One of many nice surprises of the Switch 2 launch was how properly the {hardware} managed massive video games not made by Nintendo. It’s one thing the corporate’s underpowered consoles have usually struggled with, however the Change 2 is an efficient place to play technical showpieces like Cyberpunk 2077 — although that initially debuted in 2020. Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 3+4, which is launching concurrently on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and each variations of the Change, makes for an fascinating take a look at case of what’s doable on the Change 2 with a new recreation. I’ve been enjoying it on each the PS5 and Change 2, and from what I’ve seen, the remake bodes properly for the way forward for Nintendo’s latest console.
For the uninitiated, the accident Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater is a sequel of types. In 2020, Activision released a remaster of the original two games in the iconic series, sustaining the tone and construction but in addition modernizing the expertise with up to date graphics and controls, on-line options, and an expanded solid that includes the present era of skateboarding stars. It did a exceptional job of retaining the very best components of the video games whereas additionally making them really feel present. THPS3+4 does the identical factor, however for the third and fourth entries within the collection. There aren’t too many surprises if you happen to’ve performed the unique, although THPS4 has a extra inflexible construction in comparison with the open-ended nature of the unique model.
Efficiency is a vital facet of any skateboarding recreation. These titles are all about linking tips collectively in inventive methods, which will be laborious to do when the sport chugs or the body fee stutters. So the factor that struck me probably the most with the Change 2 model is simply how clean it’s. It might sound boring, however the very best half about it’s that it simply works. I haven’t skilled any technical points in handheld mode, and that’s true whether or not enjoying in a easy indoor stage or one thing extra elaborate, just like the light-up present that’s the Tokyo course from THPS3.
Plainly the builders at Iron Galaxy — who’ve taken over the collection after the unique studio, Vicarious Visions, unceremoniously turned a Blizzard studio — prioritized substance over type, and it was the correct alternative. THPS3+4 appears to be like wonderful on the Change 2, however the primary distinction you’ll discover on a platform just like the PS5 is how far more detailed all the pieces is. The backdrops really feel extra vigorous, although you won’t discover it a lot as you’re rushing by way of ranges. The most important distinction is the characters. On the PS5, skaters like Tony Hawk and Aori Nishimura seem like themselves; on the Change 2, they’re barely blurry approximations of their real-world counterparts.
The variations between platforms are largely beauty, although, which makes them a lot simpler to tolerate, even in a style the place type is an extremely vital a part of the expertise. I’ll be aware that the varied decks and garments you’ll be able to unlock nonetheless look fairly good on the Change 2, so it’s not such as you’re completely sacrificing the cool skater vibes. Extra importantly, THPS has all the time been a wonderful collection to play on the go — the Sport Boy Advance iterations of the franchise don’t have any proper being nearly as good as they’re — and that is still true right here, the place the quick runs are completely suited to transportable play.
That being mentioned, whereas THPS3+4 is an efficient showcase for the Change 2, it’s not precisely a “next-gen” recreation. It’s a uncommon expertise that was constructed to span a number of generations of {hardware} from all the key platform holders. So it’s not precisely an indication that Grand Theft Auto VI or different tentpole blockbusters will make their approach to the Change 2. However the accident Tony Hawk recreation at the least reveals that the console gained’t all the time be left behind relating to the most recent releases.