Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what makes Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 a must-play:
- The game continues the series’ legacy with wonderfully responsive controls, making it a joy to pull off gnarlier tricks and combos.
- The career mode has been streamlined, with levels from Pro Skater 4 retrofitted into the classic two-minute timed run format.
- Developer Iron Galaxy has added three fantastic new parks—Waterpark, Movie Studio, and Pinball—that feel right at home with the classic levels.
- Engaging online multiplayer returns with classic modes and an exciting new “HAWK” mode, a hide-and-seek-style challenge.
- The soundtrack is a mix of beloved returning tracks and a whole lot of new music, introducing players to new bands.
- The package includes a robust Create-A-Park feature, now with the ability to add custom goals to your creations.
Introduction
Welcome back to the grind! For anyone who grew up in the early 2000s, the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is more than just a collection of video games; it’s a time capsule. The moment the iconic soundtrack kicks in, you’re transported back to an era of baggy jeans and skate-punk culture. The latest remake, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, is a massive nostalgia fest of grabs, flips, and grinds, beautifully remastering two of the most beloved entries in the franchise. It’s time to see if your muscle memory is still there.
Ranking the Best Levels in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
This remake of pro skater titles brings the legendary franchise roaring back to life with a fresh coat of paint and some modern touches. While some changes have been made to the original formula, particularly with how THPS 4 levels are structured, the core experience remains as addictive as ever. The levels are beautifully redone, filled with incredible new details that make these classic playgrounds feel more alive than ever before.
With so many amazing spots to shred, picking the best ones is tough. From industrial foundries to sprawling urban centers, each level offers unique challenges and endless combo lines. Let’s drop in and rank some of the most iconic and unforgettable levels from this incredible package, looking at their design, challenges, and overall fun factor across different game modes.
1. Airport (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3)
The Airport is a quintessential Tony Hawk level, and its return in the remake is a glorious one. This level perfectly answers the question, “Which levels provide the most varied gameplay in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4?” It offers a fantastic mix of long grind rails along baggage carousels, escalators to launch from, and wide-open areas perfect for flatland tricks. Do you remember trying to grind the helicopter blades or finding the secret passage through the x-ray machines?
One interesting change for veteran players is the homogenization of goals. In the original, your objectives might change based on your skater’s style. Now, everyone has to complete the same list, which can lead to a humiliating test of skill as you try to land a tricky Airwalk over an escalator, regardless of your character’s specialty. This streamlines the experience but is a noticeable shift for long-time fans.
In online play, the Airport becomes a frantic playground. The relatively compact and interconnected design makes modes like Graffiti and the new HAWK mode incredibly tense. It feels like a mad dash to find hidden letters or tag spots before your opponents, creating some of the most exciting multiplayer moments in the game. It’s a classic for a reason, providing endless replayability.
2. Cruise Ship (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3)
All aboard the Cruise Ship! This level of pro skater 3 + 4 is a perfect example of what makes certain levels in Tony Hawk games so memorable: a unique theme and interactive elements. Skating on the deck of a massive ship, with lifeboats to use as half-pipes and a swimming pool you can drain for a makeshift bowl, is just pure, unadulterated fun. The level’s layout encourages you to explore every nook and cranny to find those perfect lines and secret moves.
This enhanced new game introduces a few tweaks that might surprise returning players. For instance, the goal to “Raise the Ferry” now requires you to find a toolbox first, an extra step not present in the original. It’s a small change but one that encourages more thorough exploration of the environment, pushing you to master the ship’s layout on your compatible device.
The imaginative design of the Cruise Ship makes it stand out. It’s not just a skatepark; it’s a living environment. This creativity is what defines the best levels in the series, offering more than just ramps and rails. Whether you’re playing as a classic pro or a wild guest character like the Doom Slayer, dropping into the Cruise Ship feels like a mini-vacation filled with incredible trick potential.
3. Los Angeles (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3)
The Los Angeles level of pro skater 3 + 4 is a sprawling urban playground that captures the feel of a sun-soaked Californian streetscape. It answers the question, “Are there unique challenges in these top levels?” with a resounding yes. From grinding on movie props to navigating through traffic and over rooftops, LA is packed with distinct objectives. You might be tasked with stopping an earthquake by grinding fault lines or helping a “Thin Man” by chopping down a telephone pole.
One of the great things about the remake is the introduction of new skaters from today’s pro scene, like Chloe Covell and Rayssa Leal. Skating through the streets of LA with these fresh faces alongside the classic roster brings a new energy to the game. The level feels vibrant and alive, even if some of the more complex NPC interactions from the original have been simplified for the new career structure.
LA is a testament to the series’ ability to create dense, trick-filled environments. Every corner holds a new opportunity, from hidden bowls to long, winding grind lines that test your balance and skill. It’s a level that truly rewards exploration and creativity, making it a fan-favorite for both solo sessions and multiplayer matches with a high number of players.
4. College (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4)
Heading back to College in THPS 4 was a highlight for many, but its implementation in the remake is where some of developer Iron Galaxy‘s biggest changes are felt. Originally, this was a freely roamable level where you’d find characters to get missions from. Now, it’s been retrofitted into the classic two-minute timed format of the earlier games. This means some iconic goals, like racing the inline skater, are gone.
Despite this structural change, the College level is still an absolute blast to skate. The campus is a fantastic sandbox filled with benches, stair sets, and rails that are perfect for stringing together massive combos. The layout remains superb, offering a great mix of street and vert opportunities. You can unlock unique outfits and other customizations to make your skater feel at home on campus.
So, how do multiplayer features enhance top levels like this one? The College map’s varied terrain is perfect for online park modes. A game of Graffiti can turn into a strategic battle for control over key areas like the main plaza or the clock tower. The continued availability of online gameplay ensures that you and your friends can keep finding new lines and challenging each other long after you’ve completed the single-player goals.
5. San Francisco (Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4)
If you’re wondering which level offers the best overall skating experience, San Francisco from THPS 4 is a strong contender. Even with the move to a timed format, this level is a visual and gameplay masterpiece. The beautiful vista of the city at sunset provides a stunning backdrop for your tricks. The iconic hills, trolley car rails, and famous skate spots like Pier 39 are all recreated with gorgeous new detail.
This level is a massive playground that feels both realistic and perfectly designed for over-the-top skateboarding. Grinding down the winding Lombard Street or launching over the Alcatraz gap are moments that every player should experience. The map’s size and complexity make it incredibly rewarding to master, with new lines and secrets to discover even after hours of play. It’s a map that benefits from the ton of additional content available, like the hoverboard skate deck from the digital deluxe edition.
San Francisco encapsulates everything that makes the Tony Hawk series great: a fantastic sense of place, endless opportunities for creative combos, and pure, unadulterated fun. It’s a level you can get lost in for hours, whether you’re chasing high scores or just cruising around in free skate. The excellent online services also make it a prime location for epic multiplayer sessions with your friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tony Hawk’s pro skater 3 + 4 delivers an unforgettable gaming experience with its diverse and engaging levels. From the adrenaline-pumping Airport to the scenic San Francisco, each location brings its own unique challenges and thrills that keep players coming back for more. The nostalgia combined with innovative gameplay mechanics makes these levels not just memorable but iconic in the world of sports gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So why wait? Dive back into the action and relive the excitement of these classic levels today! If you’re looking for tips on how to master these levels, don’t hesitate to connect with fellow players and share your strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater level memorable?
A memorable Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater level combines an iconic theme with a smart layout full of creative lines and secret moves. Add in fun, unique goals and a killer soundtrack with eardrum shattering music, and you have a digital playground that you and your skate buddies will want to revisit for years to come.
Which skaters are featured in THPS 3 + 4?
The game features a huge roster of playable skaters, including series icon Tony Hawk, veterans from the original games, and new pros from today’s scene. The deluxe edition also includes guest characters like the Doom Slayer, who can even ride the Unmaykr hoverboard skate deck for some truly wild sessions.
Are any of these levels good for beginners?
Absolutely. While challenging, many levels are great for newcomers. Using the free skate mode is a perfect way to learn controls and get used to the smooth handling without a timer. The Foundry or the College are good starting points before jumping into the more complex challenges or online multiplayer.