Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: What Critics Are Saying

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has finally arrived, reigniting the thrill of virtual skateboarding for longtime fans while introducing a new generation to its high-flying tricks and iconic soundtracks. The remastered bundle, developed by Iron Galaxy, brings together two of the most beloved entries in the franchise, delivering polished gameplay, updated visuals, and a mix of nostalgia and fresh content. Reviews have been largely positive, though some critics note that certain changes may not sit well with purists.

The game currently holds an 83 on Metacritic, reflecting strong approval from critics who praise its faithful recreation of the originals. Keza MacDonald of The Guardian described it as an instant nostalgia trip, particularly when classic tracks like Motorhead’s Ace of Spades kick in. “It’s almost insulting how easily this remake pushes my millennial nostalgia buttons,” she wrote, awarding it four out of five stars.

However, not everyone felt the remake fully honored the legacy of the originals. Wesley LeBlanc from Game Informer pointed out that while the gameplay remains solid, the remake struggles to capture the cultural impact the series once had. “If you weren’t there for these games the first time around, this version doesn’t do much to explain why they mattered,” he noted, scoring it an eight out of ten.

Level design emerged as a standout feature, with reviewers praising how Iron Galaxy expanded upon the original layouts to accommodate the more complex trick systems introduced in Pro Skater 3 and 4. Trone Dowd of Inverse called the levels “the star of the game,” highlighting how they encourage bigger, more elaborate combos. New additions like Movie Studio and Waterpark were particularly well-received, blending seamlessly with the classic locations.

One of the more divisive changes was the decision to impose a two-minute time limit on Pro Skater 4, which originally allowed free-roaming exploration. Kara Phillips from PC Gamer argued that this alteration stripped away what made the fourth game unique, making it feel more like an extension of Pro Skater 3 rather than a faithful remake. Others, like LeBlanc, acknowledged that while the change streamlined gameplay, it came at the cost of authenticity.

Another point of contention was the soundtrack, which saw significant cuts compared to the originals. While Tony Hawk himself defended the inclusion of new tracks as a way to introduce players to fresh music, critics like Dowd and Ollie Reynolds (Nintendo Life) lamented the absence of classic songs that defined the original experience. “When so much of the game’s identity was tied to its revolutionary soundtrack, it’s a shame not all the classics made the cut,” Dowd wrote.

Despite these criticisms, the remake succeeds in delivering tight, responsive controls and a visually polished experience, especially on the Nintendo Switch 2, where performance was praised for matching its PlayStation and Xbox counterparts. Reynolds noted that while minor aliasing occurs in handheld mode, the game maintains a smooth 60fps with impressive visual effects.

For newcomers, Pro Skater 3 + 4 serves as an accessible entry point, though some reviewers felt it leaned too heavily on nostalgia without fully explaining its cultural significance. Lia Kim of Junkee, who never played the originals, found the gameplay rewarding despite the learning curve. “It made me realize how many iconic games I’ve missed, but also how much fun it is to finally catch up,” she wrote.

Ultimately, while the remake doesn’t surpass the legendary status of the originals, it offers a solid, enjoyable experience that blends old-school charm with modern refinements. As MacDonald put it, “There’s still no better skating game out there, and no better time capsule of this pivotal moment in the sport.”

(Source: GAMESINDUSTRY)