Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 review: Rebuilt but still rad

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As a blend of sequel and reboot, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 takes you on a trip down memory lane, back when boy bands dominated MTV’s Total Request Live and saving your PS2 game progress was all about those handy memory cards. It was a more straightforward time, yet the Pro Skater series provided an exhilarating way to embody Tony Hawk without even needing a real skateboard.

Today, even though the world has transformed significantly, these classic games continue to stand firm due to contemporary enhancements and an interface that harks back to their remake era. While Pro Skater 3 stays loyal to its origins, Pro Skater 4 embarks on a unique journey, redefining itself in ways that might catch long-term fans off guard. Yet, as a collective, this collection of arcade legends offers enough nostalgic allure for players to rekindle their past triumphs.

Radical Rewind

As a hardcore gamer, I’ve always been hooked on the thrill of pulling off swift tricks, creating slick combos, and racing against time to score big in the iconic Skater Pro series. It’s a heart-pounding arcade experience that feels tailor-made for skating legends like Tony Hawk himself. Remarkably, this remake preserves that very essence, delivering an adrenaline rush just as intense as the original. Powered by the same technology and engine as the Skater Pro 1 + 2 remakes, every grind, flip, and manual in this game feels fluid and responsive, keeping the action smooth and exciting.

It’s remarkable to see how Iron Galaxy has breathed new life into these timeless settings. The maps have undergone a facelift with modern graphics and striking lighting techniques, yet they retain their original structure and essence. Devotees of levels such as Foundry and Suburbia will swiftly identify them, while also admiring the enhanced visual appeal. The game maintains a swift pace at 60 frames per second without compromising its aesthetic charm.

The music in this soundtrack varies quite a bit. Just about 10 tracks carry over from the earlier games, regrettably leaving out popular tunes such as “Fight Like a Brave” and “Express Yourself.” Although Tony Hawk views this change as a chance to explore new music, it seems that licensing difficulties might have been significant factors in their absence. Nevertheless, the new tracks, spanning from grunge to techno to rap, manage to preserve the original feel and possibly introduce players to some exciting new favorites.

PROS:

  1. Addictive, classic arcade gameplay that feels fast and smooth;
  2. levels look polished, fresh, but still retain their nostalgia;
  3. plenty of content from two classic games and then some.

CONS:

  1. Not your father’s Pro Skater 4;
  2. soundtrack is missing 80% of the original tracks.

Built to Shred Again

In terms of gameplay, the advantage of Pro Skater 3 lies in maintaining the consistent structure from the remake of 1 + 2. Each stage presents you with a variety of objectives to accomplish within a two-minute timeframe. These tasks might include spelling S-K-A-T-E by gathering letters, executing a signature trick, or earning 60,000 points. As you successfully complete each goal, new levels become accessible. This is classic Pro Skater, and the enhanced visuals along with the smooth mechanics make every session engaging and satisfying.

For “Pro Skater 3”, this layout fits perfectly since it replicates the original game’s layout. On the other hand, “Pro Skater 4” deviated significantly from its roots as it initially offered a free-roaming, open-level design without any timers. Instead of competing against time, players could roam around vast areas and take up challenges presented by non-player characters they met. This change signified the series’ transition towards more story-focused games like “Underground” and “American Wasteland”.

As a diehard gamer, I’ve got to say, they’ve given the new version of Pro Skater 4 a fresh spin by molding it into the classic two-minute challenge format, putting it on par with the other three games. For old-timers like me, this change might be a bit jarring, as it seems to take away some of the unique charm that set Pro Skater 4 apart. Even the once bustling zoo level feels strange now, with no sign of animals roaming around anymore.

Reflecting on how it influenced later Tony Hawk games, it’s a letdown that the fourth installment seemingly abandoned its unique character to conform with other remakes. Although it harmonizes perfectly with Pro Skater 3, the absence of its original freeform gameplay makes it seem more like an addition rather than a standalone title. Nevertheless, it still manages to preserve the excitement and smoothness that characterized the series, providing an enjoyable arcade experience—though perhaps not exactly as you recall it. If you’ve never played the original version, you likely won’t notice the differences.

The redesigned structure keeps you engrossed, making it hard to stop playing. Each new stage offers a decision: pursue particular objectives or delve freely to discover hidden items. You may initiate a game intending to collect S-K-A-T-E letters, but find yourself shifting towards achieving high scores if you manage to connect multiple combos from quarter pipes. Three additional stages have been included, fitting seamlessly into the existing ones, preserving the same lively arcade feel and rhythm.

Modern Updates

Beyond the strong solo career option, multiplayer retains its consistency with the remakes of 1 + 2, catering to both online and local play. Whether it’s vying for top scores or creating the longest combos, the fundamental aspects remain the same. A fresh addition called “Hawk” adds a twist: players secretly place the letters H-A-W-K across the map, and others must locate them before time expires. Multiplayer also offers a free-roam feature that allows you and your friends to practice and explore before any score-focused match begins.

The team of skaters has been increased, and this time around, don’t expect any hidden Star Wars characters such as Death Maul (our apologies to fans). However, a new group of contemporary skaters will be joining veterans like Chad Muska and Bam Margera. Additionally, Create-a-Park is making a comeback, offering the same extensive customization options, but with an extra feature that allows you to set your own goals, providing even more flexibility for tailoring the ultimate skating competition.

Final Thoughts

“As a hardcore gamer, I can tell you that Pro Skater 3 + 4 is jam-packed with content reminiscent of the originals. There’s a plethora of challenges to conquer and levels to traverse, all while keeping that nostalgic vibe from more than two decades ago alive. The graphics might be sleeker and the gameplay smoother than I remember, but the essence remains unchanged.”

Although some fans might be disappointed that Pro Skater 4 deviated from its original open-world setup and lacked certain classic tracks in the soundtrack, it’s undeniable that Iron Galaxy made a considerable effort to ensure both games maintained a consistent feel. Essentially, this remake provides players with two opportunities to revisit their skating prime, while also offering a taste of history to newcomers, presented through a contemporary perspective.

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2025-07-15 12:33