The game uses a third-person skateboarding view and gives players a limited time to clear objectives in each stage, such as collecting letters, reaching score goals, finding hidden tape, or performing specific trick challenges. Core movement revolves around Ollies, grinds, manuals, flips, and spins, with score multipliers growing through sustained combos. Progression is based on clearing objectives and unlocking additional skaters and levels, while each character also has customizable attributes that affect speed, air, and balance. The Nintendo 64 version keeps the series' core structure centered on route planning, speed control, and consistent combo execution.

Tony Hawk

The legendary professional skater and the game’s namesake star.

Bucky Lasek

A playable pro skater known for his speed and consistency.

Rune Glifberg

A playable pro skater included in the original roster.

Rodney Mullen

A playable pro skater famous for technical flat-ground tricks.

Steve Caballero

A playable pro skater and a prominent name in the launch lineup.

Learn each stage layout first, then focus on completing the easier goals before chasing huge scores. To maximize points, link grinds, manuals, and aerial tricks into long combos instead of landing every trick separately. When hunting collectibles, build a safe route around ramps and rails so you can gather items without breaking your multiplier. For timed objectives, memorize goal locations and use one long combo to cover multiple targets efficiently.

Additional skaters, stages, and hidden content are unlocked by completing pro goals and level objectives.

Tips and tricks

Memorizing the map is more reliable than trying to freestyle every run.

Tips and tricks

Manual into grind chains are one of the best ways to extend combos.

Tips and tricks

Use rails, edges, and quarter pipes to keep combo routes alive.

User Reviews

The controls felt incredibly fresh for the time, and landing combos is still satisfying.

User Reviews

Objective design is tight, and the stages invite repeat runs and exploration.

User Reviews

It set the standard for skateboarding games by mixing skill, rhythm, and style.