Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5: Grinding Rails and Landing Tricks Through the Years!

For decades, skateboarding video games have enthralled players with the promise of virtual ollies, kickflips, and grinds. While franchises like Skate focused on realism, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater reigned supreme as the king of arcade-style skateboarding action. Enter Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, a game that aimed to recapture the magic of the original games while introducing new mechanics and features. Did it succeed?

Well, let’s just say the journey was more gnarly than graceful. Released in 2015 by Activision, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 unfortunately stumbled upon release due to a myriad of technical issues and a lackluster level design compared to its predecessors.

Yet, beneath the surface of bugs and glitches, there were glimmers of the classic Tony Hawk’s formula that longtime fans would recognize:

• Smooth Trick System: The game retained the series’ signature combo system, allowing for creative stringing together of tricks, grinds, and manuals. Mastering the timing and button presses felt rewarding, reminiscent of the satisfying flow found in earlier entries.
• Familiar Faces: A roster of skateboarding legends, including Tony Hawk himself, Rodney Mullen, Lizzie Armanto, and other pros returned, bringing their unique styles and signature moves to the game.

The Gameplay Loop: Session Mode Meets Progression System

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 introduced a new “Session Mode” that allowed players to freely explore levels and practice tricks without the pressure of time limits or objectives. This was a welcome addition, allowing for experimentation and creative expression.

However, the game also incorporated a progression system with challenges and goals tied to specific locations. Completing these tasks would unlock new skaters, gear, and customization options.

The challenges themselves varied from landing particular tricks in specific areas to grinding across complex rails. While the core gameplay loop had potential, it lacked the depth and variety of previous Tony Hawk titles.

Level Design: A Mixed Bag of Concrete and Confusion

One of the most significant criticisms levied against Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 was its level design. Compared to the iconic and intricately designed levels found in earlier games, the environments felt flat and uninspired. The lack of verticality and hidden paths limited exploration and creativity.

While some levels offered glimpses of potential with interesting features like moving obstacles or interconnected areas, overall they lacked the memorable personality and flow that made Tony Hawk’s levels classics.

Here’s a table comparing the level design elements across different entries in the franchise:

Technical Issues: A Grinding Halt to the Experience

Unfortunately, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 suffered from numerous technical issues upon release. From frame rate drops to camera glitches and unresponsive controls, these problems significantly hampered the gameplay experience. The developers attempted to address these issues with patches, but the initial damage was done.

The technical shortcomings overshadowed many of the game’s redeeming qualities, leaving players frustrated and disappointed.

A Legacy Tarnished?

While Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 aimed to revive a beloved franchise, its execution fell short of expectations. The lackluster level design, combined with prevalent technical issues, detracted from the core skateboarding experience.

However, it’s important to remember that every game deserves an opportunity for redemption.

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, developers have a chance to learn from past mistakes and iterate on their creations. Perhaps in the future, we will see Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater rise again, delivering the exhilarating skateboarding experience that captivated generations of gamers.