Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 review: Rebuilt but still rad

Serving as both a sequel and a remake, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a nostalgic ride back to a time when boy bands ruled MTV’s Total Request Live and memory cards were essential for saving your progress on a PS2. It was a simpler era, but the Pro Skater games offered a thrilling way to feel like Tony Hawk himself—no skateboard required.

Fast forward to today, and while the world has changed dramatically, these games remain fundamentally solid thanks to modern upgrades and a sleek interface reminiscent of the previous set of remakes. Though Pro Skater 3 stays true to its roots, Pro Skater 4 takes a different path, reimagining itself in a way that may surprise longtime fans. Still, as a complete package, this set of arcade classics delivers enough throwback charm to let players relive their glory days.

Radical Rewind

The Pro Skater series has always been about fast tricks, stylish combos, and chasing high scores against a ticking clock. Thankfully, this remake keeps that same adrenaline-fueled arcade feel intact—exactly the kind of game Tony Hawk himself would likely enjoy. Built on the same tech and engine as the Pro Skater 1 + 2 remakes, 3 + 4 ensures every grind, flip, and manual feels smooth and responsive.

What truly stands out is how developer Iron Galaxy has revitalized these classic environments. The maps have been rebuilt with updated graphics and impressive lighting effects, but without losing their original layout or spirit. Fans of levels like Foundry and Suburbia will instantly recognize them, yet appreciate the added visual polish. Running at 60 frames per second, the game emphasizes speed without sacrificing aesthetics.

The soundtrack, however, is a mixed bag. Only around 10 tracks return from the original games—sadly missing are standout songs like “Fight Like a Brave” and “Express Yourself.” While Tony Hawk cites the shift as an opportunity for music discovery, it’s likely licensing hurdles played a major role in the omissions. That said, the new selection—ranging from grunge to techno to rap—captures the vibe of the originals and might even introduce players to some fresh favorites.

Built to Shred Again

Gameplay-wise, Pro Skater 3 benefits most from the unchanged format carried over from the 1 + 2 remake. Each level tasks you with completing a set of goals within a two-minute timer, whether it’s collecting the letters to spell S-K-A-T-E, landing a signature trick, or racking up 60,000 points. As you check off goals, new levels unlock. It’s classic Pro Skater, and the upgraded visuals and responsive mechanics make every run addictive and rewarding.

This format works well for Pro Skater 3, as it mirrors the structure of the original game. However, it’s a major departure for Pro Skater 4, which originally featured a freeform, open-level design with no timers. Instead of racing against the clock, players would explore large areas and accept challenges from NPCs they encountered. This shift marked the series’ evolution toward more narrative-driven titles like Underground and American Wasteland.

In this remake, Pro Skater 4 has been reshaped to fit the traditional two-minute goal structure, aligning it with the other three games. For returning fans, this reformatting may feel disorienting, as it strips away much of what made Pro Skater 4 unique. Even certain level elements—like the once-lively zoo—have been oddly altered, with no animals in sight.

Considering the impact it had on future Tony Hawk titles, it’s disappointing to see the fourth game lose its distinct identity to better fit the mold of the other remakes. While it blends seamlessly with Pro Skater 3, the lack of its original freeform gameplay makes it feel more like an expansion than its own installment. Still, despite the changes, it manages to maintain the fun and fluidity that defined the series, offering an engaging arcade experience—even if it isn’t exactly the game you remember. And if you never played the original, chances are you won’t be fazed.

The remake’s overall structure also makes it tough to put down. Every new level presents a choice: chase specific goals or explore freely in search of collectibles. You might start a run focused on grabbing S-K-A-T-E letters, only to pivot toward scoring big if you happen to link a few strong combos off quarter pipes. Three new levels have even been added, and they slot in perfectly with the rest, capturing the same arcade tone and flow.

Modern Updates

Outside of the robust single-player career mode, multiplayer remains consistent with the 1 + 2 remakes, offering both online and local play. Whether you’re competing for high scores or chaining together the longest combos, the core remains unchanged. A new mode called “Hawk” mixes things up a bit: players hide the letters H-A-W-K around the map, and others must find them before time runs out. Multiplayer also includes a free-roam option that lets you and your buddies warm up and explore before any point-centric match starts.

The skater roster has been expanded as well. While you won’t be seeing any secret Star Wars characters this time (sorry Death Maul fans), a fresh lineup of modern skaters joins returning legends like Chad Muska and Bam Margera. Create-a-Park is back too, boasting the same deep customization tools—but now with the added ability to create your own goals, giving you even more freedom to shape the perfect skating challenge.

Final Thoughts

Just like the originals, Pro Skater 3 + 4 is packed with content, offering dozens of goals to complete and levels to explore. The feeling of playing these games more than 20 years ago is still very much alive—even if the visuals are sharper and gameplay runs better than you remember.

While Pro Skater 4’s shift away from its open-world structure may disappoint fans of the original, and the soundtrack misses some iconic tracks, there’s no denying Iron Galaxy put in the work to make both games feel cohesive. In the end, this remake offers two more chances for players to relive their skating heyday while offering a new generation a piece of history through a modern lens.