Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 Review – Gameplay & Nostalgia
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: A Nostalgic Ride Worth Taking, But Does It Reach the heights of Its Predecessor?
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The world of extreme sports gaming is no stranger to revivals, and the latest offering from Activision and Iron Galaxy, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, aims to recapture the magic that defined a generation. While it largely succeeds in delivering a faithful and enjoyable experience, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it doesn’t quite hit the same exhilarating highs as the THPS 1+2 remake.
Don’t Think, Just Play
Despite its minor annoyances, Tony hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 lives up to the hype and should be a day-one treat for gamers worldwide. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, it’s an absolute no-brainer. Even if you don’t subscribe, you get a lot of bang for your buck for $50, especially if you’re a dedicated completionist. As remakes go, it’s one of the most faithful you’ll ever play.
A Seamless Transition,But Familiar Territory
This isn’t Iron Galaxy’s fault,mind you. The team has taken over Vicarious Visions’ work seamlessly and done a impressive job, particularly with those new levels. However,the source material itself is a little lacking when compared to the original duo. It’ll be nostalgia’s fault to a certain extent – and the fact that the first two games needed a much more dramatic overhaul to get them up to modern standards – but certain levels feel a little dull or, at the vrey least, instantly forgettable. Perhaps THPS and THPS 2 where too iconic for their own good, setting an impossibly high bar for any subsequent entries.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
So, what’s next for the beloved franchise? Presuming we’re going by canon, we can safely rule out the travesty that was Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5.But a Tony Hawk’s Underground 1 + 2 would be a natural third outing.Hell, throw American Wasteland in there too while we’re at it, as let’s be honest, no one really wants Project 8 or Proving Ground.
and hey, while Activision is busy digging through the archives, maybe consider bringing back the unsung hero of the extreme sports gaming boom: Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX. it’s been 18 years since its release, and it’s high time this gem got the remake treatment it deserves.