Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5: Grinding Rails and Launching Dreams on a Virtual Skateboard

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5: Grinding Rails and Launching Dreams on a Virtual Skateboard

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, released in 2015, attempted to recapture the magic of its PlayStation 2-era predecessors while injecting fresh ideas into the skateboarding formula. While it didn’t quite reach the legendary status of its predecessors, THPS5 offered a solid dose of adrenaline-pumping skateboarding action with some intriguing twists.

The game’s premise revolves around a group of professional skateboarders – both real-world legends and fictional characters – embarking on a global tour to showcase their skills. Players can choose from a roster of iconic skaters like Tony Hawk himself, Eric Koston, Nyjah Huston, and Lizzie Armanto, each with unique stats and skateboarding styles.

The core gameplay experience remains faithful to the series’ roots. Players control their chosen skater, using button combinations to perform tricks, grinds, manuals, and combos. The focus is on mastering timing, execution, and creativity to string together impressive lines and rack up points.

THPS5 introduced a few new mechanics designed to spice things up.

  • Level Creation and Sharing: A key feature was the expanded level editor allowing players to design their own skate parks, incorporating ramps, rails, bowls, and other obstacles. This user-generated content added immense replay value, letting players test their skills on custom-made environments and share their creations with the community.

  • The “Create-a-Skater” Feature: Adding a personal touch to the experience was the robust “Create-a-Skater” feature. Players could customize their avatars’ appearance, clothing, and skateboarding style. This enabled them to craft unique personalities and express themselves through their in-game representation.

  • Power-Ups and Special Tricks: Adding a layer of chaos and unpredictability were power-ups scattered throughout levels. These temporary boosts granted abilities like super speed, extended grinds, or enhanced trick scores, leading to exhilarating moments and unexpected combos.

Here’s a closer look at some key aspects of the game:

Levels and Environments:

Level Name Location Description
The Berrics Los Angeles, California A legendary indoor skate park known for its challenging obstacles and smooth concrete surfaces.
Venice Beach Los Angeles, California A classic skateboarding location with iconic ramps, rails, and beachfront scenery.
Berlin Germany A gritty urban environment featuring unique architecture and street-style obstacles.

Soundtrack:

THPS5 featured a diverse soundtrack blending punk rock, hip hop, and electronic music, adding to the game’s energetic atmosphere. Some notable artists included:

  • Millencolin
  • Death From Above 1979
  • FIDLAR

Reception and Legacy:

While THPS5 garnered praise for its innovative level editor and customizable skater options, it received mixed reviews overall. Critics pointed out technical issues, uneven level design, and a lack of polish compared to previous entries in the series.

Despite these shortcomings, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 demonstrated a willingness to experiment and embrace new ideas within the skateboarding genre. Its emphasis on user-generated content and creative expression foreshadowed trends that would become prevalent in future sports games.

Is Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 Worth Revisiting?

For hardcore fans of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, THPS5 can be a fun diversion with its fresh features and nostalgia factor. The level editor provides hours of entertainment for aspiring skate park designers, and the customizable skater options allow for personalized expression.

However, newcomers to the series or those seeking a polished and refined skateboarding experience may want to explore other entries in the franchise, like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 Remake, which offers a faithful remastering of the classic games with modern enhancements.

Ultimately, whether you choose to grind rails in THPS5 is a personal decision based on your tolerance for technical hiccups and desire for experimentation.