The air crackled with the unmistakable sound of buzzing skateboards and iconic punk rock anthems. For a generation, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (THPS) series wasn’t just a video game; it was a cultural phenomenon. It introduced us to impossible tricks, introduced us to a killer soundtrack, and made us believe we could nail a 900 in our living rooms. While the franchise has seen a revival with the THPS 1 + 2 remake, the whispers of a potential Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 continue to echo through the gaming community.

Let’s dive into the tantalizing rumors, the lingering hopes, and the concrete information (or lack thereof) surrounding the possibility of a combined remake of these beloved sequels.

### The Hunger for More: Why THPS 3 + 4 is a Dream

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake was a resounding success. It captured the magic of the originals with stunning modern graphics, refined gameplay, and a nostalgic soundtrack that sent players soaring. This success has naturally fueled the desire for a
continuation, and what better way to do that than by combining the next two iconic installments?

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3: Widely considered a pinnacle of the series, THPS3 introduced mechanics like the revert, adding a whole new layer of combo potential. Its level design was exceptional, offering both challenging layouts and plenty of secrets to discover.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4: This installment took a different approach, shifting from free skate sessions to a more mission-based structure within each park. This innovative design encouraged players to explore and experiment, leading to some of the most memorable challenges in the franchise.

Combining these two powerhouses into a single package would offer an unparalleled amount of content, a blend of refined mechanics, and a treasure trove of iconic levels.

### Release Date: The Elusive Kickflip

Here’s the hard truth: There is currently no official release date for a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake. As of my last update, neither Activision nor any of its development studios have officially announced such a project.

However, the fervent fan demand, coupled with the commercial and critical success of THPS 1 + 2, makes it a highly probable endeavor. Developers often gauge interest and explore possibilities after a successful launch. It’s a waiting game, but the stars seem aligned for this dream to become a reality.

Speculation, of course, runs rampant. If a project were in
development, we might look at a release window of late 2024 or sometime in 2025, allowing ample time for development and polish, similar to the gap between the original THPS 1 + 2 announcement and its release.

### Track List: The Soundtrack to Our Lives

The THPS soundtracks are legendary, a curated collection of punk, rock, and hip-hop anthems that defined an era for many gamers. Recreating the track lists for THPS 3 and THPS 4 would be a monumental task, but one that fans are eagerly anticipating.

Based on the original games, here’s a taste of what we’d hope to see on a hypothetical THPS 3 + 4 soundtrack:

Likely Candidates from THPS 3:

“Ace of Spades” – Motörhead
“Blitzkrieg Bop” – Ramones
“Killed by Death” – Motörhead
“Iron Man” – Black Sabbath
“Blitzed” – The Distillers
“Guerilla Radio” – Rage Against the Machine
“Know Your Enemy” – Rage Against the Machine
“When I Come Around” – Green Day
“New Noise” – Refused
“Song 2” – Blur
“The Freestyler” – Bomfunk MC’s
“Hangar 18” – Megadeth

Likely Candidates from THPS 4:

“The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
“Teenage Dirtbag” – Wheatus
“All My Life” – Foo Fighters
“Last Resort” – Papa Roach
“Story of My Life” – Social Distortion
“I Think I’m Paranoid” – Garbage
“Anarchy in the U.K.” – The Damned
“Feel Good Inc.” – Gorillaz
“Can I Kick It?” – Lou Reed
“Kool Thing” – Sonic Youth
“Come Out and Play” – The Offspring
“The Kids Aren’t Alright” – The Offspring

Of course, a modern remake might also include new additions to refresh the playlist, but the core of these iconic tracks would undoubtedly be the driving force.

### Everything Else We Know (and Hope For)

Beyond the release date and track list, here’s a rundown of what we know about the potential Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 and what fans are hoping for:

What We Know (Based on THPS 1 + 2 Success):

Modern Graphics: Expect the same stunning visual overhaul seen in THPS 1 + 2, bringing the iconic levels and skaters to life with incredible detail.
Refined Gameplay: The revert, manuals, and the overall smooth gameplay mechanics from THPS 1 + 2 would likely carry over, forming the foundation for the new titles.
The Core Duo: Tony Hawk and his team at Birdman are typically involved in the revival of the series, ensuring authenticity. Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Albany) did an exceptional job with the previous remake, making them a strong candidate to return. Skaters: All the beloved skaters from THPS 3 and THPS 4, including fan favorites like Chad Muska, Mike Carroll, Eric Koston, and of course, Tony Hawk himself, would likely return, possibly with updated character models and their signature moves.
Level Design Mastery: The creative and challenging level design of both THPS 3 and THPS 4 is a major selling point. We can anticipate faithful recreations of iconic parks like the Airport, City, Suburbia, Canada, Zoo, and Warehouse, possibly with some modern twists.

What We Hope For:

THPS 4’s Mission Structure: While THPS 1 + 2 focused on free skate and score-chasing, the mission-based structure of THPS 4 was a fresh and engaging addition. A successful THPS 3 + 4 remake would ideally incorporate this element, allowing players to truly engage with the unique challenges each park offered.
Expanded Create-a-Skater and Park Creator: The creation tools in THPS 1 + 2 were a fantastic addition. A THPS 3 + 4 package would be the perfect opportunity to expand these features, offering even more customization options for skaters and parks.
Online Multiplayer Evolution: While THPS 1 + 2 had solid online multiplayer, further enhancements to lobby systems, matchmaking, and perhaps even new online modes would be welcomed.
“Create-a-Trick” Nostalgia: The ability to create your own unique tricks was a beloved feature in earlier THPS games. Its inclusion in a new remake would be a massive fan pleaser.
Developer Engagement: Continued communication and engagement from the developers, similar to the transparency shown during the THPS 1 + 2 development, would be greatly appreciated by the dedicated fanbase.

### The Lingering Hope

The absence of an official announcement for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 doesn’t mean it’s not in the cards. The gaming industry is a complex landscape, and development cycles can be lengthy and secretive. The success of the previous remake has undeniably put THPS 3 and THPS 4 firmly on the radar for a potential revival.

For now, we can only wait, re-watch old gameplay videos, and crank up the original soundtracks. The dream of grinding through the Airport with a modern coat of paint and rediscovering the magic of THPS 4’s challenges remains a powerful one. The skateboarding community is ready, the technology is there, and the demand is undeniable. Let’s hope Activision hears our cheers and brings Tony Hawk’s legacy full circle once more. Until then, keep practicing those manuals – you never know when you’ll need them.