The rumble of skateboard wheels, the satisfying crunch of a grind, the exhilarating rush of a massive combo – for millions, these sounds are synonymous with the golden era of gaming and the iconic figure of Tony Hawk. For years, fans have been clamoring for a return to the glory days of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, and whispers of remakes for THPS3 and THPS4 have been growing louder than a kickflip down a mega-ramp. While official confirmation and concrete details are still a little hazy, the buzz is undeniable. Let’s dive into everything we know, or at least, everything we’re excitedly speculating about, regarding the potential Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 release.
### The Lingering Hope: A Remake, Not Just a Re-release
The success of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake in 2020 reignited the flame for many. It proved that there’s a massive appetite for these classic skateboarding titles, and it showcased how modern technology can breathe new life into beloved gameplay. The logical next step, therefore, is a continuation of this remake tradition with the beloved sequels, THPS3 and THPS4.
While Activision hasn’t officially announced a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, the industry is abuzz with rumors and fan demand. The previous remake was developed by Vicarious Visions (now known as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Studios), and many are hoping they’ll be at the helm once again. The question isn’t if fans want it, but when we might see it.
### Release Date: The Million-Dollar Question
This is where things get speculative. There is currently no official release date for a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. The silence from Activision has been deafening, leading to a constant stream of “when?” from the fanbase.
However, based on the development cycle of THPS 1 + 2, which was announced in May 2020 and released in September 2020, we might expect a similar timeline if an announcement were to be made soon. If Activision is indeed working on it, we could potentially see a reveal and release within the next year or two. But as of now, any date you see floating around online is pure speculation. Patience, skaters, patience.
### The Soundtrack: A Symphony of Skater Culture
One of the defining features of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has always been its incredible soundtracks. These games didn’t just define a generation of gamers; they introduced a generation of gamers to some of the most influential punk, ska, and hip-hop artists of the era. The tracklists for THPS3 and THPS4 are legendary, and fans are already salivating at the prospect of hearing them reimagined with modern sound quality.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 Soundtrack (Original Release):
The soundtrack for THPS3 was a curated masterpiece, featuring a blend of high-energy tracks that perfectly complemented the fast-paced gameplay. Expect the remake to feature many of these iconic tunes:
AC/DC – “Hells Bells”
Cypress Hill – “Insane in the Brain”
The Ramones – “Blitzkrieg Bop”
Depeche Mode – “Personal Jesus”
Bad Religion – “Beyond Reason”
Motörhead – “Ace of Spades”
Adema – “Giving In”
The Vandals – “Oi!”
Sum 41 – “Fat Lip”
X-Ray Spex – “Germ Free Adolescents”
Alien Ant Farm – “Smooth Criminal”
System of a Down – “Toxicity” (Rumored, but often associated with the game) Reel Big Fish – “Sell Out”
Pennywise – “Divine Intervention”
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 Soundtrack (Original Release):
THPS4 continued the tradition with an equally diverse and energetic selection of songs:
Iron Maiden – “The Trooper”
The Smiths – “How Soon Is Now?”
Ramones – “Havana Affair”
Run-DMC – “Jam Master Jay”
The Stranglers – “All Day and All of the Night”
Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic”
Public Enemy – “Bring the Noise”
The Ataris – “San Dimas High School Football Rules”
Ugly Kid Joe – “Everything About You”
Blink-182 – “The Rock Show”
Black Sabbath – “Sabotage”
Pennywise – “Bastards”
The Distillers – “Drain the Blood”
The Suicide Machines – “New Girl”
Xzibit – “Paparazzi”
It’s highly probable that a remake will aim to include as many of these original tracks as possible. The legal rights to music can be a complex and expensive affair, but the emotional connection fans have to these songs is immeasurable. We can also hope for some fresh additions to complement the classics.
### Everything Else We Know (and Hope For!)
Beyond the potential release date and the beloved soundtracks, here’s what we can anticipate from a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake:
Modernized Graphics and Gameplay: Just like THPS 1 + 2, expect a complete visual overhaul. Environments will be sharper, character models more detailed, and animations smoother than ever. The core gameplay, which was already incredibly refined in these installments, will likely be polished to perfection, perhaps with subtle tweaks to controls and physics.
Classic and New Rosters: We can assume the return of all the iconic skaters from both THPS3 and THPS4, including Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, Steve Caballero, Eric Koston, and more. Hopefully, there will also be opportunities to unlock new skaters or even see some surprise additions.
Iconic Level Design: Both THPS3 and THPS4 boasted some of the most memorable levels in the series. Think the Airport in THPS3 with its moving baggage carts and the infamous “sick breaks” of the School II level. THPS4’s Free Skate mode and objective-driven levels like the Zoo and the Carnival are also fan favorites. A remake would
undoubtedly bring these beloved locations back with stunning detail and new interactive elements.
Expanded Modes and Features: THPS3 introduced the “Create-A-Skater” and “Create-A-Park” features, which became staples of the series. THPS4 evolved this further with its more open-ended Free Skate mode, allowing players to explore and complete objectives at their own pace. We can expect these, and potentially more, to be enhanced for the remake. Online multiplayer, a crucial element for the series’ longevity, will also be a must.
The Soundtrack Reimagined: Beyond the original tracks, there’s the possibility of curated new music that fits the THPS vibe, expanding the auditory experience.
The “Hawk” Factor: Tony Hawk himself remains a driving force behind the franchise. His continued involvement and advocacy for the series are a huge reason why these remakes are so desired.
### The Waiting Game
The internet is a powerful tool for fan communication, and the demand for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a testament to its enduring legacy. While official news remains elusive, the hope is palpable. The success of the previous remake has set a high bar, and the
anticipation for the next chapter in this legendary skateboarding saga is at an all-time high.
For now, we can only wait, watch for any official leaks or
announcements, and perhaps dust off our old consoles to relive the glory days of THPS3 and THPS4. The asphalt is calling, and the world is ready for Tony Hawk to shred once again.