If you were a gamer in the 90s, then hearing someone say that Tony Hawk's games used to among the best video games around will sound like more than just a sardonic joke. The statement is true. The first two Tony Hawk's games are the stuff of legend, transcending the skater demographic to appeal even to people who believed that the best thing you could do with a skateboard was sit on it and go really fast down a hill (in fairness, bum-boarding really is a very fun and imaginative way to use a skateboard). Tony Hawk's took the successes of the first game - the soundtrack, the tight mechanics and fantastic level design - and amplified them for the sequel. Pro Skater 2 had more of everything, including bigger, brighter levels, more skaters and an improved split-screen multiplayer mode. There were even RPG elements thrown in, as you could customise and level up your character, and even create your own skate park - which was nothing short of revolutionary at the time. The fact that Tony Hawk's was a 'skateboarding' didn't feel significant, because most importantly it was just an excellent game overall. The thrill of building up your skill level until you're landing those most elusive tricks, figuring out paths on each level so you can flow from one to the next and rack up huge points - it's gaming at its finest, and everyone embraced it. Yes, Tony Hawk's games really used to be among the best around, just wipe THPS 5 from your memory.
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
