Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Review: Kick, Push, Coast

by

Upon launching Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 by Activision and Vicarious Visions, fans anticipated remakes of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 as well. Remarkably, the 2020 release is almost identical to the original versions of the first two games, which are highly praised in the series and frequently favored by fans. Given their exceptional ratings and popularity among gamers, it was logical to assume that Activision would eventually produce a sequel. Unfortunately, Vicarious Visions’ closure dashed any hopes for revisiting these acclaimed skateboarding games. As such, the existence of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 feels like an extraordinary occurrence.

The game THPS 3 and 4 is accessible on a variety of gaming platforms, offering fans a familiar gameplay experience similar to THPS 1 and 2 but set within the stages of THPS 3 and 4. In an article I wrote back in March 2025, I proposed that this new content should have been released as DLC for THPS 1 and 2 due to its similar gameplay with a few additional features. However, upon completing the Career Mode, achieving every pro goal, gathering all stat points and cash hidden across each stage, I must say that THPS 3 and 4 is packed with content and serves as an impressive remake of two beloved installments in the skateboarding series, despite certain noticeable flaws.

Let’s address an obvious issue straight away: The remakes THPS 3+4 unfortunately don’t do justice to THPS 4. The 2002 version revolutionized the series by enabling players to roam freely through stages and choose quests at their convenience. This opened up humorous scenarios, such as the tennis match in College or the shopping cart race at Alcatraz, which were impossible in earlier games. Moreover, these elements served as a base for subsequent releases like Tony Hawk’s Underground and Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland. However, Iron Galaxy’s take on the fourth entry reintroduces the two-minute goal challenges from the initial three games. So, fans expecting a faithful recreation of THPS 4 might find themselves let down.

In THPS 3 and 4, the experience remains enjoyable, despite THPS 4 not being directly represented. The two-minute timer and objectives for these stages are well-executed. For those seeking humorous objectives, some have been replicated in this game, such as assisting the painter in San Francisco and hearing Ranger Ron’s story in Alcatraz. These objectives come with a funny cutscene too. Although it might not perfectly replicate THPS 4, it manages to capture the right elements, although I believe there are some debatable modifications like turning the Zoo into a competition level.

In the evolution of THPS 4 from THPS 3, there are three fresh levels introduced: Waterpark, Movie Studio, and Pinball. The Movie Studio level is designed for competitions, whereas Waterpark and Pinball offer new objectives to accomplish. All these stages give off a classic vibe reminiscent of the original THPS levels.

Each level hides intriguing mysteries and unique features that give them their own charm, yet there are aspects about their design that I find questionable. Some stages seem overly congested with challenges; this issue is particularly noticeable in Pinball mode where the ball could potentially squash the skater at any instant. At times, the levels may appear disorganized, but on the whole, I commend Iron Galaxy for creating levels that genuinely reflect the series’ essence.

In essence, the core gameplay from THPS 1+2 has remained unaltered in THPS 3+4. The primary modification introduced is a feature called skitching, enabling players to cling onto the back of a vehicle for a speed burst upon release. Given that the gameplay in THPS 1+2 is nearly flawless, the same can be said about the gameplay in THPS 3+4.

I have some concerns about the gameplay in THPS 3+4, even though it’s almost perfect. While I’m thrilled that skitching is back, there are a couple of issues that disappointed me. For example, getting off a skitch. In previous games, if a skater was skitching on a car and failed the balance meter, they could move the meter to one side of the car and let go, allowing them to keep skating without falling. However, in THPS 3+4, failing the balance meter always results in a fall. Additionally, it appears that skitching can’t be performed with a vehicle head-on; instead, the player must be at the back of the car, which was not necessary in THPS 4.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that skaters are unable to spin while performing flatground tricks, such as the pogo or truckstand, in this game. This was a challenge I faced in THPS 1+2, and since THPS 3+4 adopts the same trick system, this issue persists here. However, when considering the overall gameplay, these concerns are relatively minor. Many argue that the gameplay in THPS 3+4 is the best in the series. It’s merely a matter of a few adjustments before it becomes an almost flawless representation of the classic gameplay in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series.

The same principle can be extended to the soundtracks of THPS 3 and 4. The skateboarding series is renowned for its exceptional licensed soundtracks, with the first four games being particularly cherished by fans who have been with the series since its inception in 1999. It’s worth noting that a weak THPS soundtrack can significantly impact the game, given its strong association with the franchise’s legacy. Luckily, THPS 3+4 manages to impress by resurrecting some classics from the originals while favoring newer tracks that align well with the typical THPS soundtrack style.

It’s disappointing not to find tracks like “Wish” by Alien Ant Farm and “T.N.T.” by AC/DC on the list, but adding bands such as Turnstile and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard is an excellent choice for a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack. The original lineup includes some bands with new songs, like Iron Maiden’s “2 Minutes to Midnight” instead of “Number of the Beast,” which provides a fresh take while still honoring the spirit of the classic releases.

One captivating aspect that stands out in THPS 3+4 is its abundance of engaging content. There’s always something new to explore. Upon wrapping up the Career Mode and achieving all objectives, players are granted access to Solo Tour, allowing them to relive the game as their preferred professional skater. This mode also introduces variations in the goals, ensuring a fresh experience each time.

Additionally, you’ll encounter a diverse array of tasks to conquer, ranging from easy feats such as exploring all the filters within Photo Mode, to more demanding ones like attaining a million-point score at the Pinball arena. The game offers multiple play styles, including the Single Session mode where players strive for the highest score, the Speedrun mode that challenges players to complete each level’s objectives in record time, Free Skate, and numerous multiplayer options, ensuring endless skating fun.

In addition to THPS 3+4, you’ll find the largest cast ever assembled for this series. Characters from THPS 1+2 make a return, alongside fresh and clandestine skaters. Skateboarding legends such as Andrew Reynolds and Elissa Steamer join an impressive array of contemporary skaters like Jamie Foy and Nora Vasconcellos, who are all playable characters. This roster undoubtedly represents the series’ best lineup in its 26-year history.

In THPS 3 and 4, users are given the opportunity to design their own skater character. This is reminiscent of the personalization options available in THPS 1 and 2, where you could choose from a range of decks, wheels, trucks, grip tape, and clothing from various skate-related brands. However, compared to its predecessor, the customization tools seem somewhat limited in scope.

The new game retains many elements from its predecessor, yet it lacks some notable options, such as clothing items from Nike. Though players can use Nike shoes for their sponsored pros, there are no Nike-branded clothes to dress the custom skater in. Despite this somewhat restricted selection, I was still able to design my desired character. I had hoped that future updates would enhance the customization options even more.

While it might be tempting to point out minor flaws in THPS 3+4, this is mainly because the games it draws from are so iconic. Yet, when considering the bigger picture, these issues are quite insignificant. Miraculously, Iron Galaxy has crafted a reliable successor to THPS 1+2, one that I’m certain will keep me entertained for hours. Although it may not perfectly replicate two of the greatest video games ever made, whether you’re an old fan or a newcomer, THPS 3+4 is definitely worth playing.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 are now available on various platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (both new and old versions), and PC. I was given a review copy of the game by the publisher to write this review.

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/tony-hawks-pro-skater-thps-games-ranked-best-worst/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-11 18:11