After much anticipation from skateboarding fans, the highly awaited Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 has finally made its debut. Developed by Iron Galaxy, this release skillfully combines elements of both a remaster and a remake, providing gamers with a nostalgic yet refreshed experience. As you hit the ramps and grind the rails, it becomes immediately clear that this iconic franchise has undergone a stunning transformation.
Back in 2001, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 was praised by video game magazines for its groundbreaking graphics during its launch on the PlayStation 2. At that time, it pushed the boundaries of what was visually possible in gaming. Fast forward to today, and while it may seem quaint by modern standards, it still holds a cherished place in the hearts of gamers. Similarly, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 offers a nostalgic glimpse into the bleeding-edge graphics of the early 2000s.
If you're curious about the visual enhancements, we've compiled a selection of screenshots that showcase the character models from the original games alongside their contemporary counterparts. One standout character, Bam Margera, who has been a staple of the THPS series, almost didn’t make it into this new edition. Thankfully, a serendipitous visit to Los Angeles helped rectify this oversight, ensuring that this beloved skater remains part of the roster. The resemblance between the old and new models? Truly uncanny. However, the differences are also quite striking, particularly when comparing the oddly shaped heads from THPS 4 to today's standards.
While the graphical fidelity of the original THPS games may not have aged gracefully, their core gameplay remains incredibly engaging. Thanks to the pioneering efforts of their original developer, Neversoft, the formula for exhilarating, over-the-top skateboarding has been perfected, making these games as fun to play now as they were at the turn of the millennium. If you’re eager to see if you still possess the muscle memory to execute a perfect 900, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is now available for play on both PC and console platforms.
