The less-realistic style will ensure the game runs at a consistent framerate.
[dropcap size=small]C[/dropcap]hances are if you were a gamer in the late ’90s/early 2000’s, you’ve at least heard of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The skateboarding games developed by Neversoft received critical acclaim for their tight controls and awesome soundtracks, but the series took a new direction following 2002’s Pro Skater 4, and we haven’t seen a proper sequel since.
Well that’s about to change. Through a new developer, Robomodo, Pro Skater is returning with a fifth entry coming next month.
However, the series’ return has been met with some controversy. At this year’s Gamescom, new screenshots of the game were released, showcasing a newer, less realistic visual style, different from what was shown in previous screenshots, and what fans have come to expect from the series.
This graphical change has raised concern from some fans, fearing it may be a testament to lesser quality; especially considering the release date is only a month away.
To quell the worries of fans, Robomodo CEO Josh Tsui gave an interview with GameSpot explaining why the change in visual style for the game was made.
He explains that, “We’ve always been confident in the look we were going for, but it took a while to ensure we could maintain the framerate with this style. It was essential that the game run at 60fps at 1080p, even with 20 people skating online in the same session. We’ve achieved that, so now fans are seeing a better-looking game.”
So it appears the change was made in order to ensure the game runs smoothly and efficiently. A fair tradeoff, but some fans still dislike the new art style, many comparing it to a cartoon, and calling it cel-shaded.
Tsui disagrees with this claim, instead believing the new visuals to be more “detailed and vibrant.” He points out how the game will benefit from a more colorful aesthetic, and will allow players to focus on the skater and the terrain more clearly.
The new Pro Skater game does indeed now look much different from its predecessors, but if the game has a smooth framerate and fun gameplay, the visual change shouldn’t be a point of criticism.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 is coming to PS4 and Xbox One on September 29.
