In the realm of gaming, few experiences rival the satisfaction of finally embracing a series that once felt out of reach. This year, I found myself navigating the exhilarating world of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, a journey that transformed my perception of the franchise. The latest remake landed in my hands, perhaps due to the lack of enthusiasm from my colleagues at PC Gamer, but it turned out to be a serendipitous discovery.
Once a titan of the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Tony Hawk series has seen its legacy wane within the PC gaming community. My own history with the franchise was limited to Tony Hawk’s Underground 2, a title that allowed players to step off the board and explore, which is precisely what I often did. However, the 1 + 2 remake from 2020 offered a glimpse into the series at its zenith, showcasing the meticulous design of every elevated curb and hidden line.
Immersive Environments
The developers at Iron Galaxy have crafted playgrounds that transcend the typical X Games-style skate parks filled with wooden ramps. Instead, the environments in 3 + 4 are seamlessly integrated into urban landscapes, including a college campus, an airport, and even the iconic Alcatraz Island. Each map is a testament to thoughtful design, and I found myself enamored with every location, although I never returned to the competition maps that prioritized simple score chasing over exploration.
While some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the removal of the open-world structure in THPS 4 and the introduction of forced timers, I acknowledge their concerns. The changes may have been made to streamline development, but they left me curious enough to seek out the original THPS 4 to understand what I might be missing.
I assumed THPS was a mindless score-chaser, but that’s because I was too dumb to notice it’s also a scavenger hunt, a racing game, and a platformer all in one.
Despite the controversy surrounding its alterations, the reimagined levels in this remake play exceptionally well. I was particularly taken with the new maps introduced by Iron Galaxy. The Waterpark level, vibrant and bustling, initially struck me as a Neversoft creation until a friend corrected me. Additionally, the whimsical pinball machine level unlocked at the conclusion of the THPS 4 career serves as a delightfully absurd finale.
As 2025 unfolded, the landscape of virtual skating became unexpectedly rich, with the arrival of the Skate reboot and the indie gem Skate Story. Yet, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 faced neglect upon its release in July, largely due to its contentious changes. This oversight is unfortunate, as it builds upon the solid foundation laid by Vicarious Visions with the 1 + 2 remake, featuring impressive animations, a refreshed soundtrack, and modernized graphics that prioritize performance and ambiance over realism.
For those who find themselves discontented with the adjustments, I respect your perspective. However, for those like me who missed the Tony Hawk phenomenon in its prime, this remake offers a perfect entry point into the exhilarating world of skateboarding games.
