Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

"...Neutrons, Protons Combining to Form Atoms, and Molecules, and Compounds and Cells, Tissues and Organs... Great Song for an Amazing Game."

This game is so kick@$$, I could kick my own. It was 1999, the good days of grade 4, and I was at my friend's house. He showed me Tony Hawk's pro skater on the N64. I was hooked immediately. Oh the joys of playing a skateboarding game, the grinds, the incredible soundtrack, and... Chad Muska. So just how Kick @$$ is this game? Read on to game play to find out.

Game Play: 8/10

The only part that is lacking int his game, and it is due to the control scheme. On an N64 controller, this would have gotten a 5 because of how close the buttons are, and the fact that it is awkward. On the Dreamcast controller, it is a lot easier to use, and the buttons are a bit farther apart and bigger, thus it is easier to control. Also, the fact that you can use the analog or the D-pad makes it a lot easier. Also, unless you have at least a little knowledge on skateboarding, you will not have that good of a sense of how to execute the tricks. For game modes, there are 5: career, single session, and 3 two player modes; Free Skate, Graffiti, and Trick Attack. There are also 11 skaters you can choose from, each with their own decks, clothing, and wheels. There are also 9 levels, and each is different and a lot of fun. Will this game have a story though?

Story: Not Applicable

There is no story in this game, thus it will not be reviewed. On to graphics.

Graphics: 10/10

The graphics on the Dreamcast version exceed all of the other versions. The characters are smooth, there are no polygons or mixed textures, and most importantly, the game looks good everywhere, from the levels to the skaters to the music videos. Great fun. Sounds are next, and boy you are in for the treat of all treats.

Sound: 10/10

Never have I enjoyed skate music more. Of the 10 songs in this game, 6 are on my ipod, and that's a pretty good number (considering I only have 3 Tekken 3 songs, and I consider that to be second best video game soundtrack). There are a few mildly famous bands, and a few obscure bands in the mix, but all of the songs are for the most part, are fantastic. Especially Superman, Police Truck, and Here and Now. The sounds are also very realistic, and they range from good to humorous. Can you replay this game though?

Replay ability: 7/10

While it will take you bit of time to unlock everyone's respective tapes, and skate gear, unless you have friends, you won't play this very often. I play it every day, but that's mainly to try and beat my scores, and get the Holy Sh** gap. If you like the soundtrack though, and you do not want to deal with trying to get the songs legally, you can listen while you play.

Buy or rent?

Being a Dreamcast game, it cannot be rented, however this game is fairly common, and on ebay will fetch you between five and ten dollars. Buy the original, its better than the rest.

The original. The best. Pure Tony Hawk goodness all on one little GD-Rom. This game will never get old, and it will never gain a speck of dust. I have been very loyal to the Tony Hawk franchise, but I haven't been more loyal to any other Tony Hawk than this one. "So here I am, doing everything I can (doo, doo) holding on to what I have- pretending I'm a Superman!"

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/03/06, Updated 11/10/08

Game Release: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (US, 06/29/00)