Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: A Nostalgia-Fueled Remaster That Shreds Expectations

As skateboarding games surge back into mainstream relevance, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 arrives as one of 2025’s most anticipated remakes. Launched on July 11 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and Switch 2, it delivers what many fans have been waiting for: a polished revival of the franchise’s third and fourth entries. Developed by Iron Galaxy under Activision’s direction, this ambitious collection offers a “nostalgia time capsule” that both honours and reimagines classic gameplay.

Preserving the Legacy

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 originally debuted in 2001 as a masterpiece of timing, combos, and creativity—introducing mechanics like the revert, wall plants, and spine transfers that changed the face of skateboarding games. THPS4 followed in 2002, experimenting boldly with open-ended missions and quest-giver NPCs—a style leap that remains fresh in players’ memories.

Iron Galaxy, stepping in after Vicarious Visions’ absorption into Blizzard, faced a crucial design challenge: how to preserve the spirit of two beloved titles while offering a modern experience. The result is a hybrid that leans on tradition—THPS3 stays largely intact—while reshaping THPS 4.

Gameplay: Slick, Responsive, Challenging

The THPS3 levels—Foundry, Airport, Canada, Cruise Ship, and more—feel as sharp as ever, enhanced with vibrant textures, 4K support, smoother animations, and improved lighting. Many reviewers observed that the gameplay remains in “muscle-memory territory,” rewarding precision and chaining like the originals.

THPS4, however, sees its structure revised: the open world and NPC-driven objectives are replaced with classic two-minute runs. While some “die-hard” fans may miss the freedom of the original, many—especially those who prefer tight, score-based gameplay—welcome the change.

Level Design & Additions

Alongside the remastered parks, Iron Galaxy introduces three entirely new levels—Waterpark, Pinball, and Movie Studio. Waterpark stands out as a masterstroke of level design: a winding lazy river perfectly suited to combos and grinds. These additions feel right at home and are strong enough to compensate for any content cuts, such as the omission of open-world stages from THPS 4.

Soundtrack Reboot

One of the most controversial aspects of this remaster is the soundtrack. Whereas THPS1+2 brought back most of their original tracks, THPS 3+4 opts for a partial refresh. Many iconic songs are missing, replaced by new tracks from legacy artists—Tony Hawk himself chose this, hoping to spark discovery. This polarises opinion: some fans lament the missing punk anthems (“Police Truck,” “May 16”), while others appreciate the fresh sonic mix.

Multiplayer, Park Editor & Extras

Modern features add substantial longevity. A cross-platform online multiplayer mode supports up to eight players. Classic modes return, plus a new letter-hunting variant called HAWK. Create-A-Park is enhanced with custom goals—perhaps the most robust editor in the series.

Customisation is extensive: the largest roster yet includes 31 pro skaters—veterans like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, modern stars like Riley Hawk and Yuto Horigome—and even licensed crossovers (Doom Slayer, Michelangelo, and Jack Black’s Officer Dick).

Performance Across Platforms

Performance varies slightly by system. On Switch 2, it runs smoothly even in handheld mode, albeit with slightly less visual detail and a bit blurrier character models compared to PS5. On PS5, Xbox, and PC, it holds steady at high frame rates, with beautiful backdrops and crisp character rendering. Minor tech hiccups on handheld hardware were reported, but they don’t overshadow the overall experience.

Cultural Impact & Skate Game Resurgence

Tony Hawk reprises his role as ambassador not just in the cameo roster but as a celebrated figure. In interviews he reflects on how the series broadened skateboarding culture and shaped a generation’s perception of the sport. The game also marks a milestone for fashion, music, and skate culture in mainstream gaming.

Alongside EA’s free-to-play Skate revival and indie innovations, THPS3+4 exemplifies the revival of skateboarding games—an enduring niche that still captures hearts more than 25 years after the original.

Verdict and Outlook

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is more than a polished fetch-and-replay. It’s a love letter to fans, a statement of franchise relevance, and a proof point that Iron Galaxy can handle the legacy with respect. Its faithful recreation of THPS3, thoughtful restructuring of THPS4, creative new parks, modern multiplayer, and comprehensive customisation deliver both nostalgia and novelty.

That said, it’s not flawless. Purists might bristle at the tweaked career pacing, soundtrack omissions, or missing level elements. But for many, the improved visuals, tight performance, and sheer skate-game joy outweigh these concerns.

Looking forward, if Iron Galaxy continues this path—perhaps remastering Underground or creating a fresh entry—the future of the Tony Hawk series looks promising.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a triumphant return to early-2000s skateboarding glory, slick enough for modern play and rich enough to keep both veterans and newcomers grinding for high scores. It stands as a definitive digital skate experience—and a strong case for what’s next in the franchise.