Every Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Game For The PS2

The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series might have started its life on the original PlayStation, but its longest streak of releases was on the PlayStation 2. There was something to play for just about every year of the console's existence, but not every game was made the same.

Going through all the games for the PS2 from worst to best reveals that almost every Tony Hawk's Pro Skater game for the system was great. The times have changed, and it looks like there is no place for the series in the modern gaming landscape, but it is always possible to relive the glory days by checking out these games.

8 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam

A Spin-Off With A Lot To Be Desired

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam was a spin-off originally developed for the Nintendo Wii before being ported to the Nintendo DS and the PS2. As the name suggests, the gameplay is built around linear downhill tracks, similar to the Downhill Jam level from the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

This gives the game a different feel, which would be fine if the gameplay were smooth. It ends up being clunky and difficult to control, ruining the novelty of the experience.

7 Tony Hawk's Proving Ground

The PS2 Version Has A Different Feel Than The PS3 Release

• Release: October 17, 2007
• Developer: Page 44 Studios
• Publisher: Activision

The series had moved on to the next generation by this point, but PS2 owners were still serviced a version of Proving Ground. It has an entirely different feel than the PS3 and Xbox 360 game. The camera and physics are different, making it feel more in line with the older games for the console.

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Unfortunately, it lacks too many features to feel like a complete package. Things like a park editor which had been a staple of the series are missing from the PS2 version of Proving Ground.

6 Tony Hawk's Project 8

• Release: November 7, 2007
• Developer: Neversoft
• Publisher: Activision

To run Project 8 on the PS2, the open-world of the PS3 and Xbox 360 version was cut into separate levels. This change prevents epic combos spanning the whole map, but it also helps the game run well on the PS2 so there are no frame rate of technical issues.

The story remains the same and all the mechanics from the new-gen versions make it into the package. Though held back by the technical limitations and not the best version of Project 8, it is also perfectly acceptable for PS2 owners.

5 Tony Hawk's American Wasteland

An Open-World Game With Some Limitations

Tony Hawk's American Wasteland is the game's first attempt at an open-world environment. It is an ambitious move held back by obvious hidden load times and a story mode that acts too much like a tutorial for longtime fans who just want to skate to their heart's content.

The addition of BMX bikes also does not add a lot to the gameplay. They do not control as smoothly as the skateboard. The story mode at least revolves around building a skatepark, so players can still flex their creative muscles. The classic mode, which can be played cooperatively, is American Wasteland's saving grace.

4 Tony Hawk's Underground 2

The World Destruction Tour

The sequel to Tony Hawk's Underground took wilder swings with its story mode. The World Destruction Tour at the center of the game's plot puts the protagonist on Tony Hawk's team as his crew competes with Bam Margera's to cause the most chaos around the world.

The levels are big, open, and varied. The objectives often let players control other characters or engage in silly minigames. Most important of all, the skating still feels great. THUG 2 introduced Focus mode, letting players slow down time temporarily for better balance and precision.

3 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

The Revert Is A Game Changer

It cannot be overstated how important the introduction of the revert was to Tony Hawk's gameplay. The ability to continue a combo after landing off a ramp made million-point combos a breeze.

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The single-player retains the classic format of two-minute runs with a set of objectives to accomplish, but the bigger levels add a new layer of challenge. The game also features eight hidden characters to unlock and numerous cheats that modify the gameplay, adding a lot of variety to the gameplay.

2 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4

Bigger Levels And More Complex Objectives

After three games based on the classic formula, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4's career mode expands the scope of the gameplay. Players could now fully explore the bigger levels and activate goals at their leisure without the two-minute timer. Each goal is often accompanied by dialogue that adds flavor to the world.

With each goal being a separate objective, developers could play around with the gameplay more, giving players more challenging tasks or just making them do something silly. The addition of skitching and spine transfers do not dramatically change the core gameplay, but they do help make the gameplay a little smoother.

1 Tony Hawk's Underground

A Great Story Mode And The Ability To Get Off The Skateboard

The first Tony Hawk game with a story tells a tale about two friends torn apart by the battle between greed and integrity. Players create their own character who skates his way from the dirty New Jersey suburbs all the way to a professional spot in the world of skatebording.

The drama still has plenty of levity, though, with a humorous supporting cast that includes heavy participation from Bam Margera. The gameplay also sees the addition of walking, which lets players extend their combos even further than before.

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