THPS 1+2: NYC Subway Rail Grind Guide
Hey guys! Ready to shred some serious rails in the Big Apple? In Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, the NYC level is iconic, and mastering those subway rail grinds is key to racking up insane scores and completing challenges. Let's dive into how you can become a subway surfing pro in no time. This guide will break down the best spots, tricks, and strategies to dominate those rails.
Understanding the NYC Subway Environment
Before you even think about grinding, you've gotta know the lay of the land, or in this case, the tunnels! The NYC level in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is packed with opportunities, but the subway area is where the real magic happens. Understanding the layout, the rail placements, and the transition points is super important. Take some time to just cruise around. Don't even worry about tricks at first. Get a feel for where the rails are located, how high they are, and what kind of gaps you'll need to clear to get to them. Look for the natural lines – the routes that let you flow seamlessly from one grind to the next. Knowing these things will help you plan your runs and maximize your score.
Also, keep an eye out for the little details. Where are the ramps that lead to the rails? Are there any hidden areas or shortcuts that can give you an edge? The more familiar you are with the environment, the better you'll be able to adapt on the fly and nail those tricky grinds. Pay special attention to the height and length of each rail. Some rails are perfect for long, sustained grinds, while others are better suited for quick hops and transitions. Knowing this will help you choose the right tricks for each spot and keep your combo going.
Finally, don't underestimate the importance of speed. Speed is your friend when it comes to grinding. It gives you more momentum to clear gaps, maintain your balance, and link together multiple tricks. Use the environment to your advantage. Grind downhill sections to build up speed, and use ramps to launch yourself onto higher rails. With a little practice, you'll be flying through the subway system like a true pro.
Finding the Prime Grind Spots
Okay, so you've scoped out the subway and you're ready to grind? Sweet! But where are the best spots to pull off those epic tricks? The NYC level is full of 'em, but let's focus on the prime locations for maximizing your grind potential. These are the spots that offer the longest rails, the easiest access, and the most opportunities for linking together combos. Mastering these areas will give you a huge advantage and help you crush those high scores. The long rails that run the length of the subway platforms are obvious choices, but don't overlook the shorter rails around the staircases and escalators. These can be great for quick tricks and transitions.
One of the best spots is the long set of rails that runs along the main platform. These rails are perfect for practicing your basic grinds and building up your balance. Start with simple tricks like 50-50s and boardslides, and then gradually move on to more advanced maneuvers like nosegrinds and tailslides. Once you're comfortable with the basics, try linking together multiple tricks with manuals and ollies. Remember, the key to a high score is to keep your combo going as long as possible.
Another great spot is the upper level of the subway station, where you'll find a series of rails and platforms that are perfect for grinding and tricking. This area is a bit more challenging than the main platform, but it offers a lot of opportunities for creative lines and big air tricks. Experiment with different approaches and see what you can come up with. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish with a little practice. Also, don't forget to explore the side areas and hidden tunnels. You never know what kind of grind spots you might find.
Mastering the Art of the Grind
Alright, you've found the spots, now let's talk technique. Grinding in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is all about timing, balance, and knowing your tricks. It's not enough to just jump onto a rail and hope for the best. You need to have a plan, and you need to execute it flawlessly. That means mastering the basics of grinding, like ollies, grinds, and manuals, and then learning how to combine them into complex combos. Focus on maintaining your balance. The balance meter is your best friend. Keep it centered by making small adjustments with the control stick. If you start to wobble, don't panic. Just ease off on the tricks and focus on regaining your balance. With a little practice, you'll be able to ride even the longest rails with ease.
First, practice your approach. A clean approach is essential for a successful grind. Make sure you're lined up properly and that you have enough speed to clear any gaps. Use ramps and inclines to your advantage, and try to maintain a consistent speed throughout your run. Once you're ready to grind, time your ollie perfectly. You want to jump just before you reach the rail, so that you land cleanly in your grind. Too early, and you'll miss the rail. Too late, and you'll crash. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment with different timings until you find what works best for you.
Next, experiment with different grind tricks. There are dozens of different grind tricks in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, each with its own unique style and difficulty. Start with the basic grinds, like 50-50s, boardslides, and lipslides, and then gradually move on to more advanced tricks like nosegrinds, tailslides, and darkslides. As you become more comfortable with the different grinds, try linking them together with manuals and ollies. This is where the real magic happens. By combining different tricks and transitions, you can create endless combos and rack up insane scores. Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment. Try new things, push your limits, and see what you can come up with.
Linking Grinds and Combos for Maximum Score
So, you can grind – awesome! But you want massive points, right? That's where linking grinds and creating combos comes in. Linking grinds is all about flowing seamlessly from one trick to the next, without ever touching the ground. It's the key to a high score, and it's what separates the pros from the amateurs. The first step is to master the manual. Manuals are essential for linking together grinds and other tricks. Practice riding manuals in a straight line, and then try incorporating them into your combos. The key is to maintain your balance and keep your speed up. Once you're comfortable with manuals, you can start experimenting with different transitions.
One of the easiest ways to link grinds is to use the ollie. An ollie allows you to jump from one rail to another, maintaining your combo and adding extra points to your score. Time your ollie perfectly, and make sure you're lined up with the next rail. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try flipping into or out of your grinds. This will add even more points to your score, but it's also a bit more risky. Start with simple flips, like kickflips and heelflips, and then gradually move on to more advanced tricks like double flips and varials.
Another great way to link grinds is to use reverts. Reverts allow you to quickly change direction while maintaining your combo. This is especially useful for navigating tight corners or for setting up for another grind. To perform a revert, simply press the revert button (usually the same button you use for manuals) while you're in the air. With a little practice, you'll be able to revert into and out of grinds with ease. Finally, don't forget to use the environment to your advantage. Look for ramps, ledges, and other obstacles that you can use to launch yourself into the air and perform even more tricks. The more creative you are with your lines, the higher your score will be.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Okay, you're grinding like a champ, linking combos, and racking up points. What's next? Time to take it to the next level! Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you become a true Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 master. These are the techniques that will separate you from the competition and help you achieve those elusive high scores. First, master the art of the wallride. Wallrides can be used to gain speed, access new areas, and add extra points to your score. To perform a wallride, simply approach a wall at an angle and press the grind button. You'll ride along the wall for a short distance, and then you can ollie off to continue your combo.
Next, learn how to use the special meter to your advantage. The special meter fills up as you perform tricks, and when it's full, you can unleash a special trick that's worth a ton of points. Each skater has their own unique special tricks, so experiment with different skaters to find the ones that you like best. Some special tricks are easier to perform than others, but they're all worth learning. When you're ready to perform a special trick, simply press the special trick button (usually the same button you use for grabs) while your special meter is full.
Another advanced tip is to pay attention to your landing. A clean landing is essential for maintaining your combo and avoiding a crash. Try to land on all four wheels whenever possible, and avoid landing too hard. If you're landing a big trick, try to land on a ramp or incline to cushion the impact. With a little practice, you'll be able to land even the most difficult tricks with ease. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different lines and approaches. The more creative you are, the more fun you'll have, and the higher your score will be.
Conclusion
So there you have it, guys! Your guide to mastering those NYC subway rail grinds in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if you don't nail it right away. Keep at it, experiment with different tricks and lines, and most importantly, have fun! With a little dedication, you'll be grinding like a pro in no time. Now get out there and shred those rails!