After the successful remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, expectations were understandably high for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on PlayStation 5. Developed by Iron Galaxy Studios and published by Activision, this new compilation continues the franchise’s revival by offering an experience that balances reverence for the originals with modern flourishes. While the final result doesn’t surprise quite as much as its predecessor did, it still delivers a highly entertaining return to form for one of gaming’s most iconic series.
Visually, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a standout, with levels rebuilt in crisp 4K and significantly more environmental detail. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the classic School and Airport maps, each park is not only visually upgraded but also feels fuller and more alive. The animations are smoother than ever, especially on PS5, and everything is complemented by a soundtrack that hits the perfect nostalgic notes while adding new punk, hip-hop and indie tracks to keep things fresh. However, some environments can feel a bit static compared to modern open-world standards, with limited interactivity outside the core skating mechanics.
The controls retain the tight, intuitive feel that defined the earlier remakes, making it easy for newcomers to jump in while still leaving plenty of room for mastery. Returning players will appreciate that the moveset from Pro Skater 4 – including spine transfers, skitching and flatland tricks – blends seamlessly with the already refined system from the previous remake. That said, this does introduce a steeper learning curve than what 1 + 2 offered, especially for those unfamiliar with later-era Tony Hawk games.
In terms of gameplay content, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is generously packed. Each park comes with both classic goals and newly designed challenges, some of which push players toward creative combos and exploration. The addition of a robust New Game+ mode encourages high-score chasers to keep going well beyond the initial runs. Meanwhile, the expanded Create-A-Park and Create-A-Skater modes are surprisingly deep, now allowing for custom goal creation and sharing, though some players may find the interface for building levels still a bit clunky.
Online multiplayer is a clear highlight. Cross-platform play for up to eight skaters allows for competitive sessions and casual runs alike. Game modes feel well-balanced, with responsive matchmaking and mostly stable netcode during testing. While not every mode feels essential, the community aspect gives the game legs far beyond the single-player career goals.
The biggest drawback is perhaps the lack of surprise. Whereas the 1 + 2 remake felt like a resurrection, 3 + 4 can feel more like a logical continuation. The quality is undeniably high, but without many bold new ideas, there’s a sense of déjà vu that might not fully satisfy players hoping for a more reimagined take now that the jump forward isn’t as big as it was last time. Still, when the foundation is this strong and the fun so immediate, it’s hard to complain for long.
In the end, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a worthy companion piece to 1 + 2, solidifying the modern remake series as a celebration of skateboarding’s golden age. With tight gameplay, polished visuals, and rich content offerings, it’s a must-play for fans of the franchise – even if the initial wow factor has worn off slightly.
Score: 8.2/10
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