High-speed tricks, towering ramps and a curated punk and hip-hop soundtrack collide in “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4,” creating an energetic and dynamic skateboarding experience.
“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4” is the latest remaster of the Tony Hawk series of games, offering a rebuilt bundle of the original 2000s release. Developed by Chicago-based studio Iron Galaxy and published by Activision last summer, the remaster comes with updated controls, enhanced graphics and new sounds to take advantage of modern technology without losing the nostalgic charm of its predecessors.
The game offers players 18 unique locations to skate through — with each level having their own unique charm. While some locations like “San Francisco” and “Suburbia” keep skaters grounded on realistic streets and concrete sidewalks, other levels like “Skater Island” and “Waterpark” throw players into larger-than-life arenas that offer a variety of unique set pieces to do tricks upon.
Physics takes a backseat in favor of pure, fast-paced fun, allowing players to soar above ramps and halfpipes along with speeding through each level with fluidity. The “arcade-style” focus excels at encouraging experimentation by awarding higher scores to continuous combos that link together multiple types of tricks. This balance between accessibility and depth makes the game welcoming for newcomers while still providing satisfying challenges for veteran players.
Players are able to select from over 31 fictional and nonfictional skaters, each with their own unique tricks and specialties that make different aspects of the game easier than others. For example, Tony Hawk spins fast and flies high out of a half pipe, while Jamie Foy has great speed and balance.
Players are also able to create their own skater, with customizable stats, tricks and cosmetics. The large variety of skaters allows for experimentation with different playstyles, increasing replayability and offering a tailored experience for each individual player.
The gameplay is further complimented by the hip-hop and punk soundtrack, featuring songs from artists and bands such as Alice in Chains and Denzel Curry. Tony Hawk is featured as well, singing “In the City” with Punk Rock Karaoke. This soundtrack surges after landing successful combos and coming to a screeching stop when the player crashes, tying the music to the rhythm and flow of each run.
The music and movement highlights the game’s focus on momentum, which is essential in the game’s objective-based “Career Mode,” where players are given two minutes to complete as many level challenges as possible.
Some challenges are consistent across all levels, like surpassing a high score or collecting the scattered letters of “SKATE” across the map. Others are unique to each location. Whether it be knocking over the kegs of a college frat, rescuing a local painter from becoming a shark’s lunch or freeing a man whose tongue is frozen to a pole — unique challenges such as these demonstrate both the game’s humor and level design.
Players can forgo the time limit and challenges in favor of the “Free Skate” mode, allowing them to explore levels at their own pace and experiment with different tricks while listening to the game’s dynamic soundtrack.
Through the extensive trick and combo system along with the unique level design, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4” offers a highly replayable game that keeps players engaged through creative and varied approaches that make every session fresh, fast and satisfying.
Copy edited by Mya DeJesus
