Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4’s Most Controversial Change…

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is here, bringing gamers a fresh version of two of the franchise's most influential entries. Over the years, the THPS series has evolved with each installment, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 were major milestones for the franchise, especially THPS 4.

THPS 4 brought several new features to the franchise. Brand-new online modes and animal NPCs were just a few, but one of the biggest changes was with the Career Mode. In THPS 4, original developer Neversoft ditched the franchise's timer-based goals and opted for an exploration-focused approach. This controversial change to THPS 4 was confirmed in March, and it understandably didn't sit well with many fans. This change stings for gamers who grew up loving THPS 4's Career Mode, and it hopefully isn't starting a domino effect with other future remakes.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Hopefully Starts an Extreme Sports Avalanche

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 brings forth some serious gaming nostalgia, and it's hopefully the beginning of a genre renaissance.

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By LB Beistad

If Tony Hawk Remakes Continue, the Next Game in Line Would Look A Lot Different From its Original Version

Tony Hawk's Underground Was a Turning Point for Skate Games

Unlike the THPS franchise, Tony Hawk's Underground was far more focused on storytelling than goal-based gameplay. THPS 3+4 has made a few controversial changes, like most of the original soundtracks being changed, but that's far more palatable for longtime fans than a complete rework of how THPS 4's Career Mode is handled. If Tony Hawk's Undergroun d was remade with a 2-minute timer like the first three THPS games, it would be a drastic departure that completely washes away what made the original version so unique.

Of course, a remake of Tony Hawk's Underground hasn't been confirmed, but if it ever happens, keeping its most important aspect intact is likely integral to its success. The story of Underground not only flipped the script on the expected formula, it demonstrated how extreme sports games can have more depth than just skating around and completing objectives.

Underground's story wasn't a particularly deep narrative, but it was a lot of fun, proving to be a breath of fresh air for the Tony Hawk-branded games. Getting to explore each level in THPS 4 as one wishes was a big moment for the franchise, and it was ultimately a stepping stone to Underground.

THPS 3+4's soundtrack only features 10 songs from the original games. Tony Hawk recently explained the change, stating, "We're trying to make room for new acts and new songs."

Tony Hawk's Underground Evolved the Series in More Ways Than One

For the first time, players were able to get off their board and fully explore by walking, running, and climbing.
Mechanics like Acid Drop, Hip Transfer, driving, and face mapping debuted.

Neversoft wasn't afraid to think outside the box and take chances with Underground, and it brought players one of the most compelling Tony Hawk series. After Underground, follow-up Underground 2 continued this newfound embrace of storytelling, making the two games a fun example of how much skate culture had influenced pop culture. Skaters and gamers didn't just want skate-focused gameplay, many of them wanted stories centered around the sport, as well, and that's one of the main innovations that makes the Underground series so special.

The story of Underground not only flipped the script on the expected formula, it demonstrated how extreme sports games can have more depth than just skating around and completing objectives.

A Potential Tony Hawk's Underground Remake Needs to Be Handled With Care

Only time will tell if Underground will get the remake treatment. Ultimately, the success of THPS 3+4 will likely be the deciding factor. THPS 4's Career Mode being watered down keeps THPS 3+4 from reaching its full potential. Granted, the remake is a fun trip down memory lane, but such a big change to THPS 4 is shocking. It will be interesting to see if Underground gets a fresh coat of paint, and if so, the story needs to be the most important piece of the puzzle.