Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2: NY City Grind & Subway Rails Guide
Hey guys! Ever wanted to dominate the New York City levels in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the iconic NY City Grind and the sprawling Subway level. This guide is your ultimate companion to conquering those challenging environments, racking up massive scores, and discovering all the hidden secrets. We'll cover everything from the basic controls to advanced trick strategies, ensuring you can shred like a pro. Get ready to learn about the best lines, the secret gaps, and how to master those tricky rail grinds. Let's get this show on the road!
NY City: Unlocking the Concrete Jungle
Navigating the Streets
First off, let's talk about the NY City level. This is where you cut your teeth, guys. It's a fantastic blend of street obstacles, ramps, and rails. The level is packed with opportunities for linking together massive combos. Remember, the key to success in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is linking tricks. The longer you keep the combo going, the higher your score. The level layout is not a straight line; it is a complex series of streets, ramps, and stair sets. To truly master this level, you need to understand the layout like the back of your hand. Focus on memorizing the positions of the key ramps, the best grind lines, and the secret areas. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment! Initially, you might find the level overwhelming, but with consistent practice, you'll start to recognize the best flow routes. A good starting point is the central plaza area, where you will find a selection of ramps and rails. From there, you can explore the surrounding areas, gradually expanding your knowledge of the level. One crucial tip: pay attention to your speed! Some gaps and lines require precise speed control. Use manuals to maintain speed between tricks, and learn how to quickly recover from bails. The more you play, the better you will become at judging your speed and the momentum needed to reach specific points. Always remember that good navigation is about more than just knowing where to go; it's about anticipating what's coming, and planning your next move. Good luck and have fun!
Grinding to Glory
Grinding is a core mechanic in the game, and NY City is a grinder's paradise. Rails are scattered all over the map, offering endless possibilities for linking together tricks and building up your score. Grinding is not just about pressing a button and hoping for the best. To maximize your points, you need to master rail transitions and grind switching. Transitions are performed by quickly pressing the grind button again when you approach the end of a rail, and this will help you to jump to another rail. Grind switching involves changing the type of grind you are doing while on a rail. You can change your grind style by pressing the grind button combined with a direction on the control stick. The more complex the tricks, the more points you will get. Remember the grind is not just for points; it is also a way to maintain your combo. Think of each grind as a vital link in a chain, which keeps your score multiplier growing. The more links you create, the greater your rewards will be. A good example of maximizing grind points is the long rail that runs along the side of the building. This is a classic spot for linking multiple grind transitions and switching tricks. Remember to always keep an eye out for potential transitions to keep your combo flowing. One of the great challenges of the NY City level is figuring out how to link together different rail setups. The ability to chain together grinds, transitions, and trick switches separates the pros from the rookies. It is crucial to practice these techniques and master them to achieve high scores.
Gap Hunting
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater wouldn't be the same without gaps. These are specific areas where, if you perform a trick, you will get extra points. The NY City level has a lot of cool gaps to discover. Finding these gaps and knowing how to hit them consistently is crucial for racking up massive scores and completing challenges. Each gap provides unique challenges, requiring precise timing, speed, and trick execution. One popular gap is the 'Big Rail to Rail' which involves grinding a long rail, launching off of a ramp, and then grinding another rail. Gaps can be simple, such as jumping over a small barrier, or they can be complex, involving multiple tricks and transitions. Some gaps are also hidden, requiring precise movements or unique trick combinations to activate. Many of the gaps are built into the level's architecture. The key to gap hunting is to explore the level, observe your surroundings, and experiment with different tricks and lines. Always be observant, as a slight variation in your approach can mean the difference between landing a gap and missing it. Some of the best gaps are only achievable with maximum speed, so make sure to get up to pace when approaching certain areas. Additionally, make sure to memorize the location of the ramps and the rails, and learn how they are positioned, and how you can combine them to complete gaps. The completion of gaps not only boosts your score, but can also lead to unlocking secret areas and bonus objectives, creating another layer of depth and enjoyment. Remember that it's all about experimentation and having fun. With a bit of practice, you will discover the secrets of the NY City level. Happy hunting!
Subway: Underground Adventures
Underground Exploration
Alright, let's head down into the Subway! This level offers a totally different vibe from NY City, with its long tunnels, tight corners, and unique obstacles. The Subway is all about speed and precision. The tunnels are long and narrow, so you'll need to maintain your speed and execute your tricks with accuracy. The level has a slightly darker, more enclosed atmosphere, making it a great contrast to the more open feel of NY City. It's got some awesome features, like the moving trains, which can be used for some crazy tricks. Also, watch out for the various hazards, such as the subway platforms. You will also have the opportunity to grind along the rails that are located along the walls of the tunnels. These long lines allow you to build up your combo score. This level requires a different approach. The narrow corridors require tighter controls, and the ability to quickly react to the fast-moving train. It's an excellent level for experimenting with manual combos, which will help you maintain your speed and control. The Subway level encourages players to think about line design, optimizing the routes, and chaining tricks together. The best routes will involve a combination of grinds, transfers, and wall rides. Remember that it's crucial to experiment and try different combinations to discover the best routes for you. Mastering the Subway requires a combination of speed, precision, and an awareness of the level's layout. You should practice linking your tricks and maintaining momentum. Once you have a good understanding of the layout, you'll be able to navigate it with ease.
Train Surfing and Tricks
One of the most exciting parts of the Subway level is the opportunity to train surf. You can jump onto the moving trains and ride along, while performing tricks. Timing is key here, guys! You need to anticipate the train's movement and land on it perfectly. This is an awesome opportunity to extend your combos. One of the best strategies is to use the train as a moving platform. Launch yourself from a ramp to land on the train, then link together various grinds and manuals as you surf along. Always be aware of your surroundings, and don't hesitate to bail if you are in danger of crashing. The train also provides some great opportunities for aerial tricks. Use the train's movement to launch yourself into the air and perform tricks, such as flips, spins, and grabs. One of the trickier, but most rewarding techniques, is to perform a manual from the train back onto the ground. It requires careful balance and precise timing, but it is an awesome way to keep a combo going and rack up some serious points. Train surfing adds a dynamic element to the game. It encourages players to think creatively about how to use the environment to build up massive combos. If you want to master the Subway, you should spend time honing your train-surfing skills. Mastering this skill will take your gameplay to the next level.
Rail Riding
Just like in NY City, the Subway level is packed with rails. The rails are positioned along the walls of the tunnels, offering a unique grinding experience. The rails are ideal for building up your scores. The key is to be precise in your approach. To be successful, you must have a good understanding of where the rails are located and how to get to them. One common strategy is to combine rail riding with train surfing. You can jump from a moving train onto a rail, and then continue your combo. As with all grinding, pay attention to the transitions. Learn how to switch your grinds, as well as transition to new rails, to create the most optimal combos. Combining rail riding with other tricks, such as manuals and wall rides, can lead to incredible scores. Rail riding in the Subway level is a great way to improve your overall gameplay. By mastering rail riding techniques, you'll become more efficient at building combos and navigating the level. This skill is critical for achieving high scores and completing the game's challenges. Remember to always be on the lookout for rails and experiment with different techniques. Happy grinding!
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Combo Mastery
Guys, let's talk about combos! Combos are the heart of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. To truly dominate these levels, you need to be a combo master. This means linking together tricks, grinds, and manuals to create massive scoring streaks. Begin by using manuals to seamlessly connect your tricks. A manual allows you to maintain your balance between tricks, thus preserving your combo. Then start integrating grinds into your routines. A single grind can add points, while transitioning from rail to rail can significantly boost your scores. Next, try incorporating special tricks. These are the most difficult and rewarding tricks in the game, and they generate the highest point values. Experiment with different combinations to find the ones that work for you. Mastering these skills takes practice, so don't get discouraged if you struggle at first. The more you play, the more your skills will improve, and you will eventually be able to string together some awesome combos. You should also pay attention to the level layout. Learn where the best lines are, and how to combine different obstacles to maximize your score. The best players can move fluidly throughout the level. With a little practice, you can get there too!
Secret Areas and Gaps
Both NY City and Subway are full of secret areas and gaps waiting to be discovered. Gaps offer bonus points for performing tricks over specific points in the level. These gaps often require precise timing, speed, and trick execution. Keep your eyes peeled and experiment. Many gaps are hidden in plain sight. Keep an eye out for potential jump points. One classic example is the 'Big Rail to Rail' gap. Secret areas can reward you with extra points. Discovering these areas is key for high scores and unlocking challenges. These hidden spots will require you to explore every nook and cranny. You should take time to explore the hidden passageways, and you can unlock even more secret areas and challenges. A lot of the fun in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater lies in discovering these secrets. Make it a point to search the level for the best secret areas. You will soon become an expert level explorer.
Character Selection and Customization
Don't forget to choose the right character! Each character in the game has their own unique stats and special tricks. For example, some characters are better suited for speed, while others excel in balance. Try out different characters and find the ones that best match your play style. In addition, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater also offers extensive customization options. You can customize your skater's appearance, as well as their board. Customization allows you to express your personality, while setting yourself up for success. Experiment with the different characters and customization options until you find the perfect setup for you.
Conclusion: Shred On!
So there you have it, guys! With this guide, you're well on your way to conquering the NY City and Subway levels in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2. Remember to practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun. Shred it up and enjoy the ride! Now get out there and start landing those combos!