This generation of gaming has brought us a ton of video game remakes, all ranging in quality, but I'd say that most of them are pretty fantastic. From the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Crash Bandicoot N'Sane Trilogy, the Resident Evil 2 Remake, and the latest Mafia: Definitive Edition, remakes are a perfect way to introduce new gamers to classic games, while also giving old school gamers a chance to revisit their favorite games in a new and enhanced way.
The first two Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games are widely considered some of the greatest video games of all time, and for good reason. With a memorable soundtrack, iconic levels, fun gameplay, and a chance to play as your favorite skateboarder, not only did these games introduce skating to a new generation, but it provided some of the most fun gamers have had at that time. These games have been remade in the past to lackluster reviews, but this new remake is truly the greatest way to play these games.
Much of this game still holds elements of the original games, all the original skaters, the same levels and objectives, and the same old skating tricks. To say this remake just gave the originals a fresh coat of paint is a huge understatement, the levels are brought to life with gorgeous graphics and visuals, and new visual designs that maintains the classic look of the maps, but with a huge attention to detail. The game is truly beautiful to play through. The controls feel new an improved with an extra focus on the gameplay of newer Tony Hawk games, but have no fear, if you're a classic Tony Hawk gamer, and you want that experience, you have the ability to change the controls back to the classic layout. Overall everything just feels fresh, smooth, new and improved in a way I'd never think possible going back to my childhood playing these games.
Like I said, you have all the old skaters, but the game also gives us a ton of newer skaters that gives younger generations the ability to play as their favorite skaters, just like the originals did back in the late 90's. The game perfects what a remake should be about, making it equally playable for new and old fans alike. On top of that the extra detail of aging the original skaters to how they look now was a fun addition.
On top of all the same new and improved levels and objectives, you have a load of extra challenges that you can complete aside from the main games. This gives you a ton of extra content to play through. As you complete challenges and objectives you get money for the skate shop. The shop contains an insane levels of customization for you skater, their clothes, and your board from the deck, to the wheels. The only thing that's a bit underwhelming for me in regards to customization is the character creator itself. I'm not asking for a fully detailed RPG style character creator, but a bit more freedom to make a skater look like you would've been fun. Aside from that you can customize your stats and tricks for improvements to your skater, or one of the other skaters performance.
Aside from the single player part of the game there's multiplayer, which I confess I haven't touched yet. However, there is the create-a-park section of the game, where you can not only create your own customizable park, but you have access to others from around the world. It's a cool way to view and enjoy other player's creations.
Overall Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a nearly perfect masterpiece of a remake. Highly detailed and beautiful, while maintaining everything that made the original games so fun to play all those years ago.