It feels like we don’t get enough skateboarding games these days. So, naturally, when Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 dropped back in 2020, it felt like the return we were all waiting for.
As a collection, it felt like the ultimate package, refining its visuals and mechanics, all while keeping its core intact.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 might not redefine or refresh the genre as much as that first collection did, but it’s still a fantastic package, that brings together the very best of those two later titles.
The Package at a Glance
As you would expect, both Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 melds most gameplay mechanics into one cohesive set of tricks and skills. While that might have been that case with THPS 1 + 2, you’ll find yourself right at home if you had played that first collection.
The only real difference here compared to the original games, is that THPS 4 now applies the classic two-minute timer to its parks as you complete goals, instead of being able to freely roam around, receiving goals on the go.
You’ll be able to select any skater through each career, with the same list of goals for each level, and your progress carries over throughout the entire modern no matter the skater.
Even then, a few changes have been made to THPS 3, which originally had certain tasks based on your skater of choice, adding to the replay value of that original career mode.
Even though the pacing of THPS 4 felt completely different to THPS 3 in that sense, helps things feel a little more streamlined here. In a way, it still makes me slightly miss that original formula, as it would have been nice to retain for the sake of variety and nostalgia.
But at the end of the day, you’ll be aiming for high scores, collecting secret tapes, S-K-A-T-E letters and C-O-M-B-O lines, impressing onlookers and helping people with random tasks around each level.
Once again, not breaking the formula, but relying on some of its biggest strengths. And for that, I commend it.
Do a Kickflip!
A total of 20 levels are available across both career modes, and the majority of them are an absolute nostalgic blast to the face. Levels like Foundry from THPS 3 and Alcatraz from THPS 4 have not lost their charm, and look way better in this newer collection.
There are a couple of noticeable absences like Chicago from THPS 4, but some new additions like the Waterpark and even secret Pinball level make their own case as some of the best levels in the entire collection. Skating through a massive pinball machine as a giant Tony Hawk looks down on you is actually surreal.
Most goals for each of the levels have been taken from the original games, with some goals ever so slightly being adjusted for this new collection. That being said, you’ll notice this the most in THPS 4, as it’s clear that developer Iron Galaxy have tried to cram some of those existing goals into the new two-minute timer formula.
Aside from the main career modes across both games, you’ll also be able to create your own custom skater, unlock goodies like new boards, clothes and secret skaters, as well as engage with the skatepark creator to make some of your dream parks.
Parks can also be shared across platforms, and as you can, imagine, there’s already some crazy stuff out there. While it can be a little tricky to line things up as you want, the options are virtually limitless.
Finally, THPS 3 + 4 allows players to jump online in parties of up to eight players, and is also completely cross-platform. There’s also private and local play, with all your favourite existing modes like Trick Attack, Score Challenge, Combo Mambo, Combo Challenge and Graffiti.
There’s even the new Hawk mode, which incorporates the game’s main goals and levels within the two-minute timer formula to see who can get the most done in one go. I imagine this will put most hardcore fans to the test.
Look the Part
Both skaters and levels have been given a huge graphical upgrade, with plenty of detail and impressive lighting effects.
The charm of the originals have not been lost on this collection however, and it’s nice to see characters like Tony Hawk and even Bam Margera make a return as their older selves, amongst secret skaters like Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which can be purchased by collecting cash from levels.
Even on the PlayStation 5 Pro, THPS 3 + 4 runs at a steady clip, with no real frame rate drops of significant bugs to speak of.
Finally, what would a good THPS game be without a killer soundtrack? We’re not sure either. THPS 3 + 4 brings the goods with some classic like Ace of Spades by Motörhead, Kick, Push by Lupe Fiasco and even some new bangers from the likes of Schoolboy Q, Travis Barker and KennyHoopla.
Final Thoughts
While some might not like the changes made to THPS 4’s career mode, there’s still plenty to love about Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4.
As a complete package, it feels incredibly cohesive and functional, with some incredible new levels, tracks and skaters to mess around with.
While it doesn’t feel as groundbreaking as the first collection did, there’s still a solid skating romp that begs you to shred again.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Still incredibly satisfying to play; Polished visuals and new levels; Plenty of new and returning skaters
Lowlights: Changes made to THPS 4’s career mode feel rather noticeable
Developer: Iron Galaxy
Publisher: Activision
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on Playstation 5 Pro with a pre-release code provided by the publisher.
Featured header image provided by the publisher.
