Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (PS5) | REVIEW | Sticks the Landing, but Not Without It's Fails & Bails

The original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 (2001) and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 (2002) were pivotal entries in the iconic skateboarding series, defining the genre with their tight controls, memorable levels, and genre-shaping soundtracks. THPS 3 introduced the revert, enabling longer combos, and featured beloved levels like Foundry and Suburbia, while THPS 4 experimented with a mission-based, free-roam structure that laid the groundwork for later titles like Underground.

The 2025 remake, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 for the PS5, developed by Iron Galaxy Studios, faithfully recreates THPS 3 with modern polish but significantly alters THPS 4 by reverting it to the series’ classic two-minute timer format, streamlining its open-world elements. While the package retains the core magic of the originals, some changes, particularly to THPS 4 and the soundtrack, prevent it from being a flawless nostalgia trip.

The roster in THPS 3 + 4 is a robust blend of returning legends and fresh faces, striking a balance between nostalgia and modernity. Classic skaters like Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, Rodney Mullen, and Chad Muska return, joined by newer pros such as Chloe Covell, Rayssa Leal, and Yuto Horigome, reflecting the current skateboarding scene. Notably, Bam Margera is included but requires unlocking, with limited customization options compared to others, likely due to his controversial status.

Secret skaters add flair, including Andy Anderson, Constable Richard, Michaelangelo, and Digital Deluxe Edition exclusives like Doom Slayer and Revenant. The Create-A-Skater mode is expansive, allowing customization of name, hometown, stance, push style, face, skin tone, hair, makeup, tattoos, voice, apparel, and board components like grip tape and wheels. Character stats, earned through cash and collectibles in levels, unify progression across both games, enhancing your skater’s speed, air, balance, and more, making every run feel rewarding whether playing as a pro or a custom creation.

Gameplay ... The game modes and features deliver a mix of classic and new experiences, catering to both casual players and hardcore fans. The Career mode merges THPS 3 and THPS 4 into a unified structure, with levels presented as two-minute runs to complete goals like high scores, collectibles (S-K-A-T-E letters, C-O-M-B-O), or specific tricks. Completing initial objectives unlocks “Pro Goals,” adding challenging tasks like collecting Red Bull cans or nailing complex combos, though THPS 4’s original mission-based format is largely stripped away, disappointing purists.

The Solo Tour, a nod to THPS 3’s structure, unlocks after completing all Pro Goals, offering a satisfying endgame. Free Skate, Speed Run, and Single Session modes provide variety, while cross-platform multiplayer supports up to eight players in competitive modes or cooperative Free Skate. The new HAWK mode, where players hide and seek letters in levels, adds creative replayability. Create-A-Park is a standout, with immediate access to all items, custom goal creation, and new elements like turbo pads and NPCs, making user-generated content a major draw. Accessibility options, like adjustable timers (up to 60 minutes), game speed, and perfect balance assists, enhance inclusivity.

The Presentation ... Visually, THPS 3 + 4 is a stunner, with levels rebuilt in crisp 4K at 60 FPS in Fidelity Mode, breathing new life into classics like Airport, Los Angeles, and Suburbia. Details like sparks in Foundry or the sunset glow in San Francisco elevate the experience, while new parks including that of Waterpark, Pinball, and Movie Studio blend seamlessly with the originals. However, minor issues like screen tearing in Performance mode and occasional crashes on some platforms (notably Switch 2) slightly mar the polish.

The soundtrack, a cornerstone of the series’ identity, is a mixed bag. While classics like Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades,” CKY’s “96 Quite Bitter Beings,” and Gang Starr’s “Mass Appeal” return, only about 20% of the original tracks are included due to licensing issues, replaced by new songs like Urethane’s “Dog Years” and Fontaines D.C.’s “Boys in the Better Land.” These are solid additions, but the loss of iconic tracks like House of Pain’s “I’m a Swing It” or most of THPS 4’s playlist feels like a betrayal of the series’ nostalgic core. PS5’s Spotify integration offers a workaround, but it’s not ideal. The Verdict ...

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a phenomenal skateboarding game that nails the series’ timeless gameplay, with buttery-smooth controls, a stacked roster, and robust modes that offer near-endless replayability through Career, multiplayer, and Create-A-Park. The visual overhaul is gorgeous, and new features like HAWK mode and custom park goals add depth. However, the homogenization of THPS 4’s innovative career mode into the two-minute format strips away its unique identity, and the gutted soundtrack is a significant misstep for a series defined by its music.

Compared to the near-perfect THPS 1 + 2 remake, this package doesn’t quite stick the landing, especially for purists who cherish THPS 4’s original structure or the era-defining tunes. Still, the core skating experience is so addictive and well-executed that it’s a must-buy for fans and newcomers, especially at $50 (or via Game Pass), though diehards may want to wait for a sale if the changes sting too much.