Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2: Streets - 50 Around The Fountain
Hey guys! Are you ready to grind your way to glory in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2? One of the trickier challenges in the game, especially in the "Streets" level, is pulling off the "50 Around the Fountain." It sounds simple enough, but nailing it consistently can be a real test of your skills. Don't worry, though; I'm here to break it down for you step-by-step, so you can conquer this challenge and show off your grinding prowess. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Challenge: 50 Around the Fountain
So, what exactly does "50 Around the Fountain" mean? Well, it's pretty literal. You need to perform a 50-50 grind around the entire fountain in the "Streets" level. A 50-50 grind involves locking both of your trucks onto the edge of an object and grinding along it. The catch here is that you need to maintain the grind all the way around the fountain without bailing. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast!
This challenge requires a combination of precision, balance, and a bit of luck. The fountain's edge isn't perfectly smooth, and there are a couple of spots where it's easy to get hung up or lose your balance. Plus, you'll need enough speed to make it all the way around without stalling. Before attempting the 50 Around the Fountain challenge, ensure you are comfortable with the 50-50 grind itself. Practice grinding on other ledges and rails to get a feel for the timing and balance required. A solid foundation in basic grinding will make this challenge much easier.
Stats Matter: Before you even think about grinding, check your skater's stats. Focus on stats like Ollie, Speed, and Balance. Upgrading these stats will give you a significant advantage. Higher Ollie allows you to jump higher and cleaner onto the fountain's edge. More Speed ensures you maintain momentum throughout the grind. Better Balance helps you stay on the grind longer without bailing. If your stats are low, spend some time grinding other objects and completing challenges to earn stat points. Even small improvements can make a big difference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Nailing the Grind
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually pull off the "50 Around the Fountain" challenge. Follow these steps, and you'll be grinding like a pro in no time!
1. Positioning and Approach
First things first, you need to position yourself correctly. Start by approaching the fountain from a slight angle. Approaching straight on can make it harder to lock into the grind smoothly. An angle allows for a more natural transition onto the edge. Find a starting point on the fountain's edge that feels comfortable for you. Some players prefer starting near one of the corners, while others prefer a straight section. Experiment to see what works best for your style. As you approach, make sure you have enough speed. Too slow, and you'll stall out before you even get started. Too fast, and you risk overshooting the grind or losing control. Find that sweet spot where you have enough momentum to carry you around the fountain, but not so much that you can't control your skater.
2. The Ollie and Grind
As you approach the fountain, time your ollie perfectly. You want to ollie high enough to clear the edge and lock both of your trucks onto the fountain. Not too high, or you'll risk missing the grind entirely. Use the 50-50 grind input as you make contact with the fountain's edge. For most control schemes, this involves pressing Up on the D-pad or Analog Stick along with the Grind button. Execute the input precisely to ensure a clean lock onto the grind. Once you're locked into the 50-50 grind, it's all about maintaining your balance. Use subtle adjustments on the D-pad or Analog Stick to keep your skater centered. If you start to lean too far to one side, gently correct your balance to stay on the grind. Focus on making small, precise adjustments rather than large, jerky movements.
3. Maintaining Balance and Speed
This is where the challenge really begins. As you grind around the fountain, you'll encounter uneven sections and corners that can throw you off balance. The key is to anticipate these obstacles and adjust accordingly. Watch your skater closely. Pay attention to their body language and how they're reacting to the terrain. If you see them starting to lean or wobble, be ready to make a quick adjustment. Use the D-pad or Analog Stick to correct your balance and keep them centered on the grind. Maintaining speed is also crucial. If you start to slow down, you'll lose momentum and eventually stall out. To maintain speed, try pumping. Pumping involves quickly tapping the Ollie button while on the grind. This can give you a small burst of speed to help you get over rough patches and keep your momentum going.
4. The Final Stretch
As you approach the end of the fountain, don't get complacent! It's easy to lose focus in the final stretch and bail right before the finish line. Stay focused and continue to make small adjustments to maintain your balance. Keep your eyes on your skater and anticipate any last-minute obstacles. Once you've made it all the way around the fountain, you've successfully completed the challenge! Celebrate your victory with a well-deserved revert and manual.
Pro Tips for Maximum Grinding
Alright, now that you know the basics, let's take it to the next level with some pro tips that will help you master the "50 Around the Fountain" challenge.
- Use Manuals: If you're struggling to maintain speed, try incorporating manuals into your grind. Hop off the grind for a brief manual, then jump back on. This can give you a speed boost and help you clear those tricky sections.
- Grind Combos: For extra points and style, try linking the "50 Around the Fountain" into a larger combo. Start with a trick before the grind, and end with a revert and manual after completing the grind. This will not only impress your friends but also help you rack up those high scores.
- Experiment with Different Skaters: Each skater has slightly different stats and abilities. Experiment with different skaters to find one that suits your playstyle and makes the challenge easier. Some skaters may have better balance or speed, giving you an edge.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if you don't nail the challenge on your first try. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually get the hang of it. The more you practice, the better you'll become at anticipating obstacles and maintaining your balance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best strategies, you might still run into some common issues. Let's troubleshoot some of the most frequent problems players encounter.
- Bailing on Corners: If you're consistently bailing on the corners of the fountain, try approaching them at a slightly wider angle. This can give you more room to adjust your balance and avoid getting hung up on the edge.
- Losing Speed: If you're losing speed and stalling out, focus on pumping more frequently. A quick tap of the Ollie button can make a big difference in maintaining your momentum.
- Inconsistent Grinds: If you're having trouble locking into the grind consistently, make sure you're timing your ollie and grind input correctly. Practice the timing until it becomes second nature.
- Balance Issues: If you're constantly losing your balance, try making smaller, more frequent adjustments on the D-pad or Analog Stick. Overcorrecting can often make the problem worse.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, guys! Mastering the "50 Around the Fountain" challenge in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 can be tough, but with practice and the right strategies, you'll be grinding like a legend in no time. Remember to focus on your stats, perfect your approach, maintain your balance, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. Now get out there and shred! And don't forget to have fun while you're at it. Skateboarding is all about pushing your limits and enjoying the ride. Happy grinding!