A remake ofTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4was recently announced, exciting many fans of the iconic sports franchise. However, that original excitement has now turned to confusion, as Activision has confirmed that a career mode will not be featured inTHPS4.Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4marks the franchise’s newest set of remakes, butTHPS4not having the mode that marked an important milestone for the series does not bode well for other potential entry revamps.
THPS4’s career mode was an important innovation for the following entries in the franchise, as it gave players a lot more agency within maps. Exploration was far more encouraged, and it set the stage for a new standard in skating games.This omission has not sat well withTHPS4fans. Career mode was a defining feature of the game, and reverting to the first three games' two-minute challenge-focused rides has already proven incredibly controversial. What’s even more worrying, though, is whether this move away from career mode will hurt future remakes.
After Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, Career Mode Became a Skating Staple
Tony Hawk’s Underground Took Career Mode to Greater Heights
AfterTHPS4,Tony Hawk’s Undergroundtook its predecessor’s career mode and elevated it, making storytelling the central draw of the game. Instead of focusing on the pro side of things,Undergroundlets players create their own unique character who rises through the ranks in an underdog story. It was one of the biggest shake-ups to come totheTony Hawkseriesyet, and if Activision is working to remake and remake every past entry, that would putUndergroundnext in line. However, if Activision is using the same approach it is withTHPS4and taking out one of its most important features, then anUndergroundremake may not be worth it.
Not only didUndergroundadd a treasure trove of new tricks and mechanics, but it showcased that games based around extreme sports can be far more than just fun challenge-based experiences.Undergroundproved that sports games are just as strong of a stage to tell stories on as more traditional games.The initial reveal ofTHPS3+4brought a lot of excitement and hope thatUndergroundmay follow next, but a potential lack of a career mode in the latter would ultimately not feel like the game at all.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4launches on July 11.
If an Underground Remake Happens, Activision Should Keep its Identity Intact
Of course, it’s unclear whether Activision plans on givingUndergrounda fresh coat of paint or not, but if that is in the developer’s plans, career mode is absolutely necessary. It’s shocking enough thatTHPS4is going to be launched without the main feature that set it apart, but it’s the entire heart and soul ofUnderground. This isn’t the only controversial change coming toTHPS4, either.Skating legend Bam Margera will be left out of the game, which is bound to upset a lot of his fans. It’s unclear why this omission is being made, but Margera’s troubled past is a likely reason why. However, not being included in the game is still a big shock.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4will be a day one Xbox Game Pass release.
As the wait forTHPS3+4continues, only time will tell if Activision changes its stance on career mode. TheTHPSseries inspired a golden era of extreme sports games. Getting to experience these games in a fresh light is exciting for original fans, but honoring the features that made each one special is a must.THPS4simply won’t feel the same without a career mode, and it makes the prospect of anUndergroundrevival far less appealing.
WHERE TO PLAY
Get hyped for the legendary franchise to return with Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4. Everything you loved is back, but revamped with more skaters, new parks, gnarlier tricks, eardrum shattering music, plus a whole lot more.• Reunite the crew with cross-platform online Multiplayer for up to 8 skaters in new and returning game modes.• Drop in to new parks or tear it up across the timeless parks from both Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 & Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 4, authentically remade in jaw dropping 4K resolution with streamlined goals and the epic 2-minute format.• Hit ‘em with some drip in the expanded Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes, including the ability to create custom goals to share with friends for the first time ever.• Shred harder than ever with more challenging goals and an enhanced New Game+ mode.• Whether you’re a total casual or a grungy pro, the same smooth handling and simple-to-learn controls from Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 1 + 2 will have you shredding like a Pro.• Alert the neighborhood watch and grab your skate buddies because the shred’s not dead. It’s back and better than ever.
