ShareThis
3) Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Released: 2000
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater captured the imaginations of an entire generation of players. No superheroes, no mascot characters, just dudes with skateboards tearing it up on their skateboards. There was something grounded and identifiable with Pro Skater that made the game stand out to players of all stripes, this writer included. It didn’t hurt that it looked impressive graphically and had a rocking soundtrack, which lent the game a certain authenticity that made it all the more appealing. Playing Pro Skater felt like taking a trip out the front door, albeit into a world where launching high into the sky wouldn’t result in any broken bones. With a potent combo system backed by puling off sick (yeah, SICK) tricks in rapid succession turned Tony Hawk into a true household name, one that only recently began to fade. Pro Skater laid down some deep roots. Maybe one day the series will make the comeback it deserves.
