Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4: A New Twist on Classic Skateboarding Games
Earlier this week, the highly anticipated announcement of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 sent waves of excitement through the gaming community. Aiming to recreate the magic of the beloved PS2-era skateboarding games, this remake promises to deliver all the nostalgia and thrills that fans have come to expect from the iconic Tony Hawk franchise. Developed by Iron Galaxy, the game is slated for release in July, offering players a chance to relive the glory days of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4.
One major change in the upcoming remake has sparked some debate among fans, particularly those who hold a special place in their hearts for THPS4. Unlike the original version of the game, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 will not feature the freeform career mode that players may remember from the PS2 classic. Instead, each THPS4 level will present a list of challenges to be completed within a 2-minute time frame, a departure from the more open-ended structure of the original game.
In the original THPS4, players had the freedom to explore levels at their own pace, discovering challenges and collecting items in a more leisurely manner. While some challenges did have time limits, the overall gameplay experience was less constrained, allowing for a more immersive and interactive environment. When news of this change surfaced on the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater subreddit, it was met with mixed reactions from fans, with many expressing disappointment at the departure from the original format.
For some players, the absence of the freeform career mode in THPS4 levels may be a dealbreaker, leading to concerns that the remake leans more towards THPS3 with added levels from THPS4 rather than a faithful recreation of both games. As a fan who found THPS4 to be somewhat of an outlier compared to other titles in the series, I can empathize with those who feel let down by the changes. While personally, I may not be too fazed by the alterations, I recognize the significance of the career mode for fans of THPS4 and the impact it has on their gaming experience.
Despite the controversy surrounding the changes to THPS4’s career mode, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is still poised to be a must-play title for fans of the series. With its release scheduled for July 11 on Xbox, Game Pass, PlayStation, Switch, and PC, players can look forward to diving back into the world of Tony Hawk and experiencing the thrill of skateboarding like never before. While the game may not fully replicate the original THPS4 experience, it offers a fresh take on a classic favorite, blending nostalgia with innovation in a way that is sure to captivate both new and seasoned players alike.
