Activision Confirms Controversial Change to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: Fans React to Removal of THPS4 Career Mode

Activision has confirmed a significant change to the highly anticipated Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake, and it’s not sitting well with fans. The company revealed that the Pro Skater 4 portion of the remake will not include the beloved career mode from the original 2002 release, a decision that has sparked widespread disappointment among the game’s dedicated community.

The original THPS4 was celebrated for its innovative approach to career mode, which allowed players to freely explore the game’s open-world environments and complete tasks at their own pace, ditching the strict two-minute time limit that defined earlier entries in the series. This change was widely regarded as a groundbreaking evolution for the franchise, offering a more immersive and flexible experience. Unfortunately, the remake will revert to the traditional two-minute challenge format, a move that has left fans questioning the decision and lamenting the loss of one of the series’ most beloved features.

A Legacy of Innovation and Critical Acclaim

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has long been a cornerstone of skateboarding games, with THPS3 and THPS4 standing out as two of the most iconic entries. Released in 2001, THPS3 was the final official game for the Nintendo 64 and became one of the highest-rated PlayStation 2 games of all time, sharing the spotlight with Grand Theft Auto 3. THPS4, released in 2002, built on this success by introducing a revamped career mode that emphasized exploration and player freedom, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place in gaming history.

The announcement of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 was met with excitement when it was officially revealed in early March 2024, following a leak that included details about the release date and available editions. However, the confirmation that THPS4’s career mode would be excluded from the remake quickly overshadowed the initial enthusiasm. Instead, the game will follow the structure of the first three Pro Skater titles, with each level featuring a list of challenges to complete within the classic two-minute time limit.

Fan Backlash and Disappointment

The removal of THPS4’s career mode has sparked a wave of criticism from fans, many of whom view the feature as one of the most significant improvements in the series. Social media and gaming forums have been flooded with comments expressing frustration, with players highlighting how the open-ended career mode encouraged exploration and added depth to the gameplay. Some fans have also pointed out that the two-minute challenge format feels outdated, especially given the larger and more intricate level designs in THPS4.

One fan tweeted, “Removing THPS4’s career mode is a huge step backward. That mode was a game-changer and made THPS4 stand out. Why go back to the old format?” Others have questioned how the two-minute limit will work with the expansive maps from THPS4, which were designed with exploration in mind.

A Silver Lining: The Doom Crossover Event

While the removal of the career mode has been a major point of contention, Activision has attempted to soften the blow by including a unique crossover event with the Doom franchise in the game’s digital deluxe edition. This collaboration will feature a memorable Doom-themed meme, a nod to veteran gamers that has generated some excitement. However, for many fans, this addition feels like a consolation prize rather than a replacement for the lost career mode.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Pro Skater Franchise

Despite the controversy, fans remain hopeful for the future of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series. Many are already looking beyond THPS3 + 4 and expressing their desire for remakes of the Underground games, which are widely regarded as fan favorites. Tony Hawk’s Underground (2003) and its sequel, Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 (2004), introduced new gameplay mechanics, a deeper narrative, and even more expansive levels, making them prime candidates for modern remakes.

The Underground series marked a shift in the franchise, allowing players to create their own skater and embark on a story-driven journey that included everything from competing in tournaments to pulling off outrageous stunts in exotic locations. Fans are eager to see these games reimagined with updated graphics and mechanics, hoping that future remakes will retain the innovative spirit that made the originals so beloved.

Conclusion

The decision to remove THPS4’s career mode from the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake has undoubtedly stirred controversy, with fans expressing their disappointment over the loss of a feature that defined the original game. While the inclusion of a Doom crossover event offers a unique twist, it may not be enough to satisfy longtime fans who were hoping for a faithful recreation of THPS4’s groundbreaking career mode. As the Pro Skater franchise moves forward, the community’s focus has shifted to the possibility of remakes for the Underground series, keeping hope alive for the future of this iconic skateboarding franchise.

For now, fans will have to wait and see how Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 performs upon release and whether Activision will address the concerns of its passionate player base. One thing is certain: the legacy of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater continues to inspire and unite gamers, even in the face of controversial changes.