Is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 Worth Buying?

TL;DR

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 falls short due to outdated graphics and unfinished gameplay, resembling a PlayStation 2 title. While the skating mechanics remain enjoyable, they are hampered by a confusing mission system and an inconvenient special meter. Overall, the game lacks the depth and polish expected from its franchise.

Transcript

hello ladies and gents welcome to another episode of before you buy the show where we give you some raw uncut gameplay and some first impressions on some of the newest games that are releasing as always I'm Jake Baldino and this time we're talking about Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 v game and a series of games that is really important to me I feel like... Read More

Key Insights

• 👤 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 falls short of expectations, with outdated graphics and a clunky user interface.
• 🤒 The skateboarding mechanics remain enjoyable, but crucial tricks are hindered by an inconvenient special meter system.
• 👾 The game features an online hub environment similar to early Destiny, which received criticism for its emptiness and lack of purpose.
• 🎨 Level design is notably uninspiring, with several environments feeling bland or player-generated rather than thoughtfully crafted.
• 💯 While the level creator offers a creative outlet, it doesn’t significantly enhance the core gameplay experience.
• 👾 The game includes innovative missions, such as the "bighead mode," yet many tasks feel repetitive or uninspired.
• 👾 Player engagement may be limited as the game can be fully explored within a short period.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the primary criticisms of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5?

The main criticisms revolve around the game's outdated graphics, which resemble those of PlayStation 2 titles, and its unfinished gameplay mechanics. The online hub structure is also poorly executed, leading to an overall lack of organic flow when transitioning between missions. Players find the game feels half-hearted, failing to fulfill its potential as a modern installment in the Tony Hawk series.

Q: How does the skating gameplay compare to previous entries in the series?

While the skating mechanics in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 are noted to be responsive and enjoyable, certain vital tricks have been limited. The introduction of a special meter, which players must activate to perform advanced moves, detracts from the freedom of expression that was a hallmark of earlier games. This design choice led to a somewhat more constrained skating experience compared to past titles.

Q: What unique features does Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 offer?

The game includes a level creator that allows players to design their own skate parks, which adds a layer of creativity. Additionally, the option to download and play levels created by other players offers some replayability. However, many feel these features do not sufficiently compensate for the game's overall lackluster design and execution.

Q: Is there any redeeming quality in the missions offered in the game?

The missions in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 include some fun and interesting gameplay modes, such as "bighead mode," where players must land tricks to prevent their character's head from exploding. While there are enjoyable moments, many missions are criticized for being tedious or poorly designed, contributing to the overall feeling of a lack of innovation.

Q: How does the game perform technically, including glitches?

The game is reported to be somewhat glitchy, but the review specifies that the glitches encountered were not as severe as those showcased in viral videos. Gaming sessions may include minor bugs and exhibit an overall sense of unfinished business. This technical inconsistency contributes to the negative impressions of the game experience.

Q: Why is the game's pricing considered problematic?

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 was released as a full-price game, yet many players feel it does not deliver the quality expected from a $60 title. Instead, the review suggests that the game would be more appropriately priced at $20 or $30 considering its visual fidelity, design flaws, and overall gameplay experience.

Q: What was the reviewer's ultimate takeaway about the game?

The reviewer's ultimate takeaway is one of disappointment, emphasizing that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 struggles to meet the expectations set by earlier entries in the series. Despite some enjoyable skating moments, the game's numerous flaws and lack of polish lead to a recommendation against purchasing it at full price.

Q: How does the character customization feature work in the game?

Character customization is facilitated through in-game currency and unlocking cards that allow players to alter the appearance of their skaters with different outfits and accessories. However, the process lacks depth since players are essentially applying skins over main characters, limiting true creative expression in character design.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The review criticizes Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 for its outdated graphics and lack of polish, likening it to PlayStation 2 games.

• Gameplay is described as feeling unfinished, with a glitchy online hub and confusing mission launch process that disrupts flow.

• Despite some enjoyable skating mechanics and a decent level creator, the overall experience lacks depth and fails to meet franchise expectations.