Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 serve as both an evolutionary and conservative sequel to 2020’s remaster, showcasing the expertise of new developer Iron Galaxy. After Vicarious Visions reimagined the first two installments, Iron Galaxy successfully revitalizes the third and fourth games, laying a solid foundation for the future of the franchise.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is celebrated as one of the greatest video games, having originally debuted in 2001. It introduced thrilling new gameplay mechanics such as the revert and special combos while presenting some of the series’ most memorable levels, including the stunning Foundry and the cleverly crafted Airport. The iconic skaters from the original game, including the much-loved Bam Margera, return, ensuring that the essence of the original remains intact while benefiting from modern enhancements.
While skilled gameplay mechanics from THPS 3 have now been integrated into the 2020 remaster, Iron Galaxy takes a different approach with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. The fourth installment has been reshaped to align more closely with earlier games in the series. Levels that previously featured expansive, mission-based structures have been restructured into manageable two-minute runs, focusing on achieving specific objectives like scoring high or collecting hidden letters.
This redesign has been met with approval from many fans who appreciate the classic scoring challenge and the replay value it offers. Notably, the remaster also brings new levels to explore, with Waterpark standing out for its engaging design and gameplay mechanics reminiscent of the franchise’s hallmark style.
Despite the reworked levels, Iron Galaxy also faced criticism over the remastered soundtrack. Taking a bold step away from the original compositions, many tracks from the beloved third and fourth installments have been replaced with alternate songs from the same artists. Tony Hawk defended these changes, emphasizing the potential for new musical discoveries, which are integral to the game’s experience.
As the game continues to resonate with fans, it appears Iron Galaxy has established itself as a promising steward of the Tony Hawk franchise. This remaster not only appeals to nostalgia but also brings fresh gameplay experiences, making the future of the series something to look forward to.