It's official: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 are getting a makeover. Vicarious Visions, Activision, and Tony Hawk announced the first two games of the beloved franchise will be remastered for current-gen consoles and PC. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster.

What is the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 is a full-fledged remaster of the first two games: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. Vicarious Visions, the makers of the recent Crash Bandicoot remaster, are the development studio behind the upcoming game, while Activision will publish.

Vicarious Visions aims to create a remaster that feels like the original releases while still making it feel like a modern take of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise. This is what Jen Oneal of Vicarious Visions had to say during the Summer Game Fest reveal:

"Approaching this, the number one this for us was to get it to feel right. It's got to be a high-quality game that feels like you remember it. So, we started with the Neversoft engine, looking at the Neversoft code base for the handling, [and] brought that over. Also, [we] looked at the level layouts and brought over the geometry as a starting point. And then you upgrade everything from there; from the animations to the high-res graphics to those quality of life improvements that modern gamers expect. So, it's a complete package for the fans who are just aching for the nostalgia of these original games."

Similarities and differences from the original's gameplay

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Remaster

I think it is safe to say Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 will attempt to recreate the gameplay of the original games, while still making it feel good.

Just on a performance level, the remaster will run at 60 frames per second. If you played the originals, the framerate was definitely not those games' strength. If that wasn't enough, it can also be played at 4K resolution if you have a compatible console and TV; or monitor and computer if you're a PC player.

Some of you may not remember, but Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 did not have some of the tricks that really made the series so beloved. So, the remaster will have the Revert and the Wall Plant, allowing players to continue those huge combos. Despite that, Vicarious Visions and Tony Hawk wanted to keep tricks as close to the original as possible.

"There are some polished moves, but I was trying to stay as true as we could to the original," says Hawk. "So, besides the visuals and, obviously, the responsiveness, we stayed pretty true to the tricks and the maps."

Multiplayer: Online and local co-op

There will be multiplayer modes in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2. In classic fashion, you can play the remaster on local co-op. You can also hop online and play against people around the world.

"Well, of course, online gaming is naturally an expectation from the modern gamer. So, of course, we've got all of your favorite modes from multiplayer that are now online," says Oneal. "But, it's interesting because I think, actually, split-screen is still kind of a novelty these days. So, we're bringing that back. All of your favorite modes, again, you can play on the couch with your friends."

Specific modes were not mentioned. But Oneal does say "all your favorite modes" which may give us some hints. Until we hear more details, here are the multiplayer modes from both Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2:

  • Graffiti
  • Trick Attack
  • Horse
  • Tag
  • Free Skate

The Activision blog post also mentions "original multiplayer game modes" for online play. Again, there are no specifics on what these modes are just yet. We will update this article when we receive an update.

Create-A-Park and Create-A-Skater

Create-A-Park is back, allowing you to create your own levels with the games "robust editing suite." This includes a plethora of parts you will be able to modify into some unique shapes and sizes. More importantly, your created parks can be shared online, so you and your friends can check out each other's creations. Other players will also be able to customize your created park even further. You will also be able to apply tags or descriptions to your created park. Here is what Oneal had to say about Create-A-Park:

"I am really super excited about Create-A-Park because the VV (Vicarious Visions) team has truly modernized this feature. I told you a bit about how you can share online, etc., but there are a ton of pieces and parts you can customize your park with. The new news is that you'll be able to modify many of the pieces. So, if you want to take a rail, twist around, turn it into basically like a roller coaster, you can do that. If you want to create some crazy massive mega ramp that goes all the way up into the sky, you absolutely can do that too. So, I'm really super stoked to see what our players create with this."

Create-A-Skater is also back, letting players create their own skater to use in-game. Supposedly, there are enough customization options, including clothing and skateboards from various skateboard brand, that will allow you to create something unique.

"The game has always been about self-expression. So, Create-A-Skater is awesome," says Oneal. "We a ton of diversity in our faces, the hair, the clothing, so many things you can pick out. Of course, your deck graphics, trucks, wheels, you name it."

Who will be the playable skaters?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster

In the post the Activision blog post, it is confirmed that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 will feature "the full original roster of pro skaters." The below skaters were specifically listed.

  • Tony Hawk
  • Steve Caballero
  • Geoff Rowley
  • Bucky Lasek
  • Elissa Steamer
  • Kareem Campbell
  • Andrew Reynolds
  • Bob Burnquist
  • Eric Koston
  • Rodney Mullen
  • Jamie Thomas
  • Rune Glifberg
  • Chad Muska

The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise has been known for including alternate costumes and secret characters. Although we currently don't know if there will be secret characters, the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game does include the Powell-Peralta "The Ripper" skeleton as a playable character; there are also retro costumes for Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Rodney Mullen included.

What levels will be available?

Mentioned in the post on Activision's blog, it confirms that all the original levels from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 will be playable. Specifically, they say "from Warehouse to The Bullring." I'm not quite sure if this means we'll also get Chopper Drop and Skate Heaven from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 as they were secret levels. Until that is confirmed, here is the full list of playable levels in the remaster:

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 levels

  • Warehouse, Woodland Hills
  • School, Miami
  • Mall, New York
  • Skate Park, Chicago
  • Downtown, Minneapolis
  • Downhill Jam, Phoenix
  • Burnside, Portland
  • Streets, San Francisco
  • Roswell. New Mexico

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 levels

  • Hangar, Mullet Falls, Montana
  • School II, Southern California
  • Marseille, France
  • NY City, New York
  • Venice Beach, California
  • Skatestreet, Ventura
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • The Bullring, Mexico

This list will be updated as we learn more about the playable levels in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2.

Will Superman by Goldfinger be part of the game's soundtrack?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster

I don't think this could be a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 remaster without it. It is confirmed that Superman by Goldfinger, as well as other songs from the first two games, will be featured in the game. It is currently unclear if every song from both games will be available, but the trailer did have a list of the artists that would have songs in the game. If they are just bringing back the old tunes from first two games, here are some of the tracks you can expect to be in the remaster:

  • When Worlds Collide by Powerman 5000
  • You by Bad Religion
  • Police Truck by Dead Kennedys
  • Superman by Goldfinger
  • No Cigar by Millencolin
  • Pin the Tail on the Donkey by Naughty By Nature
  • Blood Brothers by Papa Roach
  • Jerry Was a Racecar Driver by Primus
  • May 16th by Lagwagon
  • Guerilla Radio by Rage Against the Machine

The trailer did say "more" tracks will be in the game. This will be updated as we learn more about the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 soundtrack.

Is there a Collector's Edition?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster

Yes, there is a Collector's Edition. In fact, there are three different editions for the upcoming Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster.

The standard edition of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 just comes with the game; it costs $39.99. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes playable "The Ripper" character from Powell-Peralta, retro 80s-era outfits for Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Rodney Mullen, and unique retro content for you create-a-skater, including boards, clothes, shoes, and gear. This will cost $49.99.

Lastly, the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 Collector's Edition includes everything from the Digital Deluxe Edition, as well as a full-size Birdhouse skateboard deck featuring the Tony Hawk's Falcon 2 design. According to the GameStop listing, it will be available for PS4 and Xbox One for $99.99.

Is there a bonus for pre-ordering the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster

If you pre-order Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 digitally, you will get access to the Warehouse Demo before the game launches. The demo is expected to launch this Summer, with a specific date to be announced later. This offer begins today and is valid until the game launches.

Additionally, there is an extra bonus if you pre-order physically. You will receive a Tony Hawk mini fingerboard if you pre-order the game physically at GameStop in the US, EB Games in Canada, and select retailers in LATAM, Europe, and Australia. The fingerboard will be available while supplies last.

When will the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remaster launch?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 launches on September 4, 2020, for Xbox One, PS4, and PC via Epic Games Store.