Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5: A Retro Blast From the Past for a New Generation of Shredders?
The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new genres and innovative mechanics emerging regularly. Yet, some classics never truly fade away; they simply hibernate, waiting for the right moment to rise again and reclaim their glory. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, released in 2015 by Activision, attempted precisely that – a resurrection of the beloved skateboarding franchise that defined a generation.
While THPS5 wasn’t met with universal acclaim upon release (some reviewers found it buggy and lacking polish), its core gameplay still held true to the series’ roots: fast-paced, exhilarating skateboarding action, creative level design, and an infectious soundtrack.
The game features a roster of both familiar faces – Tony Hawk himself, Rodney Mullen, and Lizzie Armanto, to name a few – and fresh blood like David Gonzalez and Riley Hawk (Tony’s son). This blend of established pros and up-and-coming talent aimed to bridge the gap between the nostalgia factor and appeal to a newer generation.
Leveling Up the Grind: Exploring THPS5’s Gameplay and Mechanics
THPS5 introduced several new mechanics designed to breathe fresh air into the formula while maintaining its core identity. One notable addition was the “Create-a-Park” feature, which allowed players to design their own skateparks from scratch using an extensive library of ramps, rails, and obstacles. This fostered a sense of creativity and ownership, allowing players to tailor the experience to their liking.
Another key innovation was the “Session” mode. Instead of focusing on achieving high scores within a set time limit (a staple of earlier THPS titles), sessions emphasized freestyle skating, encouraging experimentation and creative trick combinations. Players could explore levels at their own pace, string together lines, and discover hidden areas.
The Soundtrack: A Sonic Tapestry Weaving Together Nostalgia and Fresh Beats
Music has always been an integral part of the Tony Hawk experience, and THPS5 didn’t disappoint. The soundtrack featured a mix of punk rock anthems, hip-hop beats, and electronic tunes, reflecting the diversity of the skateboarding culture.
Artists like Death From Above 1979, Thrice, A Perfect Circle, and The Ghost Inside contributed tracks that perfectly captured the energy and adrenaline rush of shredding through virtual streets.
| Track Title | Artist | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| “Used To Be” | Death From Above 1979 | Punk Rock |
| “Black Hole Sun” | Soundgarden | Grunge |
| “Blood and Thunder” | Mastodon | Metal |
| “The City is Ours” | The Ghost Inside | Hardcore |
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag of Praise and Criticism
Despite the game’s ambitions, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 faced criticism upon release. Technical issues, including frame rate drops, glitches, and unresponsive controls, hampered the overall experience for many players. Some reviewers also felt that the level design lacked the creativity and polish of previous entries in the series.
On the other hand, THPS5 received praise for its core gameplay mechanics. The session mode proved to be a welcome addition, offering a more relaxed and freestyle approach to skateboarding. The Create-a-Park feature was another highlight, empowering players to unleash their creative visions.
The Legacy of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5: A Stepping Stone for the Future?
While Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 ultimately fell short of recapturing the magic of its predecessors, it laid the groundwork for future installments in the franchise. The lessons learned from THPS5 helped developers refine the formula and address the criticisms raised by players.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 (released in 2020) served as a testament to the enduring appeal of the series, offering a faithful remake of the classic titles with updated graphics and gameplay enhancements. This successful resurgence demonstrated that the Tony Hawk franchise still has plenty of life left in it.
Table: Comparing THPS5 with its Predecessors
| Feature | THPS5 | THPS1+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2015 | 2020 |
| Platform Compatibility | PS4, Xbox One, PC | PS4, Xbox One, PC |
| Level Design | Mixed | Highly Praised |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Innovative (Session Mode) | Faithful Remake |
| Soundtrack | Modern & Diverse | Classic Hits |
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 may not be remembered as a perfect entry in the franchise, but it played an important role in paving the way for its revitalization. The game’s innovations, while imperfect, demonstrated the potential for fresh ideas within the familiar skateboarding formula. And ultimately, THPS5 served as a reminder that even iconic franchises can stumble and learn, eventually finding their footing once again.