel, it aims to recapture the magic that made THPS a cultural phenomenon while injecting modern sensibilities into the mix. Developed by Robomodo and published by Activision, this title hit the scene in 2015, attempting to reintroduce the world to the king of skateboarding games.
From Backyard Bowls to Sprawling Metropolis: Exploring Diverse Skate Spots
THPS 5 offers a variety of skate spots, ranging from classic suburban backyard bowls and iconic skateparks to sprawling urban landscapes brimming with rails, ledges, and gaps. Each location is meticulously designed, capturing the essence of real-world skateboarding environments while injecting a healthy dose of creative liberty. Remember Venice Beach? It’s back, baby!
But it’s not just about the locations; THPS 5 introduces a dynamic environment system that reacts to your tricks and grinds. Bust out a gnarly ollie over a park bench, and you might see pedestrians scatter in surprise. Grind along a railing near a construction site, and watch debris fly as you carve through the metal with style.
Mastering Tricks and Building Your Skateboarding Legacy
At its core, THPS 5 retains the familiar control scheme that defined the franchise: intuitive button combinations for ollies, kickflips, grinds, manuals, and a plethora of other tricks. The game offers a robust tutorial to guide newcomers through the basics and help them master more complex maneuvers.
But mastering tricks is just one aspect of THPS 5’s gameplay. Building your skater’s career involves earning points, unlocking new gear, customizing appearances (yes, you can finally rock that neon green Mohawk!), and completing objectives within each level.
Think you’ve got what it takes to land a legendary combo? Show off your skills in the game’s “Create-a-Park” mode. This feature allows you to design your own skateparks from scratch, complete with ramps, rails, bowls, and other obstacles. Share your creations with the community, and download parks built by other players for endless skateboarding possibilities.
The Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look at THPS 5
While THPS 5 aimed to reignite the skateboarding game flame, its reception was somewhat mixed. Here’s a balanced look at some of its strengths and weaknesses:
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | Classic THPS controls, challenging levels, satisfying trick execution | Occasional glitches, limited customization options compared to previous entries, some level designs felt uninspired |
| Graphics | Vibrant visuals, detailed skate spots, smooth animation for most tricks | Character models could be more expressive, occasional frame rate drops |
| Soundtrack | A mix of licensed punk rock and hip-hop tracks that capture the skateboarding vibe | Some players felt the soundtrack lacked the iconic tunes of earlier THPS games |
Legacy and Beyond: The Continuing Impact of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Despite its flaws, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 remains a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a decent introduction to the franchise for newcomers. While it might not have achieved the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessors, it reminded gamers why THPS became such a cultural touchstone: accessible gameplay, exhilarating tricks, and the undeniable cool factor of skateboarding.
The legacy of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater continues today with remasters of classic entries and the release of new titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, which successfully blended nostalgia with modern features. The series remains a testament to the enduring appeal of skateboarding games and their ability to capture the freedom, creativity, and adrenaline rush of shredding on wheels.