If I had to list a handful of games I played obsessively as a kid, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series would be right near the top. I spent countless hours with THPS 3, and even more with Pro Skater 4. So when the announcement dropped that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 was getting the remake treatment, I was thrilled.

This was finally my chance to relive those iconic skateboarding moments from my childhood, upgraded with modern visuals and tech. The full release is just around the corner, but I had the chance to dive into the demo for this hands-on preview.

Shredding the Demo: Characters and Levels

In the demo, I could choose between two skaters: the legendary Tony Hawk himself, and newcomer Rayssa Leal. Those who pre-ordered the deluxe edition also get access to Doom Guy—yes, really—which sounds incredibly cool, though unfortunately I wasn’t able to test him out.

As for the demo’s content, it featured two iconic levels: The Foundry from THPS 3 and The College from THPS 4. Revisiting them was an instant hit of nostalgia—but now with razor-sharp graphics and silky-smooth performance. The visual overhaul is impressive, and both levels feel alive in ways the originals never quite could.

Smooth Controls, Timeless Vibes

After multiple runs on both maps, I can safely say the remake nails the controls and overall feel. The skating is tight, the tricks snap together just right, and the muscle memory from my childhood came flooding back. This is exactly what a remake should feel like: faithful to the original but refined for today.

The muscle memory from my childhood came flooding back.

What really sealed the deal for me, though, was the music. The soundtrack remains a defining part of the Tony Hawk experience, and hearing Motörhead’s Ace of Spades blast through my speakers while grinding a rail gave me goosebumps. The blend of classic tracks and new energy makes the whole thing feel fresh but familiar.

Preliminary Thoughts

Now that I’ve had a solid taste of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+ 4, I’m more excited than ever for the full release, which drops later this week. The graphics are stunning, the performance on my PlayStation 5 Pro was flawless, and the soundtrack delivers everything a fan could hope for.

My only real concern is with the introduction of time limits in Pro Skater 4 levels. The original game allowed players to progress at their own pace, and I’m curious how that freedom will translate with the added pressure of a timer. Hopefully, the final release offers a balanced solution or optional modes for purists like me.

Until then, this demo was more than enough to get me hyped—and remind me why Tony Hawk remains king of the skatepark.

Additional Information

Release Date: July 11, 2025
Previewed On: PS5. Download code provided by the publisher via PR agency.
Developer: Iron Galaxy Studios
Publisher: Activision
Website: https://www.tonyhawkthegame.com
Relevant links:
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on PlayStation Store (BE/NL/US)
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Xbox Store (BE/NL/US)
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Nintendo eShop (BE/NL/US)
➤ Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 on STEAM