In a delightful twist of digital nostalgia, skateboarding icon Tony Hawk recently sent ripples through the gaming community. On National Video Games Day, he unveiled a social media clip that wasn`t just a video; it was a carefully orchestrated, live-action recreation of the legendary intro to 2003`s Tony Hawk`s Underground (THUG). For fans who`ve spent countless hours navigating virtual skate parks, this was more than just content – it was a direct hit to the feels.
Stepping into the Skater`s Shoes
The video saw Hawk himself step into the role of the player-created protagonist, reliving the iconic moment where the budding skater first encounters the series` most memorable antagonist, Eric Sparrow. The interaction, the setting, the sheer audacity of replacing the player character with the legend himself, all culminated in a viral sensation. It was a brilliant, albeit brief, homage to a game that carved its own unique path within the sprawling Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater franchise.
The “Not a Promo” Irony
However, Hawk was quick to manage expectations, explicitly labeling the video with a “not a THUG promo” disclaimer. This, of course, did little to quell the fervent hopes of a remaster. It`s a testament to the enduring affection for Tony Hawk`s Underground that even a playful nod can spark a widespread discussion about its potential return. One might even detect a subtle, knowing wink from Hawk – an acknowledgment of the collective yearning for this specific title to receive the modern treatment.
The Campaign for a Classic
Indeed, this isn`t the first time Hawk has voiced his desire to see THUG, along with its sequel, resurrected for contemporary platforms. His enthusiasm is palpable, and he has consistently advocated for these cult classics to receive the remaster treatment, much like the wildly successful Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 1 + 2. The latter`s critical and commercial triumph undoubtedly serves as a strong argument for publishers to revisit other beloved entries in the series.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Activision and Microsoft, the current custodians of the franchise. While Hawk can campaign and rally the fanbase, the green light for development and release comes down to corporate strategy and perceived market viability. One can only imagine the boardroom discussions, weighing nostalgia against development costs and projected sales, all while the internet screams for more grinding and manual combos.
The Evolving Skateboarding Game Landscape
Interestingly, this surge of nostalgia for classic skateboarding titles arrives at a dynamic period for the genre. Beyond the continued success of the Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake, the highly anticipated revival of EA`s Skate franchise is also on the horizon. With its free-to-play, live-service model and redesigned `Flick-it` system, the new Skate aims to redefine the virtual skateboarding experience, offering vast metropolitan areas for players to explore with style and precision.
This dual presence – both a longing for faithful remasters of past glories and excitement for innovative new entries – paints a vibrant picture for skateboarding game enthusiasts. It suggests a healthy market eager for both the comfort of the familiar and the thrill of the new. Whether Tony Hawk`s Underground eventually gets its well-deserved remaster remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the spirit of virtual skateboarding, propelled by its legends and its fans, is anything but underground.
Callum Darby