Tony Hawk's: NYC Subway Rail Grind Guide

Alright, guys, let's dive into the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, and kickflips are a way of life – New York City in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater! Specifically, we're going to break down how to absolutely shred those subway rails. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie just getting your bearings, mastering the art of the grind on NYC's intricate subway system is crucial for racking up those high scores and completing those tricky challenges. So, grab your board, tighten those trucks, and let's get started!

Mastering the Grind: General Tips and Tricks

Before we delve into the specific spots around the NYC subway, let's cover some essential grinding techniques that will serve as your foundation. Grinding, at its core, is all about balance and timing. You need to approach the rail with enough speed to get on, maintain your balance while you're sliding, and then pop off at the opportune moment. Here's a breakdown:

• Approach Speed: Speed is your friend. Too little, and you'll bail before you even get started. Too much, and you might overshoot your landing. Find that sweet spot by experimenting with different run-ups. Use the environment to your advantage – ramps, slopes, and even other rails can help you build up the necessary momentum.
• Ollie Precision: Your ollie is the gateway to a successful grind. Practice getting your ollies consistent and precise. You want to clear the rail cleanly and land with both trucks locked on. Pay attention to your angle of approach – a slight angle can help you lock into the grind more smoothly.
• Balance is Key: Once you're grinding, your balance meter becomes your lifeline. Keep it centered by using the left and right directional buttons (or the analog stick) to adjust your weight. Don't overcorrect, or you'll risk wobbling and bailing. Small, controlled adjustments are the name of the game.
• Grind Transitions: Don't be afraid to link grinds together. If you see another rail or ledge nearby, try to ollie from one grind to another. This is where the real points start to accumulate. Experiment with different ollie angles and grind types to find the most seamless transitions.
• Manuals are Your Friend: After you pop off a grind, land in a manual to keep your combo going. Manuals are tricky to master, but they're essential for stringing together those massive scores. Practice transitioning smoothly from a grind to a manual, and vice versa.
• Know Your Grinds: Different grinds have different properties. Some are faster, some are more stable, and some look cooler. Experiment with different grinds to find the ones that suit your style and the specific rail you're riding. Some of the most common grinds include the 50-50, the boardslide, the noseslide, and the crooked grind. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so learn them all!

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if you bail a few times. Just keep at it, and you'll be grinding those rails like a pro in no time!

Prime Subway Rail Spots: A Detailed Breakdown

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the NYC subway system in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. This level is packed with opportunities for grinding, but some spots are definitely more prime than others. We'll walk through some key areas and provide tips on how to maximize your grind potential.

The Iconic Subway Entrance Rails

As soon as you spawn into the level, you're greeted with a classic New York sight: a subway entrance. And what's a subway entrance without some nice, inviting rails? These rails are perfect for practicing your basic grinds and getting a feel for the level. The key here is to approach them with enough speed and a clean ollie. Try different angles of approach to find the sweet spot for locking into your grind. Once you're comfortable, start experimenting with linking grinds together by ollieing from one rail to another. Don't forget to land in a manual to keep your combo going!

The Elevated Train Tracks

Head up to the elevated train tracks, and you'll find a whole new world of grinding opportunities. The tracks themselves are lined with rails that stretch for quite a distance, allowing you to rack up some serious points. The challenge here is maintaining your balance over the long grind. Pay close attention to your balance meter and make small, controlled adjustments to stay centered. Also, be on the lookout for gaps and obstacles along the rails. You'll need to time your ollies carefully to avoid bailing. This is a good place to practice linking grinds and manuals together for maximum score potential. Remember to use the environment to your advantage; there are often ramps and platforms nearby that you can use to build up speed and launch into your grinds.

The Underground Platforms

Venture down into the underground platforms, and you'll discover a network of rails and ledges that are perfect for technical grinding. These areas are often more cramped and confined than the elevated tracks, so you'll need to be precise with your ollies and grinds. Look for opportunities to grind along the edges of the platforms, or to ollie from one platform to another. This is a great place to practice your more advanced grinds, such as the crooked grind or the noseslide. The key here is to be creative and to use the environment to your advantage. Look for hidden lines and opportunities to link grinds together in unexpected ways. Also, be aware of the train schedule! Getting hit by a train is a surefire way to end your combo.

Hidden Spots and Secret Areas

NYC is full of secrets, and the subway system is no exception. Keep an eye out for hidden spots and secret areas that offer unique grinding opportunities. For example, you might find a hidden rail behind a wall, or a secret platform that leads to a massive grind. Exploring these areas is part of the fun of the game, so don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path. These hidden spots often require more advanced techniques to reach, but the rewards are well worth it. Not only will you discover new grinding opportunities, but you'll also earn bragging rights for finding the most obscure spots in the level.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Grinds to the Next Level

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to take your grinds to the next level. Here are some advanced techniques that will help you rack up even more points and impress your friends:

• Reverts: Reverts allow you to quickly change direction while in a manual, which is essential for linking grinds together in complex combos. To perform a revert, simply tap the ollie button while you're in a manual. This will cause your skater to spin 180 degrees, allowing you to continue your combo in the opposite direction. Practice incorporating reverts into your grind combos to keep your score multiplier going.
• Acid Drops: Acid drops involve jumping from a high platform onto a rail or ledge below. This is a risky maneuver, but it can pay off big time if you land it correctly. To perform an acid drop, simply ollie off the edge of a platform and aim for a rail or ledge below. The key is to time your ollie perfectly so that you land with both trucks locked on. Acid drops are a great way to add some flair to your grind combos and to earn extra points.
• Ghetto Blasters: Ghetto blasters are a type of special trick that involves grinding along a rail while performing a grab trick. This is a difficult maneuver to pull off, but it looks incredibly stylish and earns you a ton of points. To perform a ghetto blaster, you'll need to have a special trick assigned to a grab button. Then, while you're grinding along a rail, press the grab button to perform the trick. The key is to time your grab trick so that it coincides with your grind. Ghetto blasters are a great way to show off your skills and to dominate the leaderboards.

Conclusion: Own the NYC Subway

So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to grinding the subway rails in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater's New York City. Remember, it's all about practice, patience, and a little bit of creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and to explore the level to its fullest. With enough practice, you'll be grinding those rails like a pro in no time. Now get out there and shred! The NYC subway awaits, and it's time to show it who's boss. Happy skating!