The Tony Hawk franchise has experienced an extraordinary range of highs and lows throughout its lifespan.
Reflecting on the original game, many still consider it the pinnacle of the series. Its addictive gameplay, combined with a stellar soundtrack, set a high standard right from the start.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the growth brought about by its sequels. Both Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 and 3 introduced significant enhancements, notably the groundbreaking revert mechanic in Tony Hawk 3.
Despite its early successes, the series gradually declined in quality over the years. The deterioration wasn’t limited to spin-offs or mobile titles; even mainline entries fell short.
The remaster released in 2020, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, was a brilliant revival of two of the most cherished sports games ever developed, bringing back the essence that fans adore. Upcoming titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 are expected to continue this trend of excellence.
But what lies beyond the classics? Are some of the less-appreciated titles better than we remember, or have they truly become relics of a bygone era? Join us as we revisit each Tony Hawk title, ranking them from least to most favorable, while intentionally omitting remasters and mobile ports. Notably, the only mobile title worth mentioning is Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.
14 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5
Wipeout
The 2015 release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 marked a significant moment for the franchise. Following a decade of shifts and new directions, this installment aimed to return to its roots. Regrettably, the game fell far short of those expectations.
Its graphics were subpar, gameplay felt disconnected from earlier titles, and it was riddled with technical issues. While the development team was new, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2—also crafted by a different team—managed to revitalize the series. Unfortunately, THPS5 is not worth revisiting.
13 Tony Hawk: Motion
What Were They Thinking?
Brace yourself; the disappointment continues.
As Nintendo enjoyed remarkable success with innovative controls, many developers, including those behind the Tony Hawk franchise, sought to capitalize on this trend. The infamous Tony Hawk: Ride is vividly remembered, but even less favorable was Tony Hawk: Motion, released exclusively for the Nintendo DS.
The implementation of motion controls on a handheld device, particularly one not designed for such technology, was perplexing. This begs the question: why was this game even developed when motion-sensitive consoles were already available?
12 Tony Hawk: Ride
Wanna Take You For A Ride
This title aspires to sensationalize skateboarding but falls short of the mark.
While one might expect a natural evolution of the franchise with the introduction of a new motion-controlled peripheral, it was surprisingly released for Xbox 360 and PS3. This decision seems influenced by executives chasing fleeting trends rather than genuine gamer interest.
11 Tony Hawk: Shred
The Sequel No One Asked For
Did they really create a sequel to Tony Hawk: Ride? Yes, and frankly, there’s little positive to say about Tony Hawk: Shred.
While it surpasses its predecessor, comparing it to an exemplary steak from a premium restaurant versus one from a fast-food chain hardly constitutes effective praise.
The only redeeming elements include the addition of snowboarding and the fact that existing board owners didn’t need to invest excessively in this underwhelming sequel.
10 Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam
Tony Hawk’s Pro Snowboarder
Releasing in 2006, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam presented a unique take in an era dominated by major console advancements with titles like Project 8 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Unfortunately, Downhill Jam did not quite capture the magic.
This installment differed greatly from its predecessors by shifting focus from trick-focused play to downhill racing akin to the SSX series. While it offered novelty, many felt it strayed too far from the true essence of Tony Hawk’s legacy.
The underlying issue remains that the gameplay felt dated, reflecting a cash grab strategy targeting gamers on older hardware.
9 Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground
The Final Neversoft Game
The year 2007 marked a critical moment for Neversoft, which was beginning to lose its shine.
As the franchise struggled to maintain popularity post-THUG, competition from EA’s Skate provided fans with a potentially superior skateboarding experience.Proving Ground, tragically, fell short of the franchise’s high standards.
Its lack of innovation serves as a reminder that sometimes it’s best for a series to take a break and reassess rather than force continued development, which had increasingly diminished quality.
8 Tony Hawk’s Project 8
The Beginning Of The End
Project 8 attempted to breathe new life into the franchise by returning to traditional gameplay principles, departing from the exaggerated styles that had come to define the series.
This title not only represents the eighth installment but also revolves around the quest to join the ranks of the world’s top eight skaters.
Despite its intentions, the game struggled with execution, showcasing a breadth of content without delivering on quality. Many beloved features from earlier titles fell by the wayside, ultimately detracting from the nostalgic charm of its predecessors.
7 Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland
American Idiot
Imagine experiencing a Tony Hawk game set entirely within one massive level. That was the ambition of American Wasteland, and while it didn’t fully succeed, it is more enjoyable than many players recall.
This title streamlines gameplay significantly compared to THUG2, embracing a more straightforward skating experience reminiscent of earlier entries. Yet, it oddly feels like a shell of its potential due to its uncanny similarities to prior outings.
A lack of personality and engaging elements compared to its predecessors left some players wanting more. Neversoft had a unique opportunity to innovate, yet their previous experiments began to hinder the franchise’s evolution.
6 Tony Hawk’s Underground
Leaving The Board Behind
Brace yourself for some controversial opinions as I place Tony Hawk’s Underground here in the rankings.
This game marked a shift from traditional arcade-style gameplay to a sandbox experience. While it’s not a bad game by any means, it represents a departure from what initially captivated players.
Eric Sparrow remains one of the franchise’s most memorable antagonists, but the game feels dated as it attempts to capitalize on popular culture trends of the time, like customized player careers and the rising influence of shows like Jackass.
5 Tony Hawk’s Underground 2
Long live La Bam
If you felt something was missing from Tony Hawk’s Underground, you’ll be pleased to find that Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 delivers an over-the-top narrative involving a rivalry between Tony Hawk and Bam Margera.
The game shifts focus from serious ambitions to a whimsical homage to early 2000’s skater culture, and it succeeds remarkably well at capturing the essence of its predecessors.
While opinions may vary on its contemporary relevance, THUG 2 endures as a genuine tribute to skateboarding culture rather than a shallow marketing ploy.
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