Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: The Review – A Double Dose of Skateboarding Nostalgia
When it comes to skateboarding games, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is the GOAT. No debate. From pixel-popping grinds in schoolyards to chaining impossible tricks off rooftops, this series didn’t just define a genre—it created the blueprint. So when Vicarious Visions dropped the insanely polished remaster of THPS 1 + 2 back in 2020, fans were frothing for the next wave. And now, with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 finally getting the same glow-up? We’re eating good. Let’s dive deep into the grind rails of this iconic return.
Back Like They Never Left
Right out the gate, it’s clear—THPS 3 + 4 weren’t just casually remastered. They were rebuilt with love. Every level, every skater, and every soundtrack beat screams one thing: this is how you honour a legacy.
The levels from THPS 3—Airport, Suburbia, Canada—look sharper than ever, brimming with detail and colour. And the THPS 4 line-up? We’re talking College, Kona, and London in glorious HD, with every inch begging for kickflips and combos.
Gameplay: Still the King of Flow
Let’s talk mechanics. If you loved the buttery-smooth feel of THPS 1 + 2 Remastered, you’ll be right at home here. The trick system from THPS 3 introduced the revert, and it’s back in full force. That move, alongside manuals and lip tricks, lets you chain massive combos that feel endlessly rewarding.
And with THPS 4’s open-ended level design and no time limits, the combo possibilities are literally endless. You’re no longer restricted to 2-minute sessions. You can explore, experiment, and dominate on your own terms.
Plus, new quality-of-life updates (like instant restarts, custom control mapping, and trick filters) make the experience feel modern, without losing that nostalgic juice.
Visuals and Sound: A Perfect Harmony
This is where the game slaps. The visuals have been rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5, and it shows. Reflections on polished floors, sunset flares in Kona, the glimmer of rain in Tokyo—everything’s just dialled up.
But what really sells the vibe? The music.
Both THPS 3 + 4 return with their original soundtracks almost fully intact. That means Rage Against the Machine, Alien Ant Farm, AFI, Iron Maiden, and N.W.A. are here to shred with you. And yes, you can customise your playlist, because no session is complete without the right beat.
Roster: Old School Meets New Gen
You’ll be stoked to see all the classic pros return—Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Bam Margera, Elissa Steamer, and the rest of the crew. But that’s not all.
The remaster brings a fresh batch of modern-day shredders to the table. Rising stars like Sky Brown, Leticia Bufoni, and Nyjah Huston are now fully playable, bridging the generational gap and giving the game that fresh-meets-OG flavour.
And yes, custom skaters are back! The editor is stacked with way more gear, decks, and apparel options than before. You can now even design your own griptape. Madness.
Online and Multiplayer: Skate or Spectate
Online play has had a major revamp. Ranked and casual modes are back, but the real highlight? The Create-A-Park online browser.
You can now upload and download parks with ease, and vote on your favourites. Some of the community creations are absolute bangers, with wild vert ramps, puzzle-level obstacles, and deathtrap-style gaps. It’s pure skatepark chaos, and we’re here for it.
Local split-screen also makes a return, and it’s buttery smooth—even on last-gen consoles. S-K-A-T-E, HORSE, and Combo Mambo are still just as addictive as they were back in the day.
Challenges and Unlockables: Replay Heaven
Remember when games gave you actual things to unlock? THPS 3 + 4 brings that back in a big way.
Each skater has their own challenge ladder. Every level packs in secret tapes, stat points, and hidden goodies. And if you’re a 100% completionist? Prepare to dig deep—some objectives are absolutely brutal (in the best way possible).
There are even special unlockables if you complete every goal with every skater. Think retro skins, secret decks, and even a hidden level or two that weren’t in the original games.
Performance Across Platforms
Whether you’re playing on PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, or Switch 2, the remaster runs like a dream. Load times are near-instant on current-gen consoles, and framerates never dip—even in complex parks with loads of geometry.
On Switch 2? It’s surprisingly slick. Sure, visuals are a bit downgraded, but it still captures the feel beautifully, and the ability to skate on the go is a massive win.
Room for Improvement? Just a Few Kickturns
As much as we love this remaster, there are a couple of small gripes.
First, the Create-A-Skater system could use a bit more depth—body sliders and face sculpting would be a welcome addition. Secondly, while most tracks returned, a few beloved songs didn’t make the cut due to licensing issues. Sad reacts for AC/DC fans.
Also, the lack of cross-play at launch is a bit of a bummer. It’s rumoured to arrive in a future patch, but still—a missed trick out the gate.
Verdict: A Gold Medal Run
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remastered is a masterclass in how to update legendary games without losing their soul. It’s fast, fluid, full of heart, and packed with enough nostalgia to make any millennial weep with joy.
It’s not just a remaster. It’s a celebration of skate culture, arcade gameplay, and that unmistakable Hawk energy. Whether you’re a veteran trying to relive the glory days or a newcomer ready to drop in for the first time—this is the ultimate skateboarding package.
