Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD preview

by Dave Rudden

Pro Skater HD includes far more facial definition than previous games in the franchise. Who knew there was so much rage in skateboarding?

As The Birdman himself will attest, you can’t master the art of skateboarding without taking risks and falling down. The two most recent entries in the Tony Hawk franchise certainly reflect that, as the plastic-peripheral-packed Ride and Shred were unquestionable disasters. All parties involved have pulled themselves off the ground after that brutal spill, though, with a classic trick in mind for the next leap off the ramp — an HD reimagining of the original Pro Skater and its sequel’s best levels.
We got to check out the iconic Warehouse — the first stage of the debut THPS. On one hand, it’s not the ideal locale to showcase the HD upgrade given to Tony’s old proving grounds (it’s browner than some of Gears of War’s dullest levels), but it did provide a glimpse at how the game will stay true to its skating roots. Not a single element of the stage was out of place — the rails, ramps, and bumps in the road were exactly where we remembered them, and the hidden tchotchkes were in the same spots as before, too. Though when Tony blasted through the glass-encased room above the half-pipe, we could have sworn we saw a disc in place of the tape…

If Robomodo limits the feature set to the first two THPS games, grinding will be essential for nailing high scores.

Other parts of Pro Skater HD are similarly skating between honoring the classics and treading newer ground. We know manuals will be included, but an Activision rep couldn’t confirm the presence of THPS 3’s revert or Project 8’s “nail-a-trick” option, stating that Robomodo is trying to “take the best of the old games.”
The iconic soundtracks are also in the air. Due to the nature of music licenses, Activision can’t pluck the original tunes from the first or second THPS without again paying the artists involved. The publisher’s social-media guru (and former OXM editor) Dan Amrich noted the most likely scenario would be to see a “mix of some classic tracks with new music.”

Since manuals are a part of the game, how about we kick up the measly 15,000 point goal from THPS’ Warehouse level?

Many months still stand between us and our skate down memory lane with Tony and Co., and while our first look at the series’ most famous stage hit the right nostalgic notes, there’s still plenty more to learn when it comes to almost every facet of the game. At the very least, we’re happy to say, for the first time in almost a half-decade, that we’re looking forward to the next Tony Hawk game.

How to Maintain Clean an Xbox 360

Microsoft's disclaimer pertaining to your Xbox 360 states that if you open, temper, or strip the warranty seal, your Xbox will lose its warranty coverage. That is a pretty standard disclaimer for products sheltered under warranty. Therefore, if your Xbox is covered under warranty, don't open it. Contact customer service and have it serviced at one of Microsoft's service centers.

The inside of an Xbox doesn't get dirty. It may  get dusty, but it would require a lot of dust in order to disturb operation. Cleaning the outside of your Xbox is a rapid and simple  process.

Cleaning Your Xbox 360 Console

Unplug all the cords and execute a visual inspection of the outside of your Xbox. Look for stains, dirt, and accumulations of junk. As long as you are not using your Xbox as a beer coaster,mono table or a foot rest, you shouldn't have any main buildup. Also, keeping your house clean and dusting occasionally will reduce the likelihood of your Xbox getting dirty.


If you locate atad of buildup, use a dry towel to wipe the outside of your Xbox off. Don't use any liquids or solvents to wipe your Xbox. These do not mix well with the electronic components. Don't use an abrasive  cloth or scrub brush to clean your Xbox either.


Take off the faceplate carefully. Gently pull out one side of the faceplate. If that side doesn't release easily, try the other side. Utilizea dry cloth and gently wipe the outside of the ports. Don't stick anything within the ports themselves. The connections are delicate and could simply break.


Microsoft does not suggest putting things into the ventilation holes to clean them. You could damage  the fans or just drive dirt further inside your machine. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck the dust out. Don't use a air can as that may  just blow extra dust inside.


Clean the footpads with a dry towel. The footpads ought to be kept clean so that the Xbox doesn't tip over or slither. Keep our Xbox on its side to keep it from tipping over. It is designed   to be set up either way. It seems more logical.


Keep junk off the Xbox. The Xbox needs room to breathe and cool itself. Don't put clothes, beverages, or your feet on your machine. Keep it away from other electronics like DVD players, Blu-rays, and stereos. Those items may cause your Xbox to overheat.