Ryan Bonnau 
The Summer Game Fest trucks on with yet another exciting reveal, as the first entry of the events Sunrise series streamed live. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the reveal was foreshadowed by the turn-of-the-millennium ska that began blasting through everyone’s speakers when they loaded up the stream. That cacophony of trumpet-based pizza shop/bowling alley music could’ve only ever indicated one franchise.
That’s right everybody, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is going to be grinding it’s way onto our consoles later this year, and it’s a radical understatement to say that we’re pretty freaking excited about it. The beloved franchise first hit shelves back in 1999, and has seen a total of 15 games made across various platforms, and by various developers. However, the last console release was Pro Skater 5, way back in 2015, so gamers have long been waiting for what was next for the franchise. Today’s announcement of a remaster of what are likely the franchise’s most beloved titles, is exactly what fans of the series were hoping for.
Following the reveal trailer, Geoff was joined by two guests. Jen Oneal, from Vicarious Visions, came on to talk about the massive upgrades to graphics, controls, and systems of the games. You might remember Vicarious Visions as the developers behind the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy that was released back in 2017. I think it goes without saying, but if they treat this game like they did the Crash series, we’re in very good hands. VV is very quickly establishing themselves as the master of the remaster.
What about Geoff’s other guest? Well, it was none other than the man himself, skating legend Mr. Tony Hawk! Tony was very passionate about getting the series back to it’s roots, and doing justice to the original two games. Both him and Jen talked a lot about staying true to the classic moves, locations, and overall feel of the game. What that means is we’ll be getting our favorite soundtracks, maps, skaters, and boards, with a beautiful polish, and a smoothening of the controls. Updating the games for analog was a big task, according to Oneal. However, long-time fans will still be able to use their d-pad if they so choose. All of the original moves and tricks are still there, along with some of the more central ones from later games, with the revert being specifically mentioned. Expect some big revamps to the create modes, along with the ability to post the parks you’ve made online. Speaking of online, online multiplayer will be a new feature as well, so you and your friends can ride around all the classic maps together, or take a look around each other’s parks. Splitscreen is back, so you can play with your quarantine buddy as well.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision, is slated for release on September 4th, 2020, for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, via the Epic Games Store. The game will reportedly not feature microtransactions. If you preorder, you’ll receive early access to the iconic Warehouse level. Stay tuned to GameRVW.com for updates about this game, and on the continuing Summer Game Fest!
