Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 Review

The most egregious addition maps a downward "slam" move to the same button as grinding (Triangle/Y). This frequently leads to accidental slams that kill momentum and ruin combos when trying to hit a rail.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 (THPS5) is widely regarded as the lowest point in the storied franchise's history . Released in 2015 to meet a dying licensing agreement, the game arrived in what many described as an "alpha" state, plagued by game-breaking glitches and a lack of creative soul. Even as of April 2026, it remains a cautionary tale of a rushed, unpolished production. Core Gameplay & Mechanics Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5

The game's reliance on a "social hub" system often causes lag and frame-rate drops even when attempting to play solo. Current State & Accessibility (2026) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5: Before You Buy The most egregious addition maps a downward "slam"

The sense of growth is absent. Stat upgrades often feel unnoticeable, and moving from one map to another requires completing repetitive "chores" rather than engaging missions. Technical Performance Released in 2015 to meet a dying licensing

While the foundational skating controls are theoretically functional, they are hampered by bizarre design choices: