Fans of the iconic Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series have a lot to celebrate this week with the release of the remastered Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, now available on Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC, and Cloud users. Early access for Deluxe Edition owners began on July 8, 2025, while the general release is set for later this week. Developed by Vicarious Visions, the game promises to merge nostalgia with modern updates, but its reception has been a mix of excitement and criticism.
A New Generation of Gameplay
The remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 has introduced players to a blend of classic skateboarding mechanics and new features. According to Pure Xbox, the game retains the fluid, over-the-top skateboarding gameplay that defined the original series, while adding fresh levels and modes. Critics have praised the game for maintaining the early 2000s skate culture vibe, with smooth controls and engaging challenges.
However, there are some notable differences. The Career mode, particularly for Pro Skater 4, has undergone structural changes that have left some fans scratching their heads. GameSpot noted that these changes feel “needless” and disrupt the cohesion between the two games in the remaster. Despite these grumbles, the Metacritic score for the game sits at a respectable 84, signaling that the core gameplay remains as addictive as ever.
Soundtrack: Nostalgia vs. Modernization
One of the most hotly debated aspects of the remaster is its soundtrack. The original games were known for their iconic playlists, which became synonymous with the skateboarding experience. However, as reported by IG News, only 10 tracks from the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 have made it into the remastered version. Among these are fan favorites like “96 Quite Bitter Beings” by CKY and “My Adidas” by Run-DMC, but the remaining 54 tracks are entirely new additions.
While some players welcome the updated playlist as a way to introduce fresh sounds to a new generation of gamers, others feel that the limited inclusion of original tracks detracts from the nostalgic experience. This has sparked discussions online, with many fans longing for the full return of the original soundtracks.
Free on Xbox Game Pass: A Major Draw
Another significant factor driving attention to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is its availability on Xbox Game Pass. Starting this week, subscribers to the Game Pass Ultimate service can play the game for free across multiple platforms, including Console, PC, and Cloud. This move aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to make high-quality games accessible to a broader audience.
In addition to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, two other games—The Ascent and Minami Lane—have also been added to Game Pass this month, as reported by Gaming Bible. The inclusion of such a high-profile title in the Game Pass library is expected to attract new subscribers and keep existing ones engaged.
Critical Reception: What the Reviews Say
Reviews for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 have been generally positive, though not without criticism. Outlets like COGConnected awarded the game an 8.5/10, praising its gameplay and level design but lamenting the lackluster create-a-skater mode. Similarly, IGN rated the game 8/10, describing it as a “timeless” addition to the series, albeit with a fumbled soundtrack and questionable changes to Pro Skater 4.
Overall, critics agree that while the remaster successfully captures the essence of the original games, some of its modern updates—particularly in level structure and music—fall short of expectations. Fans who grew up with the series may find these changes jarring, while newcomers are likely to enjoy the streamlined gameplay and polished visuals.
As the skateboarding community dives into Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape its legacy in the years to come.