The scent of freshly laid asphalt, the satisfying thwack of landing a perfect kickflip, and a soundtrack that defined a generation – these are the visceral memories conjured by the mere mention of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. For many, these titles weren’t just video games; they were formative experiences, gateways into a culture of rebellion, athleticism, and undeniably cool music.

It’s been decades since these legendary PlayStation 2 classics graced our consoles, and the clamor for their return has been deafening. While a full-blown remake of both games in the vein of the excellent Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 hasn’t been officially announced, the gaming community is abuzz with speculation, fueled by cryptic hints and the enduring love for these skateboarding titans.

So, let’s strap on our virtual helmets and dive into what we know, what we hope for, and what we’re eagerly awaiting regarding the potential release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4.

### The Golden Era: Release Dates You Won’t Forget

Before we get to the future, a quick trip down memory lane.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3: Bursting onto the scene in October 2001 for the PlayStation 2, followed shortly by releases on PC, GameCube, and Xbox. It was a monumental leap forward, solidifying the series’ dominance.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4: Arriving in October 2002 for the PlayStation 2, with subsequent releases on PC, GameCube, and Xbox. This installment continued to innovate, pushing the boundaries of what a skateboarding game could be.

These releases weren’t just milestones for the franchise; they were cultural touchstones, arriving at the peak of skateboarding’s mainstream popularity.

### The Soundtrack That Spurred Us On: Track Lists That Live Rent-Free

One of the most defining elements of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has always been its meticulously curated soundtrack. These games introduced countless players to punk, rock, and hip-hop anthems that became inextricably linked with the thrill of nailing a 900.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 Track List (Highlights):

The sheer breadth and quality of this soundtrack were astounding. Who can forget the opening chords of:

X-Large – “Welcome to Paradise”
Bodyjar – “Five Star Day”
The Stranglers – “No More Heroes”
The Hellacopters – “Hopeless Case of a Machine Gun”
KRS-One – “We Can Conquer”
Cypress Hill – “Roll It Up, Part 2”
The Ramones – “Blitzkrieg Bop”
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Havana Affair”
Motörhead – “Ace of Spades”
AC/DC – “Sin City”

And so many more! This was more than just background noise; it was the pulse of the game.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 Track List (Highlights):

THPS 4 continued the musical excellence, with a slightly more diverse and mature selection that still hit all the right notes:

Run-DMC – “King of Rock”
The Adolescents – “Amoeba”
Beastie Boys – “An Open Letter to NYC”
Public Enemy – “Sound of the Police”
The Clash – “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
Iggy Pop – “Lust for Life”
Black Flag – “My Ghetto”
Melvins – “Honey Bucket”
Jerk – “Lucky”

The inclusion of classic tracks alongside more contemporary (for the time) bangers ensured that THPS 4’s soundtrack resonated with a wide audience and cemented its place in gaming history.

### The Burning Question: When Can We Expect Them?

This is where the speculation truly begins. Following the overwhelming success of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 in 2020, developed by Vicarious Visions (now Blizzard Albany), the question on everyone’s lips is: Will THPS 3 and 4 follow suit?

While there has been no official confirmation from Activision or Tony Hawk himself regarding a dedicated remake of THPS 3 and THPS 4 as a combined package, the signs are certainly promising.

The Blueprint is Laid: The success of THPS 1 + 2 proved there’s a massive appetite for high-quality remakes of these beloved titles. Vicarious Visions demonstrated their mastery of the franchise’s core mechanics, graphics, and overall feel.
Tony Hawk’s Own Comments: Tony Hawk himself has expressed his desire and enthusiasm for seeing THPS 3 and THPS 4 remade. He’s often cited the demand from fans and the creative possibilities.
Developer Availability: While Vicarious Visions has been working on other projects, the talent and experience that brought THPS 1 + 2 to life are still very much within the Activision umbrella.

What We Can Infer:

If it happens, it won’t be immediate: Developing a remake of this caliber takes time. We’re likely looking at a release date no sooner than late 2024 or, more realistically, 2025 or beyond.
The same developer is the ideal candidate: Vicarious Visions (or a similarly skilled internal studio) would be the perfect team to tackle this project, ensuring fidelity to the original experiences while modernizing them.
Expect a similar approach: A faithful recreation of the core gameplay, updated graphics, and, crucially, a lovingly curated soundtrack are all but guaranteed.

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

Beyond the release date and tracklist, here’s a breakdown of what we can anticipate or wish for in a potential THPS 3 & 4 remake:

Gameplay Evolution: THPS 3 introduced the special meter and manuals, significantly expanding the combo potential. THPS 4 further refined this with the Free Skate mode and the introduction of missions as the primary progression system, moving away from strict
score-attack goals. A remake would undoubtedly blend these
groundbreaking features seamlessly.
Level Design Mastery: Both games boasted iconic levels, from the lava-filled Hotter Than Hell in THPS 3 to the sprawling Airport in THPS 4. A remake would need to faithfully recreate these playgrounds of destruction and creativity, perhaps with some subtle modern enhancements.
Roster of Legends: The original games featured a star-studded roster of professional skateboarders. We’d expect a similar lineup, with the potential for new additions and the preservation of beloved classics.
Create-a-Skater & Park Editor: These modes were integral to the longevity and personal connection players felt with the series. Modern iterations would undoubtedly offer more customization options and creative freedom.
Online Multiplayer: The inclusion of robust online multiplayer, building upon the success of THPS 1 + 2’s modes, would be a
significant draw.
Aesthetic Reimagining: The graphical leap from THPS 3 and THPS 4 to modern hardware would be transformative. Expect a vibrant, detailed world that captures the essence of the originals while looking stunning on current-gen consoles and PCs.
The “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2” Legacy: The success of the first remake has set a high bar. Developers will undoubtedly aim to capture that same magic, focusing on tight controls, exhilarating gameplay, and a genuine sense of nostalgia.

The anticipation for a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4 remake is palpable. While we may have to wait a bit longer for official word, the passion of the fanbase and the proven success of past remakes paint a very hopeful picture. Until then, we can continue to skate through the memories, blast those iconic soundtracks, and dream of the day when we can once again grind, flip, and manual our way through these legendary virtual worlds. The board is set, and the ramps are waiting. Let’s hope Activision is ready to drop in.