Growing up as a casual admirer of skateboarding culture, I enjoyed playing the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games and was a fan of shows like Rocket Power. However, if you asked me to name professional skateboarders beyond the likes of Tony Hawk or Bam Margera, I would struggle. Paradoxically, this lack of knowledge regarding the skateboarding scene fueled my fascination with the Pro Skater series, particularly from the second installment onwards. Each game featured unexpected cameos from both real celebrities and fictional characters.
Even though I might not have recognized most of the skaters in any given game, the excitement of skating alongside beloved celebrities or comically mismatched cartoon characters kept me engaged. The cameos became a cherished aspect of the series alongside impressive tricks and diverse locations. Below is a selection of my favorite characters, presented in no particular order.
10 Spider-Man
The First True Guest Character
While the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was entertaining, it lacked one essential element: guest characters. Although there were unlockable skaters, none particularly stood out. That all changed with the release of Pro Skater 2. A friend excitedly informed me about his recent unlock of none other than Spider-Man. Initially, I was skeptical but soon discovered that it was indeed true.
Making his debut as the first true guest character in the Pro Skater series, Spider-Man’s character model was inspired by Activision’s PS1 Spider-Man game, which launched in the same year as Pro Skater 2. While he remained silent throughout the game, his special moves showcased his abilities: the Spidey Flip, Spidey Grind, and Does What a Spider Can, each creatively utilizing webbing for support. Personally, landing the Spidey Flip was my first memorable achievement in the game.
9 Darth Maul
Come To The Dark Side, We Have Sick Flips
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 debuted two years after the launch of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Even after a couple of years, the impact of The Phantom Menace lingered, especially with notable characters like the formidable Darth Maul. Though I was not a fan of the film itself, I found Darth Maul to be an impressive addition to Pro Skater 3.
Unlocking Darth Maul was no simple feat; players had to complete every stage goal and earn all gold medals in career mode. Yet, his inclusion made the effort worthwhile. Always brandishing his dual lightsabers, he had three unique special moves: the Dark Jedi Grind, the Sith Saber Spin, and the Force Grab, where he whimsically tosses aside his board only to retrieve it using the Force. I often enjoyed just observing him from the character select screen, relishing the absurdity of the character.
8 Shrek
Do Swamps Have Half-Pipes?
The charm of the Shrek films lies within their clever anachronistic humor. It’s delightfully absurd to imagine an ogre tackling a skateboarding challenge, which is precisely what made Shrek’s appearance in Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 so charming.
Shrek’s inclusion coincided with Activision’s tie-in game for the second film, widely regarded as the best in the series. This unexpected cameo was compounded by Shrek’s over-the-top character model, which humorously contrasted with the other skaters. His animations were prone to amusing glitches, adding to his appeal with memorable special moves, including one where he uses earwax to grind instead of a skateboard.
7 Doom Guy
In His Pre-Slayer Days
The early 2000s represented a transitional phase for PC gaming, with console gaming being the dominant force. Nevertheless, Pro Skater 3 was one of the notable titles to make the leap, introducing a special guest character, the iconic Doom Guy.
While the Doom Guy didn’t boast unique special moves or visual flair like some other characters, his presence was significant and celebrated the rise of PC ports within gaming. Excitingly, he is set to return as a playable guest character in the forthcoming remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, this time outfitted in his full Slayer gear.
6 Jack Black (As Officer Dick)
Old Character, New Face
As a fan of Jack Black, I appreciate his energetic humor and artistic endeavors with Tenacious D. Interestingly, he has never portrayed himself directly in a Tony Hawk game. Instead, in the remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, he steps into the shoes of Officer Dick, a recurring character known for his skater-turned-cop antics.
Black’s performance brings a comedic twist to Officer Dick, who has appeared in previous games within the series. In this iteration, Black doesn’t just lend his voice but embodies the character, driving a golf cart around the School stage, playfully taunting players as he goes.
5 Billie Joe Armstrong
American Idiot In American Wasteland
Punk rock and skateboarding have long been intertwined, contributing to vibrant counter-culture movements. Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman of Green Day, is an influential figure within this realm and one I have often admired. In Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland, he appears as an unlockable skater with an aesthetic reminiscent of his band’s iconic track, “American Idiot.”
Armstrong comes equipped with unique special moves that playfully reflect his stage persona, including an air grab where he strums a guitar, a manual that simulates a stage dive, and a grind that humorously involves him pretending to vomit. This dynamic representation encapsulates the spirit of both skateboarding and rock music.
4 Gene Simmons
With An Original Stage To Match
Heavy metal has always resonated within skateboarding culture, embodying rebellion and excitement. Who better to represent this spirit than the iconic Gene Simmons of KISS? Appearing as an unlockable character in Tony Hawk’s Underground, Simmons brought his flamboyant persona to the game as players completed its main story.
In addition to playable representation, Simmons was granted his own unique stage, aptly named Hotter Than Hell, set amidst a KISS concert in the Australian Outback. His special moves mirror his larger-than-life stage performances, including swinging his board with his tongue and breathing fire while grinding.
3 The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Most Thematically Appropriate Crossover
Many of the cameo characters in the Pro Skater games may not have a direct connection to skateboarding; however, a truly fitting inclusion is undoubtedly the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Added to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 through a post-launch patch, each turtle—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello—became playable characters.
Inspired by their designs from the IDW comics, each turtle showcases their love for skateboarding, further enriched by gameplay elements where they can balance their boards like a pizza. This thematic resonance illustrates the perfect harmony between the turtles’ adventurous spirit and skate culture.
2 Wolverine
He’s The Best At What He Does: Kickflips
Character appearances in Pro Skater often challenge expectations, such as Wolverine, a character I never pictured riding a skateboard. Yet, seeing him in Pro Skater 3, even with a disgruntled expression, added an entertaining twist. Wolverine succeeded Spider-Man as the Marvel face of the game, sporting his classic blue and yellow suit instead of the more contemporary styles.
Equipped with special moves involving his adamantium claws, Wolverine brought a unique flair to the game. His special moves included the Claw Punch which thrusts through his board, the Claw Drag for a manual, and the Berzerker, showcasing a dramatic spinning flip followed by a double slash—perhaps a nod to iconic gameplay inspired by Marvel vs. Capcom.
1 Eddie The Head
Metal Assumes Many Forms
Pivotal to the metal genre, Iron Maiden’s mascot, Eddie the Head, has captivated fans for decades. This iconic figure transitioned into the gaming world in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, where he was introduced as an unlockable character. Eddie’s less extravagant appearance in the game still conveys his wild spirit, complete with a classic grin and casual jeans.
Among his special moves are the Stage Dive grab, the Headbangers Unite grind, and the infamous Bloody Eddie grab, which humorously depicts him holding his stomach aloft. This portrayal adds a touch of macabre humor, solidifying Eddie’s presence in the gaming landscape while embodying the essence of metal culture.
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