There was a time when anyone could pick up a pad and chase high-scores in a skating game. And then the Tony Hawk titles withered away, the

Levels in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 can be played with up to 20 other people in a freeskate mode where everyone just hangs out and tricks together. Once you’ve gathered friends, you can queue up to do missions together, challenge everyone in the session to a high-score challenge chases.

Pro Skater 5’s online mode is designed to serve as a player lobby, without the pressure of having to find something to do, and the inconvenience of sitting through menus to do it. It should feel like a real skate park, where friends can compete, teach or learn, and generally just chill out with each other.

Finally, Robomodo has introduced the ability to create skate parks, with on-the-fly editing and remixing. As you character jumps into the air, you can slide into the creation mode and place a grind or a ramp in the perfect place. All of your creations can then be shared online for others to enjoy.

There’s a classic feel to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 that--thanks in large part to the soundtrack--ignited a feeling of nostalgia for the originals and then immediately satiated it. As as unskilled Tony Hawk player, I’m excited to see the series return, and glad to see that it’s sticking so close to its roots.