If these new screenshots of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 look a bit different to you, it isn't just your astigmatism acting up: developer Robomodo has apparently added black outlines to all of the characters. The images, which were first posted on the The Ride Channel (a skating media network that Hawk co-founded), show a gaggle of skaters flipping and grinding across online multiplayer skateparks.
I wouldn't call THPS 5's new look cel-shaded, since the skaters still have semi-photorealistic features, they just happen to be ensconced by pencil-thin outlines. Given the at-best tepid reaction that THPS 5's visuals received since they were first revealed in May, and the fact that this significant visual tweak was rolled out less than two months before the game's release date of September 29, it does seem a bit… panicked. But hey, Borderlands didn't adopt its now-iconic comic-book style until pretty late in the game - maybe THPS 5's new look will make perfect sense in motion.
Either way, the GR+ chatroom immediately went to a very dark place upon seeing the images. Thanks for that, Dave.
Seen something newsworthy? Tell us!