Mrpoelie During my teenage years, I had a dream of becoming a professional skater. I bought a skateboard and spent hours watching videos of famous skaters performing the craziest tricks on their wooden boards. This dream didn’t just come out of nowhere — it was born from the countless hours I had spent as a child playing the legendary Tony Hawk games. I wore out my PlayStation controller and even my Nintendo Game Boy trying to pull off insane tricks in these iconic titles.
After the 2020 remake of the first two Tony Hawk games, we can now step back onto our virtual boards with the remake of part 3 + 4, which received the same treatment and launched on July 11. I may never have become a pro skater in real life, but my nostalgia for the games made me incredibly curious to see how these legendary remakes hold up today.
A Visual Overhaul That Shines
The most important upgrade, of course, is the visual aspect. Both games have been fully reworked to meet modern standards, and they look absolutely stunning. The levels are more vibrant than ever, with sharp visuals and a wealth of detail. In terms of gameplay, the remake stays very faithful to the originals, with only a few small tweaks to make things feel more modern. Skating feels fantastic again, and my old muscle memory kicked in immediately, letting me pull off some wild tricks right away.
The arcade-style gameplay still works incredibly well today. Whether you’re driven by nostalgia or playing for the first time, there’s a lot of fun to be had. The level design also holds up extremely well and doesn’t feel outdated at all.
Nostalgic Vibes With New Additions
Besides the strong dose of nostalgia, the remake introduces several new features — some positive, others less so. On the positive side, new levels and skaters have been added. The soundtrack also includes new songs, and there are more customization options than ever before. The additional levels and skaters are definitely a win, but the omission of several iconic tracks from the original soundtrack feels like a missed opportunity.
Thinking back to the many hours of joy I had with the original games, the music played a huge role in shaping those memories. Even now, when I hear certain songs on the radio, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood, playing Tony Hawk in my room. It’s a real shame that some of those tracks are missing.
Another disappointing aspect is that fun additions like the iconic Doom Guy from the Doom series are locked behind a paywall. While the Doom Slayer is a fun addition to the remake, having to pay extra for it feels a bit unfair.
On the bright side, the new customization options are great. You now have a huge selection of boards to choose from, can customize your wheels, and have even more ways to personalize your skater — from tattoos and facial hair to makeup and more. These additions give the game a fresh feel and add some extra depth.
A Step Back in Pro Skater 4, But Technically Flawless
One major downside is the decision to reintroduce the two-minute time limit in Pro Skater 4. In the original, this game ditched the time constraint and allowed players to freely explore levels and complete objectives at their own pace. That open structure is completely removed in this remake, which is a real shame. The levels don’t feel designed for the time limit anymore, and this change hurts the overall experience. It would’ve been better if they had left this part untouched.
I played the game on my high-end PC, and it ran incredibly smoothly. I didn’t encounter a single bug, and everything worked perfectly. From a technical standpoint, the game is polished to perfection.
Final Thoughts
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is an amazing trip down memory lane. The new features are fun, and the gameplay feels just as good as it did all those years ago. Visually and technically, the game is top-notch. With more options than ever, there’s plenty to enjoy.
That said, the return of the time limit in part 4 and the missing tracks from the soundtrack are definite low points. Still, despite a few small drawbacks, I can wholeheartedly recommend this remake. Whether you’re an old-school fan like me or a newcomer to the series, you’ll find hours of enjoyment here.
Additional Information
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher via PR agency.
Developer: Iron Galaxy Studios
Publisher: Activision
Website: https://www.tonyhawkthegame.com
Relevant links:
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on PlayStation Store (BE/NL/US)
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Xbox Store (BE/NL/US)
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Nintendo eShop (BE/NL/US)
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on STEAM
