Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake: The Review
A Nostalgic Revival of Skating Perfection
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is legendary. It defined a generation of gamers with its thrilling mechanics, larger-than-life tricks, and an iconic soundtrack. After the successful Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remake, Activision and Vicarious Visions were expected to continue their momentum with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake. But does it deliver the same adrenaline rush? This review dives deep into what makes this remake shine and where it could improve.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake Gameplay: Classic Mechanics With a Modern Touch
At its core, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake remains faithful to the original games. The gameplay is fluid, intuitive, and as satisfying as ever. The hallmark features of the series—grinding, flip tricks, manuals, and reverts—are all here, finely tuned for modern consoles. The addition of the refined physics engine makes every move feel smoother and more responsive than before.
The game maintains its signature two-minute runs in Career Mode. Players complete objectives such as collecting S-K-A-T-E letters, finding hidden tapes, and performing high-score combos. The level design stays true to the originals while receiving visual and mechanical updates that enhance the experience.
Expanded Trick List and Customisation
Image Credit: GameSpot
Vicarious Visions has enhanced the trick system, introducing mechanics from later games to offer more creative combo opportunities. Players can tweak their skater’s style and personalise their moveset, making each session unique. Customisation extends beyond tricks; skaters, decks, and outfits offer a vast range of options, ensuring variety.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake Graphics: A Visual Evolution
The graphical overhaul in THPS 3 + 4 Remake is nothing short of stunning. Every level is rebuilt with high-definition textures, improved lighting, and detailed environments. Levels such as the Foundry, Airport, and Los Angeles look spectacular, retaining their original layouts while feeling alive with modern-day enhancements.
Character models are more detailed, reflecting realistic movements and facial expressions. The animations flow naturally, adding to the immersion. Skaters like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Elissa Steamer look better than ever, thanks to high-resolution scans and motion capture.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake Soundtrack: A Perfect Mix of Old and New
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is famous for its legendary soundtracks. THPS 3 + 4 Remake keeps this tradition alive by bringing back fan-favourite tracks while introducing new music that complements the game’s energetic vibe.
Classic hits from bands like AFI, CKY, and Red Hot Chili Peppers return alongside new additions from contemporary punk, hip-hop, and alternative rock artists. This blend caters to nostalgia while appealing to a new generation of players.
Multiplayer: A Return to Social Skateboarding
Online and local multiplayer modes ensure Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake retains its competitive edge. Players can challenge friends in Trick Attack, Graffiti Mode, and Horse, reliving the chaotic fun of split-screen gameplay.
Online leaderboards add a competitive element, encouraging players to perfect their skills. The online experience is smooth, with dedicated servers ensuring minimal lag and seamless matchups. The addition of cross-platform play is a welcome feature, allowing skaters to compete regardless of their console preference.
Level Editor: Creativity Unleashed
Image Credit: GameSpot
The return of the Create-A-Park mode gives players the tools to design their dream skateparks. The upgraded editor features more customisation options, advanced terrain shaping, and an expanded selection of ramps, rails, and obstacles.
Sharing creations is easier than ever, with an online hub for players to upload and explore user-generated parks. This feature extends the game’s longevity, ensuring fresh content beyond the official levels.
Challenges and Replayability
The game offers an extensive list of challenges, from achieving high scores to completing specific trick combos. These challenges provide incentives to master every level and improve skating skills. With unlockable content, including secret skaters and unique decks, players are encouraged to keep pushing their limits.
Room for Improvement
While THPS 3 + 4 Remake excels in many areas, it’s not without minor drawbacks. Some fans may have hoped for additional levels or new objectives beyond the original ones. A deeper story mode or expanded free-skate challenges could have enhanced replayability even further.
Some players may also find the trick physics slightly more forgiving than in the original games, making it easier to land long combos. While this is a minor issue, purists might prefer a mode that strictly follows the original difficulty settings.
Verdict: A Must-Play for Skating Fans
THPS 3 + 4 Remake successfully builds on the legacy of the franchise. It blends nostalgia with modern advancements, delivering a refined experience that respects its roots. The stunning visuals, improved mechanics, and expanded online features make it one of the best skating games available.
Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer eager to experience skateboarding’s golden era, this remake is a must-play. With endless replayability, an electrifying soundtrack, and a faithful recreation of classic levels, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake proves that great games never go out of style.
