Since its launch in 1999, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS) has been a driving force in the landscape of skateboarding video games, shaping the genre and inspiring a multitude of titles that attempted to replicate its success. While some games, like The Simpsons Skateboarding, failed to resonate with players, others carved out their own niches, reflecting the widespread influence of THPS.
Despite the attempts of various developers to create games in the same vein, few managed to scale the heights achieved by Activision and Neversoft. Most of these derivatives failed to capture a loyal audience, resulting in limited sequels. To differentiate themselves, many creators introduced unique twists, be it through varied settings, familiar characters, or even adapting the mechanics to other sports.
Exploring the THPS Influence
This article focuses on ten notable titles inspired by the groundbreaking THPS, each demonstrating the legacy of Tony Hawk in the gaming world. For a game to be considered a clone of THPS, it must have been released after the original’s debut in 1999, mirroring its gameplay style and mechanics.
10. AirBlade
A Futuristic Take On The Birdman
Developed by Criterion Games, AirBlade debuted in 2001, a time when the studio would eventually gain fame for the Burnout series. Before racing titles, however, Criterion experimented with hoverboard games like Trickstyle and AirBlade. The latter embodied a truer THPS experience by incorporating mission-based gameplay and trick performances.
Unlike traditional skateboards, hoverboards opened new avenues for gameplay, allowing for larger jumps and speed boosts. While the lack of unique hoverboard abilities was a missed opportunity, AirBlade nonetheless introduced a storyline about a teenage hero battling corporate greed, setting itself apart in a somewhat clichéd but engaging narrative. Despite its cult following, the title struggled commercially, diverting Criterion’s focus towards other successful franchises.
9. Street Sk8er 2
A More Linear Experience
The first Street Sk8er didn’t quite hit the mark, but its successor, Street Sk8er 2, released in 2000, significantly improved on its predecessor. This title embraced THPS’s influence, offering a more linear level design that combined racing elements with trick gameplay. Players raced against the clock while performing tricks to score points, making it an entertaining alternative to conventional THPS-style gameplay.
While the integration of racing mechanics could be hit-or-miss, Street Sk8er 2 maintained a competitive edge during THPS’s nascent era. Although the series fizzled out, it laid the groundwork for elements incorporated later into THPS titles, while EA rebooted its presence in the skating genre with Skate in 2006.
8. Grind Session
The First True Tony Hawk Clone
Released in 2000, Grind Session represented Shaba Games’ foray into skateboarding, eventually linking them to the official Tony Hawk franchise. This game adhered closely to the THPS formula, featuring real-world pro skaters and a focus on high scores and mission completion. Despite being viewed as a stiff competitor to the original THPS, Grind Session earned a fan following, with many asserting it rivaled the THPS experience.
While it didn’t match THPS in commercial success, its legacy lives on as an early example of the attempts studios made to replicate breakthroughs in skateboarding video games.
7. Backyard Skateboarding
Kids Can Grind Too
| Release Date | October 4, 2004 |
| Developer | Humongous Entertainment |
| Genre | Skateboarding |
| Platforms | PC, Game Boy Advance |
Backyard Skateboarding, launched in 2004, marked a shift for Humongous Entertainment’s Backyard Sports franchise. Featuring 3D graphics and a single-player mode, this title aimed to engage younger audiences with a simplified form of skating reminiscent of the THPS style, albeit with a more limited cast of characters.
The game ultimately struggled to gain traction among skateboarders and fans of the original Backyard series. Nevertheless, those who played it found joy in its gameplay, making it a hidden gem within the franchise.
6. Go! Go! Hypergrind
Skating Gets Looney
In 2003, Go! Go! Hypergrind merged the worlds of skateboarding and animated comedy, thanks to a collaboration between Atlus and the renowned Spumco studio. While its commercial performance was lukewarm, the game’s distinct artistic style and humor established a dedicated fanbase over time.
Set in a whimsical Toon World where CGI threatens traditional 2D animation, the game’s objective revolves around revealing the best animal skater while embracing slapstick antics and colorful characters. While traditional skateboarding enthusiasts may find the absurdity counter-intuitive, lovers of quirky humor would appreciate its uniqueness. Unfortunately, no sequels emerged, and the partnership behind the game remains a one-time endeavor.
5. Evolution Skateboarding
Solid Snake’s Pro Skater
| Release Date | October 9, 2002 |
| Developer | Konami |
| Genre | Skateboarding |
| Platforms | PlayStation 2, GameCube, Game Boy Advance |
When Evolution Skateboarding was released in 2002, it faced criticism for being viewed as a derivative of THPS without any significant innovations. American audiences largely overlooked it, favoring games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. In Japan, however, it gained traction, appealing to gamers who had less exposure to THPS’ popularity.
Konami introduced several beloved characters, including Solid Snake and Simon Belmont, and incorporated unique gameplay features like boss battles, thereby differentiating itself from direct competitors. Though clunky physics and a convoluted control scheme hindered player experience, the game’s attempt at innovation makes it a notable entry.
4. Shaun White Skateboarding
Leaving The Snow Behind
| Release Date | October 24, 2010 |
| Developer | Ubisoft Montreal |
| Genre | Skateboarding |
| Platforms | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC |
Ubisoft brought snowboarding star Shaun White into the world of skateboarding with Shaun White Skateboarding. This title offered a mix of THPS and Skate gameplay, enriched by a compelling story where players battled against an emotionless, brainwashing organization. However, its release coincided with a downturn in the rebellious skateboarding genre.
Despite overall positive reviews, the game struggled to find its audience and didn’t lead to any further iterations, capping Shaun’s video game career.
3. Aggressive Inline
New Sport, Same Style
| Release Date | May 28, 2002 |
| Developer | Z-Axis |
| Genre | Inline Skating |
| Platforms | PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, PC |
Aggressive Inline distinguishes itself by applying the THPS gameplay formula to inline skating. Developed by Z-Axis, this title took several cues from the successful skateboarding franchise, although inline skating lacked the same cultural resonance.
Many players appreciated the innovations, such as the introduction of a Juice Meter for timing and a level-up system akin to RPGs, which provided a fresh layer of complexity. Alas, despite critical praise, Aggressive Inline struggled commercially, leading Z-Axis to eventually pivot away from extreme sports gaming.
2. Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventure
Cartoon Icons Hit The Ramps
Produced by Toys for Bob and covered under Activision’s banner, Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventure intricately observed the THPS model. Released in 2003, it utilized the THPS4 engine while integrating beloved Disney franchises like Toy Story and The Lion King.
Although the controls were simplified for a younger audience, the game succeeded in charming its demographic, garnering appreciation but falling short of receiving a sequel. It effectively introduced a new generation to skateboarding while retaining some of the engaging elements emblematic of THPS.
1. Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Tony Hawk, But With Bikes
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 emerged as a contender against skateboarding titles in the early 2000s, showcasing BMX biking with controls reminiscent of THPS. The gameplay remained engaging with well-crafted levels and rewarding trick systems, translating smoothly from the skateboarding experience.
The game boasted a plethora of unlockable content, including humorous secret characters and a robust park editor. However, visual fidelity lagged compared to its contemporaries, like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, which overshadows some of its merits.
Ultimately, the BMX genre never quite captured the sustained popularity that skateboarding collected, and following the poorly received BMX XXX, the entire genre dwindled in prominence. While the chances of seeing a revival seem slim given Dave Mirra’s tragic passing in 2016, the legacy of BMX remains a fond memory for many.
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