The echoes of kickflips and grinding rails have once again reverberated through the gaming world. After nearly two decades since the last mainline entry, the legendary Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater series has made a triumphant return with Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3+4. Developed by Iron Galaxy, taking the reins from the long-standing Activision, this latest iteration promises a delicate blend of cherished nostalgia and exhilarating new experiences. The question on many fans` minds was whether this revival could stick the landing. Fortunately, it appears to have done so with remarkable precision.
A Legacy Forged on Concrete and Pixels
Since its groundbreaking debut on the original PlayStation in 1999, the Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater series redefined arcade sports games. It wasn`t just about skateboarding; it was about chaining improbable combos, discovering hidden lines, and mastering a fluid, intuitive control scheme that made everyone feel like a pro. The series cultivated a dedicated following, its influence extending far beyond the gaming community and into the broader culture of skateboarding itself. Reviving such an iconic franchise is a task not for the faint of heart, demanding a deep respect for the source material coupled with a clear vision for contemporary relevance.
The Art of the Remake: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Iron Galaxy faced the monumental challenge of re-imagining two beloved classics—THPS 3 and THPS 4—while simultaneously introducing fresh content. The core philosophy of THPS has always been its arcade-style simulation, a sweet spot between realistic physics and exaggerated, gravity-defying feats. THPS 3+4 meticulously maintains this balance, delivering a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly refined. The controls are tighter than ever, offering a sense of immediate responsiveness that is crucial for chaining together complex maneuvers. Executing a perfect grind into a manual and then launching into a 900 feels incredibly satisfying, fostering a genuine sense of accomplishment and, dare we say, coolness.
A significant quality-of-life improvement comes in the form of adjustable time limits. While the classic two-minute timer for missions remains, players now have the option to extend sessions up to a generous 60 minutes. This seemingly small change profoundly impacts the gameplay, allowing for more exploration, relaxed practice, and less frantic objective hunting, catering to both purists and those who prefer a more leisurely shred.
Levels: Old Favorites and Uncharted Territory
The game`s level design is a masterclass in variety. Returning stages from THPS 3, such as the sprawling `Airport` and the snow-covered `Canada,` evoke powerful waves of nostalgia, feeling precisely as satisfying to navigate as they did years ago. Perhaps even more impressively, the newly introduced levels integrate seamlessly, feeling like long-lost maps unearthed from Activision`s archives. This congruence is a testament to Iron Galaxy`s understanding of the series` design ethos.
However, the journey isn`t entirely without its curiosities. Fans of the original Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 4 might notice a significant structural change. The fourth installment famously eschewed the two-minute timer for more open-world, extended tasks. In this remake, those levels have been re-engineered to fit the classic timed structure. While this ensures consistency with the THPS 3 portion of the game, it occasionally leaves the THPS 4 levels feeling somewhat confined, as if their original, grander ambitions are now operating within a slightly smaller box. It`s a minor paradox: a game that expands its scope yet slightly constricts a part of its past.
A Roster of Legends and New Blood
Beyond the gameplay and levels, THPS 3+4 shines with its diverse roster of playable characters. Iconic figures like Tony Hawk himself, the rebellious Bam Margera, and the pioneering Steve Caballero are all here, ready to nail impossible tricks. But the game also embraces the modern era of skateboarding, introducing contemporary legends like X Games gold medalist Aori Nishimura and Asian Games gold medalist Margielyn Didal. This blend ensures that fans of all generations find a familiar face, or discover new heroes.
For those who prefer a personalized touch, a character creator is available. While not quite a digital doppelgänger factory in terms of initial customization depth, it offers an extensive array of unlockable clothing options. It`s a good incentive to keep playing, as acquiring that perfect pair of virtual shoes or a new graphic tee becomes a mini-mission in itself.
The Verdict: A New King of the Concrete Jungle?
Tony Hawk`s Pro Skater 3+4 builds upon the strong foundation laid by the highly successful Pro Skater 1+2 remake. It masterfully interweaves nostalgia-inducing content with fresh, innovative additions, all underpinned by the most refined and enjoyable gameplay the series has ever delivered. While minor critiques exist, particularly concerning the reimagining of the THPS 4 levels, these are easily overshadowed by the sheer volume of expertly crafted content and the undeniable joy of the skating mechanics.
Is it the best skateboarding game ever made? That`s a bold claim, but THPS 3+4 certainly presents a compelling argument. It`s a game that respects its heritage while confidently pushing forward, proving that the grind is far from over for the legendary Tony Hawk series.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt