In a highly awaited move, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, a synthesis of the first two celebrated skating games, will be on Steam starting October 3, concluding three years of exclusivity with the Epic Games Store.
Originally released in September 2020 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via the Epic Games Store, this combines the two epoch-making skating games to revitalize a long-forgotten genre, rendering a stellar gaming experience that evokes both nostalgia and contemporaneity.
This digital double-pack’s decision to launch on Steam emerges as a refreshing revelation, especially considering that it comes with zero fanfare. For those unfamiliar with the rollercoaster journey of the Tony Hawk series, this remake came after the unfortunate and underwhelming reception of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5. Interestingly, the digital rendition isn’t a mere attempt to cash in on nostalgia. While it effectively captures the soul of the original games, has not shied away from incorporating improvements that adapt to the present-day gaming landscape.
While the Tony Hawk series has long been synonymous with skating games, its history has seen crests and troughs. The dynamic studio behind this successful modern reimagining, Vicarious Visions, has itself been on a rollercoaster journey. Following the creation of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, Vicarious Visions merged with Blizzard Entertainment, becoming Blizzard Albany. This significant internal realignment, combined with the highly anticipated, yet now seemingly elusive, prospect of a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake, shapes the present-day narrative of this iconic series.
Steam users, gearing up for the upcoming release, can already Wishlist the game. Notably, the Steam version will also offer the “digital deluxe” edition, which was previously available on Epic. This special edition offers players unique in-game assets, including exclusive skate decks, retro outfits, and an intriguing skater named “The Ripper”.
Despite the excitement surrounding its Steam debut, there remains one caveat: the necessity of an internet connection for gameplay. Speculation arises on whether this choice is influenced by DRM considerations, a topic of ongoing debate.
While Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 harks back to the late 1990s and early 2000s – the era of Ska music, it resonates even today. As with its originals, the game doesn’t shy away from eccentricities; one can, for instance, play as a Roswell Alien or a Jack Black-voiced police officer named Officer Dick. This bold blend of reverence for its roots and an embrace of modern quirks encapsulates the magic of the Tony Hawk series.
However, with the forthcoming release, many questions arise. Why did Activision, after three years of radio silence post the game’s original release, suddenly opt for a Steam launch? Whether it was an expiration of a long-standing exclusive deal or a newfound realization of the potential synergy with the Steam Deck remains a matter of speculation.
But, if this is a sign that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 6 is coming, we wouldn’t be surprised.
After all, with Skate 4 still missing in action after all this time, Activision Blizzard, soon-to-be owned by Microsoft, has a chance to capitalize on this niche market and draw even more users to its ever-popular Game Pass subscription service.
