Big News in Gaming: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Announced with a Twist
Earlier this week, Activision dropped an exciting announcement that sent waves through the gaming community: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, a ground-up remake of the beloved third and fourth games in the series, is officially on the way. This highly anticipated follow-up to 2020’s critically acclaimed Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 had fans rejoicing at the prospect of experiencing two more classic games reimagined for modern platforms. However, the celebration was short-lived, as new reports revealed a significant change to one of the series’ most cherished features, leaving many fans feeling let down.
A Beloved Feature Lost: The End of Pro Skater 4’s Career Mode
The disappointment stems from Activision’s decision to omit a fan-favorite feature from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 in the upcoming remake. According to a report from Kotaku, the original career mode from Pro Skater 4, which allowed players to explore stages without time limits and interact with NPCs to discover challenges, will not be returning. Instead, Activision has confirmed that the remake will adopt a structure similar to the first three games in the series. This means players will now face a standard 2-minute time limit for completing a list of pre-defined challenges, rather than the open-world, free-roam experience that defined Pro Skater 4.
This change is a significant departure from what fans have come to love about Pro Skater 4. The original game’s career mode was celebrated for its flexibility, allowing players to tackle challenges at their own pace. Some challenges had short time limits of just 30 seconds, while others gave players up to 10 minutes to complete more complex objectives. Additionally, certain challenges dynamically changed the game’s world, altering maps based on the task at hand. These unique elements are now reportedly being stripped away in favor of a more streamlined, time-restricted format.
What Does This Mean for the Game?
The announcement post for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 initially mentioned that the game would feature "streamlined goals in a two-minute format," but it also assured fans that "everything from the original games will return for this remake." This statement has turned out to be misleading, as the free-roam career mode from Pro Skater 4 is being dropped. For many fans, this alteration fundamentally changes the identity of the game, especially for those who cherished the open-world design of Pro Skater 4.
The reaction to this news has been overwhelmingly negative. While a few players have expressed support for the change, arguing that Pro Skater 4‘s free-roaming aspect wasn’t as polished as they would have liked, the majority of the community is upset. On platforms like Bluesky and Resetera, fans have been vocal about their disappointment. "It’s a remake of Pro Skater 3, and a Pro Skater 4 level pack. Not Pro Skater 3+4," one user wrote. Another fan summed up the sentiment, stating, "This kills my interest in the remake. I don’t want to play a game that is structurally like the first three. I like the open design with the goals built right into them."
Release Details: When Will the Game Drop?
Despite the backlash, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is still set to launch on July 11, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. While the game’s release is still highly anticipated, the disappointment over the changes to Pro Skater 4‘s career mode has undeniably dampened the excitement for many fans. The decision to remove such a core feature has left some wondering whether the game will live up to the legacy of its predecessors.
The Bigger Picture: A Lesson for Game Remakes
The controversy surrounding Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 highlights a broader challenge in the world of game remakes: balancing nostalgia with innovation. While fans love seeing classic games brought into the modern era, they also want to feel that the essence of what made the originals special has been preserved. In this case, the removal of Pro Skater 4‘s career mode feels like a step backward for some players, even if the game’s visuals and mechanics are improved.
As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on whether Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 can win over fans who are still reeling from this announcement. For now, the gaming community remains divided, with many holding out hope that Activision will reconsider its approach and find a way to honor the legacy of both Pro Skater 3 and Pro Skater 4 in a way that satisfies both old and new fans alike.
