Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground (2007)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground: The Ultimate Skateboarding Experience

Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground is the eighth installment in the Tony Hawk’s skateboarding video game series. It was developed by Neversoft and published by Activision. The game was released on October 16, 2007, for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii.

Proving Ground features a number of new features and improvements over previous Tony Hawk games. These include:

  • Deeper customization: Players can now customize their skaters with a wide range of clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. They can also create their own custom skateboards and decks.
  • Video Editor: The game includes a full-featured video editor that allows players to create and share their own skate videos.
  • Skate Lounge: The Skate Lounge is an online mode that allows players to skate with friends in a variety of different environments.
  • Skateable terrain altering and building: Players can now use the game’s terrain editor to create their own custom skateparks.
  • Bowl Carving: This new gameplay mechanic allows players to carve bowls and pools in a more realistic way.
  • Nail the Trick moves: The game introduces new Nail the Trick moves, such as Nail the Grab and Nail the Manual, which allow players to perform even more spectacular tricks.

Proving Ground also features a number of new levels, including:

  • San Francisco: This level is based on the real-life city of San Francisco, and features a variety of iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
  • Tokyo: This level is based on the real-life city of Tokyo, and features a variety of Japanese-inspired architecture and culture.
  • Venice Beach: This level is based on the real-life Venice Beach in Los Angeles, and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
  • School II: This level is a remake of the School level from the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game.

Proving Ground was a critical and commercial success. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised the game’s deep customization, innovative gameplay features, and impressive graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Proving Ground is similar to that of previous Tony Hawk games. Players control a skateboarder and must perform tricks and complete objectives to progress through the game. The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges.

One of the most significant new features in Proving Ground is the ability to create and share custom skate videos. The game’s video editor is easy to use and allows players to create professional-looking videos. Players can also share their videos online with other players.

Another new feature in Proving Ground is the Skate Lounge. The Skate Lounge is an online mode that allows players to skate with friends in a variety of different environments. Players can create their own custom skateparks or choose from a variety of pre-made parks.

Proving Ground also introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics, such as skateable terrain altering and building, and Bowl Carving. These new mechanics allow players to create their own custom skateparks and perform more realistic tricks.

Reception

Proving Ground received positive reviews from critics. IGN praised the game’s deep customization, innovative gameplay features, and impressive graphics. GameSpot said that Proving Ground is “the best Tony Hawk game in years.”

The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. Proving Ground was the best-selling skateboarding game of 2007.

Legacy

Proving Ground is considered to be one of the best skateboarding games ever made. The game’s deep customization, innovative gameplay features, and impressive graphics set a new standard for the genre. Proving Ground also helped to popularize the use of custom skate videos and online multiplayer modes in skateboarding games.

The game’s legacy continues to this day. Many of the features introduced in Proving Ground have been adopted by other skateboarding games. The game’s video editor and Skate Lounge mode have also been praised for their innovation and creativity.

Proving Ground is a classic skateboarding game that is still enjoyed by many players today. The game’s deep customization, innovative gameplay features, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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