After years of forgettable, lukewarm efforts, Tony Hawk is back and better than ever. With the release of the enjoyable, nostalgic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, Vicarious Visions channels the appealing traits of the older TH classics while adding modern-day flair and polish. This includes some addictive and robust online multiplayer.
Along with satisfying mechanics and addictive gameplay, this solid remaster has reminded gamers of the slew of memorable stages populating the franchise. And while the first two TH games have no shortage of great ones, there are plenty of creative and entertaining examples in later entries.
10 Tokyo (THPS3)
There's a reason Tony Hawk's third rendition is widely considered the zenith of this turbulent series, and many of them can be traced its strong lineup of stages. One of the most enjoyable, especially on a visual level, is the vibrant, colorful park that resides in Tokyo, Japan.
The free-flowing nature of the layout and ramps allows players to wrack up sufficiently high scores in this competition level. With a myriad of neon imagery, ample rails, half-pipes, and even loops, this Tokyo stage feels akin to a thrilling theme park as much as a skatepark.
9 Hotter Than Hell (THUG)
You won't find this one mentioned too often amongst fans when it comes to greatest THPS parks, at least for those not part of the KISS Army. But much like the game it comes from, Hotter than Hell makes for an amusing and frankly underrated level. Though many will scoff at the over-the-top, gimmicky nature of this KISS-themed stage, this is really part of its appeal.
This entertaining romp is rewarded upon completing the story mode of THUG, and it's one that's worth going for. Players can jam out to the arena rockers while soaring off some towering ramps and flaming hoops. This includes the "Above All" scoring gap, which is worth a whopping 10,000 points.
Not only this, but the stage unearths some cool easter eggs when playing and collecting the "KISS" letters. Players can unlock a music video, and an in-game rendition of the band itself will even emerge and start jamming while skating.
8 Venice Beach (THPS2)
This one has seen a number of appearances in some form since its debut in THPS2, and there's a good reason for this. Thanks to the sleeker visuals of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, this Californian location shines more than ever, thanks to some gorgeous lighting effects and impressive graffiti detail.
In fact, this is based on a real place in California known as The Pit. While it was ironically demolished just months before the release of THPS2, it's been immortalized by this memorable stage.
There's much to play around with throughout this sprawling map, including an abundance of rails, ramps, and ample collectibles that are fairly easy to scope out. The fluid design sets the stage for some sick combos and easy exploration while minimizing mindless wandering and wipeouts.
7 Warehouse (THPS)
Classics never die. And despite the simplicity of this oldschool map, it remains a favorite for many fans, both old and new. While some of this love may be attributed to nostalgia, there's something to be said for the simplicity and generally digestible layout of this hodgepodge of ramps and rails.
It's nice to be able to just focus on flying from ramp to ramp or knocking out several of the stage's goals in a single 2-minute run. There's much to appreciate about some of the larger, more elaborate levels in future entries, to be sure. Yet, the simplicity of this one provides a fun, rewarding feeling in a way that some of the more overwhelming maps don't.
6 Manhattan (THUG)
Taking things in the other direction now — THUG's Manhattan proves that the larger, more complex stages can also be fun and exciting in their own way. For being on a game dating back to 2003, this one really feels ahead of its time, with its sprawling level design akin to an open-world game of the modern era.
The diversity of ramps, rails, and tasks to complete throughout this map are impressive, to say the least. Players can spend hours playing around on this dynamic and lively stage. You can take in the sights of the Memorial, perform the tough Moonwalk Five-O across the Waterfront's vast rail, or gather the range of items scattered about.
5 Skatopia (THUG2)
The sequel to THUG didn't quite garner the same attention that many of its predecessors had. Still, it certainly ended its epic campaign with a bang thanks to this chaotic park — well, a bang and plenty of fire in this case...
The appropriately-titled "Skatopia" is just dripping with character and chock-full of detail. This level - which is based on a real skate park near Rutland, Ohio - blends traditional skate park accouterments with an atmospheric wildlife backdrop. The sporadic layout and high-density areas will keep players on their toes and constantly occupied.
4 Bullring (THPS2)
THPS games are typically good about ending things on a high note with some awesome stages, as is the case with this late-game competition level in THPS2.
In addition to its cool Baja theme and circular layout (which is ideal for grind-laden combos) this one is renowned for the amusing gimmick of a frantic bull who gallops around the pens. Though this fellow can be the source of aggravation by mowing down players, it adds a fun, intense dynamic to the experience.
Not only this but the bull's piles of dung somehow also yield $250 bills that can be gathered, making this a lucrative and entertaining romp.
3 School II (THPS2)
For as memorable as the original School from THPS was, Neversoft managed to outdo themselves with this refined and fleshed-out version for its sequel. The stage is given more life and intrigue with its more elaborate design and hidden/secluded areas like the Gym. And this has only been further enhanced and changed on Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2.
Assuming one can evade the swift golf cart driver, it's both fun and fairly simple racking up high scores and combos, thanks to the slew of rails, downhill declines, and special gaps.
2 Hangar (THPS2)
It's hard not to appreciate this classic stage, which is still one of the first many think of when it comes to this series. This introductory stage from THPS2 captures much of that same charm and simplicity from the Warehouse while filling in the details with more interesting level design and event-triggering actions.
The unlockable Helipad and Wind Tunnel on either side of the stage add some life and invoke further exploration within this confined area. Yet, there's plenty of fun to be had in the main part of the Hangar too, with objects like a leapable jet plane, a breakable glass window, and a massive half-pipe laced with arching rails.
1 Airport (THPS3)
This one really has it where it counts - turning a seemingly mundane airport setting into an absolute blast of a stage. It masterfully blends the simplicity of maps like Hangar with more of an intricate and elaborate design. The stage invites players to have fun and rake in points from the getgo with its long corridors and tons of rails, ramps, and other objects to mess with.
The slew of goals also ride that line nicely in terms of difficulty - and offer some tasks cleverly interwoven into the airport theme.