I can't really give the twenty year-olds too much shit for salivating over spot-the-difference remakes of games that came out on PS3. This was my one. A US-only, Xbox-only expanded remake of Tony Hawk's 2 with all the THPS1 levels and five new exclusive levels too. There couldn't have been a more tantalising carrot to dangle in front of my 13 year-old face. planettonyhawk.gamespy.com became a daily visit, and I'd constantly revisit my folder of THPS2X screenshots once my hour of 56k internet access was up.

It's only after experiencing the clean Dreamcast version, PC version with all the THPS1 levels patched in, 2012 remake, THUGPRO and 2020 remake, that emulation had caught up to the point where I could finally realise the dream.

It's Tony Hawk's 2. Cleaner than the old PlayStation version, sure. I couldn't say for certain that it looks any better than the Dreamcast or PC versions without doing a direct side-by-side comparison. I remember marveling at the lighting in promotional screenshots back in the day, so maybe there's something there, but it's just as likely that they were nonsense.

The original levels are abysmal, by the way. They'd be subpar for Evolution Skateboarding. THPS5's levels soar above this scattered, linear dogshit. The one skatepark level is okay, but really just an early iteration of THUG's Tampa skatepark with less flow to it. Don't play this for the new levels.

Otherwise, you've got a fine way to play THPS1&2, with all the old THPS2 stuff. Folk coming off the new remake will be alarmed at how juddery and limited the original games are. Technical combos rarely gain points as quickly as just doing big jumps and spinning, and there's the infamous "BIG DROP" thing that makes you wipe out if you drop from too tall a height. It doesn't emulate nearly as well as the PlayStation or Dreamcast games either, so it's unlikely to become the most practical option.

THPS2 is a beloved game though, and this is the most "deluxe" version of the original. It's just as it used to be, with the full soundtrack (not THPS1's though), extras and unlockable Spider-Man. There's a satisfaction in mastering the quirks of the old physics and a comfort in the atmosphere that subsequent remakes haven't quite captured. This is the old THPS2 you used to play with RF cables on your mate's bedroom television. I just thought that fans ought to know they really don't have to seek this one out. Just play the version you have.

Reviewed on Oct 07, 2022


2 Comments


1 year ago

Like your younger self, I was very into the idea of this. I'd still very much like to give this a go one day, but your review confirms I'm likely best off with my PS1, DC, N64, and PS4 copies...

1 year ago

@Yuggy There's definitely a sense of catharsis in finally getting a go, but it's a hollow dream