Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
In short: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is a sports game released in 1999 by Neversoft, available on PlayStation, Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast. Our score: 9.2/10 (highly recommended).
A highly influential skateboarding game that popularized the genre with its innovative trick system and licensed soundtracks. It remains a beloved classic for its fluid controls and rebellious attitude.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, released in 1999, is a groundbreaking skateboarding video game developed by Neversoft and published by Activision. It single-handedly revitalized and popularized the skateboarding game genre, setting a new standard for arcade sports titles. The game distinguished itself with an intuitive yet deep trick system, allowing players to link together various grabs, flips, grinds, and manuals into spectacular combos. This mechanic, combined with fluid controls and a rebellious punk-rock and hip-hop soundtrack, created an instantly addictive and immensely replayable experience. Players could choose from a roster of legendary professional skateboarders, each with their signature moves and stats, and explore diverse levels ranging from urban streets to a school, a mall, and even a warehouse. The core of the game revolves around timed two-minute runs where players aim to achieve specific goals, such as accumulating a high score, collecting
Game details
- Developer: Neversoft
- Publisher: Activision
- Release year: 1999
- Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast
- Category: sports
Our review
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater revolutionized the sports genre with its addictive gameplay, innovative trick system, and legendary soundtrack. The controls are incredibly fluid, making every grind, flip, and manual feel satisfying. While graphics were standard for its time, the art style and level design remain iconic. The game's replayability is immense, offering countless hours of fun as you strive for high scores and uncover secrets. A timeless classic that set the bar for all skateboarding games to follow.
Pros
- Addictive gameplay
- Innovative trick system
- Iconic soundtrack
- Fluid controls
- High replayability
Cons
- Graphics show their age
- Limited story mode
FAQ
- Is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater suitable for beginners?
- Absolutely! The controls are easy to pick up, and the tutorial does a great job of introducing the core mechanics. Mastering it takes practice, but the barrier to entry is low.
- Are there any unlockable characters?
- Yes, completing the game with different skaters and achieving specific goals unlocks new professional skaters and even some secret, non-skater characters!
- Can I customize my skateboard?
- While you can't customize individual parts in great detail, you can unlock new boards with different graphics and stat bonuses as you progress.
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Last updated: 03/04/2026