Full Review of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (THPS 2) is an iconic skateboarding video game originally released in 2000 by Neversoft and published by Activision. This game followed the success of its predecessor and improved on nearly every aspect. It became a beloved classic, praised for its gameplay mechanics, level design, soundtrack, and influence on future extreme sports games. Here’s a detailed review:
Gameplay:
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 revolutionized the skateboarding genre, blending arcade-style fun with depth and challenge. The game introduces several new features that were groundbreaking for its time.
Trick System: The game’s standout feature is its combo-driven gameplay. The introduction of manuals (the ability to balance on the front or back wheels) allowed players to string together complex combos. This added a new layer of depth and encouraged high-skill play. The game also introduced reverts and lip tricks, which expanded the range of tricks you could perform in half-pipes.
Controls: The controls are simple to learn but difficult to master, providing an accessible entry point for beginners while still offering enough complexity for experienced players. The tight controls let players pull off tricks with precision, and the smooth flow of gameplay helps keep you in the zone.
Level Design: The levels are creative and full of opportunities for exploration. Each map is meticulously designed with a mix of street, vert, and freestyle opportunities. Hidden areas and collectible items encourage replaying levels to find all the secrets. Whether it’s the iconic Warehouse level or the outdoor School map, the stages are expertly crafted to challenge players in different ways.
Difficulty Curve: The difficulty scales nicely. Early goals are achievable, but as you progress, the challenges increase, requiring better tricks and combo management. Some of the later levels require high skill and precision to master, which makes the game feel rewarding.
Graphics & Sound:
Graphics: For a game released in 2000, THPS 2 had impressive visuals. The environments were detailed for the time, and the animations were fluid. Character models had a cartoonish style that still holds up today.
Soundtrack: One of the highlights of the game was its iconic soundtrack. It featured punk, rock, and hip-hop music from bands like Bad Religion, Primus, Anthrax, and The Offspring. The energetic beats matched the fast-paced gameplay, adding to the overall excitement. For many, this soundtrack is still remembered as one of the best in gaming.
Replay Value:
The game has massive replayability. With multiple characters to unlock, various goals to achieve, and the challenge of improving your score, there’s always something to strive for. The multiplayer mode is also a blast, whether you’re racing or trying to outdo each other’s trick combos.
Career Mode allows you to progress through levels, unlock new characters, and earn cash to buy upgrades. Completing objectives on each level is satisfying, and as your skills improve, you’ll be able to complete more difficult challenges.
Legacy & Influence:
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is widely regarded as one of the best sports video games ever made. It set the foundation for future skateboarding games and influenced many extreme sports games in the years that followed. The fast-paced trick system and smooth, accessible controls have influenced numerous titles in the genre, from other skateboarding games to even action-platformers.
It was also one of the first games to have downloadable content (DLC) support, with new levels and skateparks being added to extend the game’s life.
Play Methods for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
- Console Play (Original and Remastered Versions)
Original Versions: THPS 2 was released for a variety of consoles, including PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and Xbox. If you still own one of these systems, you can pick up an original copy of the game.
Remastered Edition: In 2020, Activision released Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, a remastered collection of the first two games in the series, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. This version includes updated graphics, improved controls, and online multiplayer features, all while preserving the classic gameplay.
- PC Play (Original and Remastered Versions)
Original PC Version: You can still find the original version on PC through physical copies or legacy online stores.
Remastered Version on PC: The remastered Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is available for purchase on digital platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. The remaster offers updated graphics and smoother performance, making it the best way to play THPS 2 on a modern PC.
- Mobile Play
Mobile Versions: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 was ported to mobile devices in the early 2000s, but they’re difficult to find now. Some newer games, like Tony Hawk’s Skate Jam, are available on mobile and offer similar gameplay to the classics.
- Emulators
For those who own a copy of the game but no longer have a compatible console, using an emulator can be a way to play the original THPS 2. Using a PlayStation emulator like ePSXe or a Dreamcast emulator like NullDC, you can play the game on your PC.
Conclusion:
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is a must-play for any fan of skateboarding or arcade sports games. It’s widely regarded as one of the best in its genre, blending a tight control scheme with deep, combo-driven gameplay. The combination of challenging levels, a killer soundtrack, and high replayability has made it a timeless classic.
