The legendary Tony Hawk has voiced his support for a remaster of ‘Tony Hawk’s Underground’ (THUG), igniting excitement among fans who cherish the game’s unique blend of skateboarding and narrative-driven gameplay. With the success of the ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ remasters, many are eager to see the Underground series receive similar treatment.
As the Pro Skater series sees its second remaster collection with ‘THPS 3 + 4’, the ‘Underground’ series has not received the same treatment. THUG distinguished itself with a greater focus on story and character development. Unlike the Pro Skater games, Underground allowed players to create their own skater and follow a career path from local competitions to stardom.
This article delves into Tony Hawk’s aspirations, Activision’s cautious approach to remasters, and why a THUG remaster would resonate with today’s gaming audience. We’ll examine the key elements that made Underground a standout title, its impact on the skateboarding genre, and the potential challenges in bringing it back to modern platforms.
Tony Hawk’s Campaign for a THUG Remaster
Tony Hawk has openly expressed his desire for a Tony Hawk Underground remaster. While attending THPS Fest, Hawk told Screen Rant, “I always have aspirations. It’s not up to me generally. I’ll campaign all I can, but I’m working with a much bigger company that’s a lot smarter than me.” This statement underscores Hawk’s enthusiasm and his limited influence over Activision’s decisions. The success of future projects like ‘THPS 3 + 4’ may influence Activision’s willingness to explore a THUG remaster.
Despite Hawk’s campaign, a Tony Hawk Underground remaster hasn’t really been discussed, noting that THPS 3 + 4 hasn’t yet been released, the success of which may impact the franchise’s future. He clarified that discussions about a THUG remaster are preliminary, contingent on the performance of other projects.
Many fans of the skating game franchise also want to see a remaster of THUG. These fans believe that the THUG series is equally beloved for its differing focus. The popularity of a THUG remaster would depend on the success of THPS 3 + 4. A campaign for a THUG remaster can be started with these longtime fans who are hoping for a Tony Hawk’s Underground remaster.
The Unique Appeal of ‘Tony Hawk’s Underground’
‘Tony Hawk’s Underground’ distinguished itself with several key features that set it apart from the Pro Skater series. One of the most significant was the introduction of a story mode where players created a character and embarked on a career from the ground up. Underground lets players create their own character and pursue a career as a skater, working up from the relative obscurity of underground skate competitions.
THUG is billed as more of an adventure title than a straight-up skating game like Pro Skater. Players were more invested in the narrative and the character’s personal journey. The game included elements of adventure, such as getting off the board to explore environments on foot, which added a new layer of interactivity. ‘THUG’ is billed as more of an adventure title than a straight-up skating game like ‘Pro Skater’.
The game also emphasized a sense of community and progression, capturing the essence of skateboarding culture beyond just performing tricks. Additionally, the game was notable for its soundtrack, which included a wide range of genres such as rock, hip-hop, and punk, appealing to a broad audience. There’s a heavier focus on story as well, and THUG is billed as more of an adventure title than a straight-up skating game like Pro Skater.
Activision’s Cautious Approach to Remasters
Activision appears to be treading carefully with the Tony Hawk franchise, making decisions on a case-by-case basis. The company’s approach is influenced by factors such as market demand, development costs, and the performance of previous remasters. These projects are significant undertakings, and Activision needs to be confident in their potential return on investment.
There were five years between 2020’s THPS 1 + 2 and 2025’s THPS 3 + 4. The series carries a massive amount of name recognition, but is clearly not profitable enough for Activision to pursue aggressively. Activision is carefully analyzing the skateboarding genre. By waiting and watching, Activision can make informed decisions about future investments.
After the release of THPS 1 + 2, Activision initially shelved plans for further remasters, only to revive the project later. Activision Is Seemingly Careful With The Tony Hawk’s Remaster Series. A THUG remaster likely depends on how effectively THPS 3 + 4 performs and whether it sells enough copies to justify the development of future titles.
The Changing Landscape of Skateboarding Games
The skateboarding game genre has evolved, with a shift towards smaller simulation projects and a growing emphasis on realism and community-driven content. These titles often feature more intricate control schemes and realistic physics, appealing to hardcore skateboarding enthusiasts. Pro Skater is receiving another collection of remasters, and EA’s Skate revival is on the way, but the skateboarding genre has largely moved to smaller simulation projects, like Session: Skate Sim and Skate XL.
The rise of simulation-style skateboarding games presents both an opportunity and a challenge for a potential THUG remaster. The challenge lies in striking a balance between the arcade-style fun of the original game and the expectations of modern gamers who may prefer a more realistic experience. Tony Hawk himself still seems committed to the series, but only time will tell if a remaster of Tony Hawk’s Underground is in the cards.
The success of a THUG remaster could hinge on how well it integrates elements of modern skateboarding games while retaining the unique charm of the original. Given these trends, Activision needs to carefully consider how a THUG remaster would fit into the current gaming landscape and whether it can capture the attention of both longtime fans and new players.
Challenges and Opportunities in Remastering THUG
Remastering ‘Tony Hawk’s Underground’ presents several technical and design challenges. The original game was built on older technology, which may require significant updates to run smoothly on modern hardware. A THUG remaster likely depends on how effectively THPS 3 + 4 performs and whether it sells enough copies to justify the development of future titles.
One of the biggest opportunities is to enhance the visual fidelity of the game. Updating the graphics, textures, and character models could make THUG look more appealing to modern audiences. From a gameplay perspective, modernizing the control scheme and adding new tricks could enhance the overall experience.
The game could also benefit from online multiplayer modes. The game’s soundtrack featured a wide range of licensed music, but securing the rights to these tracks could be costly and time-consuming. Navigating these challenges while staying true to the original vision will be essential for a successful THUG remaster.
Conclusion
Tony Hawk’s desire to see a remastered version of ‘Tony Hawk’s Underground’ reflects the deep connection fans have with this iconic title. Its focus on character-driven narratives, exploration, and a vibrant soundtrack set it apart from the Pro Skater series, creating a unique identity that still resonates today. The game remains popular and could win more fans with THPS 3 + 4’s success.
However, the decision to pursue a THUG remaster lies with Activision, a company known for its cautious approach to reviving older franchises. As the skateboarding genre evolves, there is an opportunity to blend classic gameplay with modern features. Remastering ‘Tony Hawk’s Underground’ would honor the legacy of this beloved game and offer players an unforgettable experience.
Whether it ultimately comes to fruition depends on a complex interplay of factors. Despite these challenges, the enduring appeal of THUG suggests that a well-executed remaster could find a receptive audience and solidify its place in gaming history. In the meantime, fans can only hope that Activision recognizes the potential and gives Tony Hawk’s Underground the comeback it deserves.
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