The skateboarding video game world hasn’t felt quite the same since the glory days of the early 2000s. While recent entries have shown flashes of brilliance, a true return to the revolutionary spirit of the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS) series feels like a distant dream for many. But whispers and fervent fan hopes have coalesced around a potential resurrection, with the focus firmly set on the games that many consider the pinnacle of the franchise: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4.
For years, the idea of a combined remake of these two iconic titles has been a recurring fantasy within the gaming community. After the resounding success of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake, it’s a natural progression that fans and developers alike would consider tackling the next legendary installments. So, let’s dive into everything we know – and what we desperately hope for – regarding a potential Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 release.
### The Rumors That Sparked the Hype Train
The initial fuel for this speculation fire came from some rather significant leaks and developer comments. While there’s no official announcement from Activision or the now-defunct Vicarious Visions (the developers of the 1+2 remake), the groundwork for a 3+4 remake has been laid through various channels:
Developer Teases & Nostalgia: Those involved in the THPS 1 + 2 remake have openly expressed their passion for the series and their desire to continue the project. Designers and producers have hinted at their favorite entries, and THPS 3 and 4 often top those lists. Industry Insiders & Leaks: Reputable industry leakers and
journalists have, at various points, suggested that a THPS 3+4 remake is indeed in development or at least being seriously considered. These reports, while unconfirmed, carry weight within the gaming sphere. The Continued Success of THPS 1 + 2: The critical and commercial triumph of the first remake is undeniable. It proved that there’s a massive appetite for high-quality remasters of these classic skateboarding titles, making a follow-up a business no-brainer.
### What About the Release Date?
This is the million-dollar question, and unfortunately, the answer is: we don’t know. As of now, there has been no official release date announced for a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake. The development cycle for such a project, especially one with the ambition of remaking two substantial games, is lengthy.
However, based on typical industry timelines and the potential progress of a project that has been rumored for some time, it’s reasonable to speculate that if it is in development, we might be looking at a release no earlier than late 2024 or more likely in 2025. This is purely conjecture, of course, and the landscape of game development can be unpredictable.
### The Track List: A Symphony of Skate Punk and Beyond
One of the most iconic elements of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has always been its killer soundtracks. THPS 3 and 4 were no exception, boasting a diverse and influential collection of punk, rock, and hip-hop anthems that defined an era. If a remake is to happen, fans will undoubtedly be clamoring for the original tracks to be included, and here’s a taste of the legendary songs that made these games legendary:
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 – A Glimpse into the Soundtrack:
“Ace of Spades” – Motörhead (The ultimate opener)
“Blitzkrieg Bop” – Ramones (Pure punk energy)
“Kids in ’88” – The Aquabats
“Evil Ways” – The Hellacopters
“No Time to Explain” – Del The Funky Homosapien
“The Touch” – The Stranglers
“Pin the Tail on the Donkey” – The Reverend Horton Heat
“As I Am” – The Vandals
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 – Expanding the Sonic Palette:
“Avenger” – Beastie Boys
“Underdog” – Bouncing Souls
“Cut the Curd” – Atmosphere
“Guerilla Radio” – Rage Against the Machine (A fan favorite for a reason) “Radio” – Rancid
“What’s My Age Again?” – Blink-182
“Hit the Lights” – The Darkness
“The Bomb! (These Ice Creams Are Delicious)” – DJ Shadow
While a direct 1:1 recreation of the original soundtracks is the ideal scenario, it’s also worth considering that licensing can be a complex issue. We might see some beloved tracks replaced with new, equally fitting additions that capture the spirit of the originals.
Regardless, the expectation is for a soundtrack that ignites nostalgia and introduces a new generation to the genre’s defining sounds.
### Everything Else We Know (And Hope For)
Beyond the release date and track list, there’s a wealth of elements that fans are eagerly anticipating for a potential THPS 3+4 remake:
The Gameplay Evolution: THPS 3 introduced the revert and manual mechanics, which fundamentally changed the flow of gameplay, allowing for insane combos. THPS 4 built upon this with the introduction of the bail system and the more open-ended career mode, which moved away from strict time limits in favor of objective-based progression. A remake would undoubtedly refine these mechanics to modern standards, offering buttery-smooth controls and responsive physics.
Iconic Level Design: Both games boast some of the most memorable and well-designed skate parks in the series. From the sprawling “The Ruins” in THPS 3 with its intricate pathways and hidden areas, to the challenging and diverse environments of THPS 4 like “The Zoo” and “Canada”, fans are hoping for faithful recreations that retain their original charm while benefiting from modern graphical fidelity. The Rosters: THPS 3 and 4 featured a star-studded lineup of professional skaters. We can expect the return of legends like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Kareem Campbell, Steve Caballero, and many more. The potential addition of new pro skaters or even the inclusion of modern street skating icons would be a welcome bonus.
The “Create-A-Skater” and “Create-A-Park” Modes: These beloved modes were crucial to the longevity and replayability of the original games. A remake would undoubtedly bring these back, hopefully with enhanced customization options and expanded capabilities for park creation.
Multiplayer Mayhem: The local and online multiplayer modes were a huge draw. The ability to compete with friends in classic modes like “Score Attack” and “Graffiti” would be essential for a modern remake. Potential for New Content: While the focus is on remaking the originals, there’s always a possibility of new tricks, skaters, or even bonus levels being added to enhance the experience.
### The Future is Looking Gnarly
The absence of an official announcement might be frustrating, but the constant buzz and the undeniable quality of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 paint a very promising picture for the future. The demand is there, the blueprint is proven, and the passion for this legendary franchise remains as strong as ever.
Until Activision decides to officially pull back the curtain, we’ll be left to skate in our imaginations, replaying the classics and eagerly anticipating the day we can once again feel the rush of landing a perfect combo in the lovingly remade worlds of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4. The wait might be long, but if the rumors are true, the reward will be incredibly worth it. Stay tuned, skaters – the future might just be more radical than we think.
