Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2: Downhill Jam is fun and here’s why
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 features the return of Downhill Jam, an infamous level in the series. However, here’s why it’s fun in the remake.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is continuing to dish out a tornado of nostalgia and bringing positive vibes to gaming despite everything that’s going on. This game is a nice bundle to features beautiful remasters of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, regarded as some of the greatest video games of all-time.
However, as beloved as the two games are, the first game did feature a couple of slightly controversial levels. The first one being the Mall which is the third level you’ll come across after the Warehouse and School levels.
In this particular area, you skate through an abandoned mall in New York. You can complete the goals in the campaign mode, go for the highest score in a two-minute Skate Session, or chill out in Free Skate.
Another level, which we’ll be highlighting here is Downhill Jam. Here, you skate through a dam-like area in Arizona. As with every other level, you do the three things that we talked about with the Mall. Both of these levels are not very likable but what’s the problem?
Well, many seem to dislike each levels’ downhill nature and the fact that, in the original game, once you reached the end, that ended your run, even if there was still time left. Specifically, the aforementioned Downhill Jam seems to get the most flack.
I am here as a defender of the realm known as Downhill Jam, to tell you that is a good level. In fact, I find it to be one of the more fun levels in the remake. For starters, the issue in the original game where the level ended when you made it to the endpoint is now gone.
And trust me, I’m with you on that. It did kinda suck when things just came to an abrupt end although you still had some valuable time left. The elimination of this alone makes Downhill Jam more enjoyable. You’ll restart from the beginning of the level instead like a true teleporting skater.
And the overall layout is actually fun, with a nice blend of ramps and grinds to fit both vertical and street players. It definitely might be a tad aimed for the street skater, but there are enough ramps to let you show off your skills in the air.
Another thing is that, in Skate Tour mode, the goals in Downhill Jam in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 are pretty dramatic. Not every single one, but destroying the five valves and seeing water explode out of the pipes is satisfying. Also, the Secret Tape location is one of the more dramatic ones you’ll see (Streets and Philadelphia may arguably have the best Secret Tape locations).
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After busting one of the valves with a grind, you’ll be met by another huge rail which will lead you to a path of sorts. Jump over the gap, and you’ll see the tape floating high above the sky on some smaller pipes that are grindable.
And the continuous nature of the level (it is Downhill Jam after all) keeps you on edge during a Skate Tour session. It’s a good place to skate if you want a steady flow to your Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 experience. Think of it almost like skating on a roller coaster and roller coasters are fun, right? It feels adventurous.
On top of all of this, it’s probably one of the prettiest levels in the entire remake. Clear blue skies, water all-around (after busting the valves), and a beautiful view towards the finish line make up some of its street-like charms. And skating through it is pretty exhilarating overall.
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It may not be a level for everybody, but one thing’s for certain, Downhill Jam does a good job of separating itself from the rest of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2. And with the updated visuals in the remake, it’s definitely a lot easier on the eyes and is an overall joy to play.