Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

"Can the old Hawk ride with the rest?"

First off, to answer my tagline question, yes, it can. I have no problem getting out my N64 and popping this cart in. As a matter of fact, this is one of my most played games that I own. Now, on to some other things. Extreme sports almost began here. This is what 90% of the extreme sports games are based on. This is a classic and a game that is really hard to forget, or put down (I've been an avid player of the title since 2000). Almost never will the first game in the series, after sequels that are seemingly better, be considered on of the best games ever. And while I can't raise that mark higher than 8/10, were graphics and sound not an issue at all, it would be there. Now on to the main topics.

The graphics suck, plain and simple. I was never really impressed by the N64's graphics, but this game goes the extra mile to dis-please me. It is pure crap. I haven't actually seen or tried it, but my friend tells me the PS1 has better graphics. Edge of Reality did a poor job in porting over the graphics. Sorry Tony, but these are simply not acceptable. 5/10.

Another problem with this game is sound. All songs are cut to a poor length, and some even have the words taken out of them. Half the songs on the PS1 version didn't even show up here. I was really let down by this. The GBA can process full songs (The game Aggressive Inline is a good example) so why couldn't something with a bigger cart, and something more powerful? Shame, Edge of Reality. 5/10.

Now, here is why this game is so friggin' good. Gameplay. You pick one pro skater and ride through different levels completing high scores and collecting stuff. That's pretty much what you do. So why is it fun? I don't know. There's something about the game that just is... fun. Simple as that. For some reason, it's fun to ride around on a skateboard pulling off tricks you've never imagined. It's cool, too. It also presents a challenge with the high scores - people might look at a 15 000 high score and try to get it in a combo, or add more points to it. It's challenging, getting combos here. And that's what's fun. You keep coming back for more and more, and it seems never ending. I really can't say what about this concept is fun, but it sure is.

How long will you play this? Forever. It doesn't get old, it's fun to go back and do the career mode with other skaters, it's fun to skate, it's fun do try combos. It's fun. And isn't that what matters? This and 3 other games are left by my N64 for when I want to play. I don't think I've ever shelved this.

Closing comments - Not much else to say. THPS is a game that set the standard. And that's funny, because if it's STILL fun, then other companies must be going wrong somewhere. This is a classic. The now dead Nintendo 64 still has some juice in it yet, and this is one of the things that juice should be wasted on. It's brilliant.

Verdict - A clean 8/10, would have been higher had the graphics and sound not been so disappointing. It's a great experience, and if you miss it, then your simply a psycho. Buy it. Buy it buy it buy it. It isn't something you'll regret doing. Oh, wait, but get the PS1 version if you have a PS1 or PS2. Because as much of a Nintendo fan I am, the PS version is better.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/12/03