Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake is set to make its debut on PC this summer, generating excitement among fans of the iconic skateboarding franchise. However, the initial announcement of the game’s skater roster raised eyebrows, particularly due to the absence of Bam Margera, a beloved figure known for his roles in Jackass and Viva La Bam, as well as his status as a playable character in earlier iterations of the series.
Last-Minute Changes
Recent reports indicate that Margera will indeed be included in the remake, a decision reportedly influenced by Tony Hawk himself. During a livestream of The Nine Club, hosted by skating commentator Roger Bagley, it was revealed that Hawk intervened after the game was already completed. Bagley recounted the conversation: “Tony called up Activision and was like, ‘Hey, we’re putting Bam in the thing’, and they were like, ‘Hey, we can’t.’ He goes, ‘No, you’re gonna do it.’” This led to Activision arranging for Margera to return for body scanning and other necessary adjustments to incorporate him into the game.
While Activision has yet to comment on the initial omission of Margera, it is worth noting that the skater has faced a series of personal challenges in recent years. His struggles with alcoholism and substance abuse have been well-documented, culminating in his dismissal from Jackass Forever after failing a drug test, as noted by his former co-star Steve-O. Additionally, Margera’s legal troubles have included multiple arrests in 2023, raising questions about his well-being and future in the public eye.
Game Changes and Fan Reactions
In addition to the roster updates, the remake will introduce significant changes to the gameplay mechanics. According to Kotaku, the more open-ended career mode from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, which allowed players to explore maps freely while completing objectives, will be replaced with timed, run-based challenges reminiscent of the first three games. This shift has sparked disappointment among fans who cherished the original format. User RockmanBN expressed their frustration on Reddit, stating, “Very disappointing to fans of THPS4 who were wanting to play the game as close to as they remembered.” Another user, jayteeay, raised concerns about the feasibility of two-minute runs in the expansive maps of the fourth game, questioning how such a format could be effectively implemented.
As anticipation builds for the July 11 launch, both the inclusion of Margera and the gameplay adjustments will undoubtedly shape the reception of this highly awaited remake. Fans are eager to see how these changes will impact their nostalgic experience with the franchise.