Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is officially on the way, and while fans are hyped to revisit these classic games, there’s one major change that has sparked debate - THPS4’s free-roam career mode is gone.
According to reports, both titles in the remake will follow the traditional two-minute timer format for objectives, just like in the earlier games.
For those who remember, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 stuck to the tried-and-true system of giving players two minutes to complete objectives, like hitting score thresholds, collecting S-K-A-T-E letters, and pulling off specific tricks.
But THPS4 shook things up by ditching the timer in Career mode, allowing players to freely roam levels, talk to NPCs, and take on challenges at their own pace. It was a major shift that gave the game a more open-world feel compared to its predecessors.
With the upcoming remake, developer Iron Galaxy has confirmed that THPS3+4 will unify both games under the two-minute challenge system.
That means THPS4’s open-ended mission structure won’t be returning in its original form. However, players looking to cruise around without restrictions will still have access to Free Skate mode, where they can explore levels without worrying about the clock.
There will also be Speed Run and Single Session modes for those who want to push their skills to the limit.
Others, however, feel like the loss of THPS4’s free-roam objectives takes away a unique aspect that set it apart.
It’s a change that alters how players experience the game’s progression, and for those who loved the open-ended approach of THPS4, it might take some getting used to.
Regardless of where you stand, there’s still plenty to look forward to with the remake. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 proved that modern updates to the series can be done right, and with the same studio handling 3 + 4, expectations are high.
The game is set to launch on July 11 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Game Pass release at launch. Players who opt for the premium edition will even get to start shredding three days early on July 8.
While the removal of THPS4’s free-roam Career mode might be a bummer for some, the two-minute format is a defining feature of the franchise—and it’s clear Iron Galaxy wants to maintain that classic Tony Hawk feel.