Hands-On Impressions of SGF 2025: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 for PC

The Return of a Classic: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4

Growing up, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater carved out a special niche as one of the few video games representing the X Games that truly captivated me. Unlike other titles like those featuring Dave Mirra or Shaun White, nothing compared to the thrill of executing a perfect 900 in-game. While I spent countless hours immersed in the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, I found great enjoyment in the third installment and later in the Underground series for the PlayStation 2. Now, the collaboration between Activision and Iron Galaxy Games promises to resurrect the nostalgia of the PlayStation 1 entries, merging them into a modern experience with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4.

Gameplay Innovations and Features

Although the story modes from the latter part of the series are absent in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, this revamped collection is not short on exciting content. While the exhilarating two-minute gameplay sessions remain central, players can also extend their time to three or four minutes, or even embark on an endless run to secure the highest combo possible. The game introduces several mods and accessibility options, empowering players to achieve those elusive pro goals spread across each level. Additionally, after completing the initial objectives, players can discover five or six more hidden challenges. It might even be your chance to master the snake run on Kona after all these years, especially with Bam Margera making a return to the roster.

One of the most significant changes showcased during the preview is that all gameplay mechanics from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, including grind extensions, leveling up, and skitching, have been integrated into the third installment’s framework. This effectively consolidates both games into a unified package, available for $49.99. New features like Photo Mode, HAWK, and custom goal creation in Create-a-Park have been hinted at by Activision, although I didn’t have the opportunity to explore these additions extensively within my limited hands-on time.

A Nostalgic Soundtrack with a Modern Twist

Activision touts the return of the beloved soundtrack in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. However, during my gameplay session, we experienced the new Streamer Mode, which replaces classic licensed tracks with royalty-free alternatives. While these new tunes offer a certain charm, they lack the adrenaline-inducing edge present in earlier tracks by artists like Bodyjar and CKY, which once defined the gameplay atmosphere.

Much like the acclaimed 1+2 collection, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 offers a rejuvenated two-minute challenge format, complete with a myriad of challenges and Pro Goals to unlock. Although some familiar faces have noticeably changed—Bam Margera being the most striking—newcomers from the realm of skateboarding added to the roster promise to bring fresh dynamics to the game. Activision also previewed exhilarating guest characters such as Doom Slayer for Digital Deluxe Edition buyers and Michaelangelo from recent TMNT reboots, adding unique flair to the lineup.

Michaelangelo in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4

Hands-On Experience and Game Mechanics

In preparation for my thirty-minute hands-on session, I observed one of their pro players attempt to accumulate ten million points at THPS3’s Airport level. His Create-a-Skater, complete with maxed-out stats, allowed him to string together impressive combos through unique moves like escalator hops. I noted his strategic use of Michaelangelo’s new Shell Spin trick, which was instrumental in maintaining momentum between grinds.

However, I did notice a few peculiarities in the game engine as developed by Iron Galaxy Games. Some elements seemed to collide unexpectedly with the player, and certain mechanics allowed jumps from lower grind rails to higher ones under unusual conditions. These quirks deterred me from viewing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 as a direct replica of its predecessors, yet I remain optimistic that players will quickly adapt to the engine’s nuances as they engage in leaderboard competition.

Upcoming Launch and Demo Details

Scheduled for release on July 11th, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 will also offer eager players a chance to get early access. During the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft is set to announce that pre-ordering the game or being a select Game Pass subscriber grants access to the Foundry demo, which will include THPS4’s College level. This demo allows gameplay as Tony Hawk and Olympic gold medalist Rayssa Leal, along with early access to the Doom Slayer for those who have pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition.

Source & Images