Nostalgia of Skating… When Games Were a Lifestyle, Not Just Fun!

Remember when we used to spend hours in front of the PlayStation trying to get the highest score, jumping over cars, and chaining combos without falling? Yep, those were the days of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4… Games that were never just “entertainment”, but a real part of our day, hours of addictive repetition and constant challenge.

Anyone who played the series back then knows what I mean… The game was a strange mix of simplicity and addiction, with graphics that were just okay at the time, but with a soul that felt completely different. The developer was Neversoft, and the publisher was Activision—enough reason for any player to trust that what’s coming isn’t going to be ordinary.

And now, with the new remake of parts 3 and 4, made by a new developer, Iron Galaxy, I felt like I was reliving my memories—but in a better, more refined, and more polished version.

So, will this game really make you lose track of time like the old days? Did the developers succeed in reviving the spirit without losing the simplicity? Is the remake worth playing amidst all the games out there now? Let’s find out!

Gameplay

Once you grab the controller and start your first run, you get this strange feeling: the game is easy but not shallow. It’s simple, but hides deep mechanics behind it.

Gameplay is based on entering a stage full of ramps, rails, and wild places where you can pull off the tricks you’ve known for years—or learn new ones. The mechanics allow you to combine things like manuals, grinds, and air tricks to build long combos. The more tricks you link, the more points you rack up.

Part 3 introduced a vital mechanic: the Revert. It allows you to link your landing from a ramp to a manual, continuing your combo—which makes the addiction insane, as you keep trying to squeeze out that extra second to blow up your score. Part 4 added the Spine Transfer, letting you jump easily from ramp to ramp, opening new paths for trick chaining. You also get Double Inputs for air tricks like Double Kickflip or Heelflip by pressing twice quickly, adding variety and flair.

Another big addition in part 4 was removing the timer! No more two-minute pressure like in part 3. Now you have full freedom to explore, talk to characters, and tackle challenges at your own pace. The remake even lets you choose whether to play with or without the timer, making the experience flexible to your mood.

You can also stretch the time up to 60 minutes if you want to enjoy the free-roam experience with no pressure. This feature gives you control over how you want to play.

Game Modes & Content

The “Create‑A‑Park” mode is back stronger than ever, with more tools to customize. You can even assign objectives inside your park and share it online or play with friends. There’s also deep character customization—from outfits to boards—making you feel more immersed in the world.

Online and local multiplayer are tons of fun, featuring group challenges like high-score battles or collecting H-A-W-K letters. This competitive energy really extends the game’s lifespan.

But despite all that, a few things could’ve been better. For example, the tweak made to THPS4 in this version limits its original freedom. All stages are now under the two-minute system, which removes the classic free-roam vibe. Iconic missions like Zoo Challenge or the Kona Race have been changed or removed, which may upset longtime fans. And Skitching (holding on to a moving car) is still present, but limited and not as useful across stages.

Classic secret characters like Jango Fett are sadly missing, replaced with lesser-known faces—taking away some of the fun surprises the originals had.

Graphics

The biggest surprise in the remake is the graphics. I remember the old stages being kind of dull—decent designs but simple. Now, everything feels alive!

Lighting is smooth and realistic, shadows match the sun’s movement, high-quality textures everywhere, and each stage feels packed with details never seen before. Character design is more mature, clothing flows naturally, and animations are rich and detailed—it all feels incredibly real.

What I loved is that every level kept its original soul. If you memorized the old layouts, you’ll find them here. But at the same time, it all looks new due to the added depth.

Classic stages like Airport, Foundry, and Alcatraz have been rebuilt from the ground up, and new additions like Waterpark, Pinball, and Movie Studio blend in so perfectly, you’d think they were always part of the series.

Final Rating

8/10

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a mature experience that blends old-school nostalgia with the polish of modern generations. It hits the same emotional chords we felt as kids, while upgrading the experience for today’s audience.

Whether you played it back then or you’re jumping in for the first time, this game will stick with you—and keep you coming back for more, even if you thought this genre was long gone.