Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 has finally made its way to Steam, three years after its initial release on the Epic Games Store. While the arrival of a game on Steam may not always be groundbreaking news, this release is especially exciting for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to play the game on the upcoming Steam Deck.
The Steam version of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is currently available at a 50% launch discount, priced at £20. This remastered edition of the iconic skateboarding game includes all the beloved locations, game modes, music, and tricks from the early-2000s originals. Additionally, it features new music, a more diverse roster of skaters, online multiplayer modes, and significantly improved graphics. It was even recognized as one of the best games of 2020 by Rock Paper Shotgun.
The remasters have been praised for their faithful recreation of the gameplay experience that fans remember from the originals. Colm, a writer for Rock Paper Shotgun, stated, “The greatest compliment I can give THPS1+2 is that it plays as well as my memory of the originals. And that alone is reason enough for it to be considered one of 2020’s best.” This is a significant achievement, considering the numerous attempts made over the past decade to recapture the magic of the original Pro Skater games.
Although the game is not yet officially Steam Deck Verified, user reviews indicate that it runs smoothly on the platform. This is great news for those who are planning to play the game on the highly anticipated handheld Steam Deck device.
The development of the Tony Hawk remasters was led by Activision subsidiary Vicarious Visions. Following the release of Pro Skater 1 + 2, the studio was renamed Blizzard Albany and shifted its focus to supporting the development of Diablo 4. Interestingly, last year, Blizzard Albany’s QA testers voted to unionize, highlighting the ongoing conversation surrounding workers’ rights within the gaming industry.
In conclusion, the arrival of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 on Steam is a welcomed event for fans of the skateboarding franchise. With its discounted launch price and the upcoming availability on the Steam Deck, players can now enjoy the remastered versions of these beloved games with improved graphics, new features, and an overall faithful recreation of the originals.