Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Newcomer Shane O'Neill: The Games Helped Me Learn Skating

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is bringing back all the skaters you know and love from the original two games alongside the games' 19 courses, but it's more than a simple remaster. Several additional skaters are coming, including younger talent like Australian street skater Shane O'Neill. Speaking to GameSpot for Play For All, O'Neill shared the impact the early games had on his career.

When the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater launched for the PlayStation, Shane O'Neill was only nine years old. That's very early to start shredding a bowl, but it's perfect for playing a game and grasping the basics of skating.

He used the early games to learn about tricks, and despite the series also going for a "skateboarding superhero" style over a more grounded experience, he said most of the tricks are more common now than in 1999. Tony Hawk's famous 900 has been replicated by numerous skaters since he first landed it in 1999. In fact, just last month the 11-year-old skater Gui Khury landed a 1080 on a vert ramp.

The remake won't be limited to just the original tricks included in the first two games, as other tricks including reverts, acid drops, and spine transfers became crucial to performing long combo strings in later games. These, along with special tricks for newer skaters, will let those who jumped onto the series later down the line still feel welcome.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 hits Xbox One, PS4, and PC on September 4. Check out the full interview in the video above.