Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD has been exclusively released on the Xbox 360 via the Xbox LIVE Arcade. The game is a high-definition amalgamation of THPS and THPS 2. The rerelease revives seven classic levels from both games, including the Warehouse, School and Venice Beach, displaying them in cutting-edge HD.
The HD rerelease remains faithful to the game’s original framework and features only the levels, tricks and moves available in the first and second THPS games. Ride through the familiar levels while completing the classic THPS tasks: collecting all S-K-A-T-E letters, hitting score benchmarks and unearthing hidden DVDs.
THPS HD does make one welcome addition to the tried-and-true formula: Big Head mode. In this mode, the skater’s head slowly inflates until it eventually explodes, ending the game. To keep the head from bursting, players must earn high scores with good form and trick combos. If you’ve got some experience with Pro Skater, you should find it pretty easy to hit the entry-level scores; but be warned, in this version, the sickest combos and trickiest moves require heaps of practice.
For gamers willing to share the thrills with their crew, multiplayer modes do exist; however, the game works best when you’re chilling and spilling solo.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD is rated T by the ESRB for blood and violence. Right now, it’s available for download exclusively on the Xbox LIVE Arcade for $15, but Activision has promised versions for the PS3 and PC in the coming weeks.
To learn more about THPS HD and plans for future Tony Hawk games, check out: The Future of Tony Hawk Skateboarding Games.