Why Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 Remaster Feels Like the Perfect Skateboarding Comeback
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4: Half Remaster, Full Fun
If you loved the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4, the new remaster by Iron Galaxy might feel like a fresh yet familiar ride. While it’s not a full remake, this “half remaster” brings some cool changes that fans of the series can appreciate. Let’s break down what’s new and what stayed classic in this release.
- A look at how THPS 3 and 4 remasters compare to the originals
- Gameplay tweaks and level redesigns, especially in THPS 4
- New levels added to the mix
- Soundtrack changes and Tony Hawk’s thoughts
- Why Iron Galaxy might be the right studio for the franchise’s future
Keeping the Magic of THPS 3
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is still considered one of the best skateboarding games ever made, and this remaster respects that legacy. The iconic levels like Foundry, Canada, and Airport are back, looking sharper than ever. The classic tricks and combos, including the famous revert, remain intact, making the gameplay feel like a smooth continuation rather than a radical change.
For those who enjoyed the original, revisiting these levels with updated graphics and controls is a real treat. It feels like a polished version of a beloved classic, perfect for both old fans and newcomers.
THPS 4: A Different Kind of Remaster
On the other hand, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 has undergone more noticeable changes. The original’s open-world, GTA-style missions have been replaced with shorter, timed runs reminiscent of the earlier games in the series. Instead of free-roaming, you now have focused objectives like racking up high scores or collecting hidden letters within a two-minute limit.
This redesign might be divisive among fans, but it actually makes the game feel more accessible and replayable. If you prefer quick, challenge-based gameplay, this change is likely a win.
Fresh Levels to Explore
Iron Galaxy didn’t just stop at remastering old content. They’ve added brand-new levels like Waterpark, which perfectly captures the spirit of the series with plenty of rails to grind and a relaxing lazy river to skate through. Other new levels like Pinball and Movie Studio also fit right in, balancing out the cuts made from the original THPS 4.
These additions show the studio’s understanding of what makes a great Tony Hawk level and hint at exciting possibilities for future games.
Soundtrack Switch-Up
One of the most talked-about changes is the soundtrack. Unlike the THPS 1 and 2 remasters, which kept most of the original music, the 3 and 4 remaster features only a few tracks from the originals. Instead, many songs by the same artists have been swapped in, offering a fresh listening experience.
Tony Hawk explained this choice himself, saying “It was my choice to pick some different songs by the same artists featured in THPS3+4 OST. I’m hoping that discovery is half the fun, and a big reason that these soundtracks resonated in the first place. So listen and enjoy the ride. More to come… both old and new.”
Looking Ahead
After playing the remaster on PS5, it’s clear that Iron Galaxy is handling the franchise with care. The mix of classic gameplay and smart updates makes Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 a solid package for both longtime fans and new players. The new levels especially show promise for what the studio could do next.
The remaster launched on July 11 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X, and Windows PC. If you want a taste of classic skateboarding fun with a modern twist, this might be your best bet yet.
