For many, the year 2001 and 2002 weren’t just any ordinary years; they were the years we discovered the exhilarating freedom of skateboarding without the scraped knees and bruises. They were the years Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 dropped onto our consoles, solidifying the franchise’s reign as the undisputed king of extreme sports video games. Today, over two decades later, the echoes of sick grinds, impossible air tricks, and the iconic soundtrack still resonate with gamers.

While a brand new Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater title might still be a pipe dream for some, the enduring appeal of THPS3 and THPS4, particularly in the realm of retro gaming and remakes, keeps the conversation alive. So, let’s take a nostalgic trip back in time and revisit what made these two installments so legendary, and ponder what makes us still so eager to know: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4: Release Date, Track List, and Everything We Know (or Wish We Knew).

### The Groundbreaking Releases: When the World Fell in Love with Vert

The impact of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 on the gaming landscape was monumental. Released in October 2001 for the PlayStation 2, followed by Xbox and GameCube versions, it took the already impressive formula of its predecessors and polished it to a mirror shine. The
introduction of the “Revert” trick, allowing players to seamlessly link tricks between grinds and manuals, revolutionized gameplay, opening up a universe of combo possibilities.

Then came Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 in October 2002. Building upon the foundation of THPS3, it shifted the focus from finding collectibles to completing more mission-based objectives. This change introduced a more sandbox-like feel to the levels, encouraging exploration and strategic trick execution to achieve specific goals. Both games were critical darlings and commercial titans, selling millions and becoming instant classics.

### The Soundtrack That Defined a Generation

Beyond the revolutionary gameplay, what truly cemented the legacy of THPS3 and THPS4 were their curated soundtracks. These weren’t just background noise; they were an integral part of the experience, introducing countless gamers to the vibrant world of punk, hip-hop, and ska.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 boasted a killer lineup that included:

AC/DC – “TNT”
Cypress Hill – “Sound Of New York”
KRS-One – “Sound Of My Def”
Motorhead – “Ace of Spades”
The Adolescents – “Amoeba”
X-Clan – “Funkin’ Lesson”
Goldfinger – “Superman”
Bad Religion – “99”
The Vandals – “Too Much Drama”
Rocket From The Crypt – “Feeling Good”
Reel Big Fish – “Sell Out”
Alien Ant Farm – “Smooth Criminal” (Cover)

And Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 continued the tradition with another legendary list:

The Ramones – “Blitzkrieg Bop”
Run DMC – “King of Rock”
Beastie Boys – “Triple Trouble”
System Of A Down – “Toxicity”
The Aquabats! – “Pool Party”
The Vandals – “Anarchy Burger (The U.S. Open Beer Can Polka Song)” The Hellacopters – “Scott”
Slick Rick – “Children’s Story”
Dilated Peoples – “Worst Case Scenario”
P.O.D. – “Youth of the Nation”
Black Eyed Peas – “Shut Up”
Pennywise – “Bro Hymn”

These tracklists are etched into the memories of a generation, often serving as a gateway to discovering new artists and genres.

### Everything We Know (and What We’re Still Dreaming Of)

As of our current understanding, there has been no official
announcement or release date for a standalone remake or remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 as separate entities.

However, this doesn’t mean the dream is dead. Here’s what we do know and what fuels our hopeful speculation:

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remake: In 2020, Vicarious Visions delivered a critically acclaimed remake of the first two games. This demonstrated a clear appetite for modernized versions of the classics and proved that the formula still holds immense appeal. The success of this remake is arguably the strongest indicator that further installments are not out of the question.
Developer Interest: Rob Yamaguchi, a developer at Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Entertainment), has expressed interest in remaking THPS3 and THPS4 in the past. While this isn’t a concrete plan, it signifies that the passion and desire are present within the development community.
Fan Demand: The online community for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is incredibly passionate. Petitions, social media campaigns, and constant discussions about potential remakes are a testament to the enduring love for the franchise.
Licensing and Development Challenges: The biggest hurdles for any potential remake are often licensing the music and the sheer amount of work involved in rebuilding complex levels and gameplay mechanics from the ground up. The success of THPS 1+2 suggests these challenges can be overcome.
Future Possibilities: While a direct THPS3 & THPS4 remake might be the most desired, the possibility of a new, original Tony Hawk game in the vein of the classics also remains. Or, perhaps, a future compilation that bundles the remade 1 & 2 with updated versions of 3 & 4.

### The Enduring Appeal

Why do we still clamor for more Tony Hawk? It’s a potent cocktail of nostalgia, revolutionary gameplay, and an iconic soundtrack. THPS3 and THPS4 weren’t just games; they were cultural touchstones that defined an era for many. They offered a sense of freedom, creativity, and accomplishment that few other games could replicate.

Until the day Activision or any other developer officially announces the return of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 in a modern form, we’ll continue to revisit the originals, blast those legendary soundtracks, and hold onto the hope that the spirit of extreme skateboarding will once again grace our consoles in a way that does justice to these beloved classics. The grind never truly stops for fans of Tony Hawk.