Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 adds a lot, but never forgets the fundamentals

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Initially, when Activision launched Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, fans of the series were filled with excitement. This was partly due to the impressive remake of two timeless titles, but also because it sparked anticipation that the publisher might revisit later games in the series. Many believe that skateboarding video games reached their zenith with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. All the features that made those games standouts are present in the upcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, developed by Iron Galaxy, along with some fresh additions. Shacknews went to Los Angeles for a sneak peek at what’s to come.

One consistent trait shared by both outstanding and decent Tony Hawk games is their strong foundation in basics. The core gameplay mechanics of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater have remained essentially unchanged across different versions of the series, with each new release introducing minor enhancements. The formula for Tony Hawk has proven to be robust, maintaining its strength in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. Players leap off ramps, grind on a variety of surfaces, and extend combos by performing manuals on the ground. This core gameplay aspect has remained constant and continues to shine as brilliantly as ever.

People who played THPS4 as kids will recall that it significantly enhanced the series by introducing skitching – a move where you hang onto a moving vehicle. Skitching reappears in THPS 3 and 4, and thus, this mechanic is now incorporated into all classic THPS3 skate parks. Skitching can aid in extending combos and it can be performed on numerous moving objects, even some newly added to certain stages of THPS3.

In both THPS3 and THPS4, careers offer multiple objectives for each park. Some tasks revolve around achieving high scores, gathering hidden items, and locating the traditional “S-K-A-T-E” letters. The new character models are integrated into various career goals. For instance, in Canada (THPS3), players find themselves in a chilly environment. One objective requires impressing spectators scattered across various locations while another involves freeing Chuck, a non-playable character who got stuck after licking a pole. In the College park, rowdy fraternity members cause trouble, so one goal involves teaching them a lesson by skating into them. A new element was introduced in Rio, where players compete against other skaters across three rounds to score the most points.

The parks in both games have been updated for a modern experience. This includes the previously mentioned Canada and College parks, along with locations such as Los Angeles that improve the stage design and incorporate elements like a typical high-speed chase through the city. Additionally, there are new parks, one of which is playable. The brand-new Waterpark transports players to a dilapidated amusement park setting where dusty halfpipes and rails offer opportunities for impressive tricks and combinations. Moreover, there are several doors that teleport skaters to the top of closed waterslides, offering long grinds, manuals, and jump-off points for big air stunts.

In THPS3 and THPS4, there’s plenty of activities in every park for players to explore. Typically, you’ll have two minutes to create an ideal run. However, due to various objectives, achieving perfection within this timeframe might be challenging. Luckily, customization options are provided, enabling users to stretch the timer up to a whole hour if needed.

1. Achieving objectives throughout your career advances a solid advancement system.

2. Overcoming Challenges grants access to fresh clothing items and other customization options.

3. Locating stat points marked with the THPS logo enables players to boost their skater’s skill points.

4. As skaters climb up the ranks, players can unlock vacant slots to assign them exclusive tricks that can be executed once the Special meter is fully charged.

3+4 offers a blend of traditional excitement and fresh innovations. Beyond the iconic THPS soundtracks, the playlist is being enriched with new tunes to give these games a more up-to-date vibe. The original lineup of skaters from the classic THPS games is returning, as well as the newer pros introduced in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2. However, some fresh talents will also be making their debut. The roster includes 29 skaters, and it’s worth mentioning that the THPS games were predominantly male-dominated before, but this 2025 update introduces top female skaters such as Chloe Covell and Rayssa Leal into the mix.

Indeed, it’s noteworthy to mention that two additional skaters – Doom Slayer and Revenant – are exclusively included in the game’s Deluxe Edition. These characters, as well as their unique decks, can only be obtained through this edition. What makes this even more exciting is that they will also bring along tunes from the Doom series, featuring some of its iconic tracks by composer Mick Gordon.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m pumped up when Iron Galaxy extends an invitation for everyone to jump into the skateboarding action! This isn’t just limited to their 29-member crew; it’s open to anyone and everyone. The best part? Crossplay is on the menu, meaning you can shred it up with friends regardless of what platform they’re using – be it PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 (if it ever materializes), original Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, or Xbox One.

The online multiplayer sessions can host up to eight skaters, and the Create-A-Park feature, perfect for builders who dream of designing a skater’s utopia, will also be cross-platform. For those who prefer a more laidback experience, there’s always the option to enjoy the fun locally with a buddy at home.

Additional details about Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 are set to be unveiled during tonight’s THPS Fest broadcast at 6 p.m PT/9 p.m ET. Keep an eye out, as the game is slated for release on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo (including the upcoming Switch 2) on July 11th.

This sneak peek was from an initial PC version tested during a press/influencer gathering organized by Activision, which included covering parking costs. Keep in mind that the finished item might still undergo modifications.

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2025-05-08 22:16