Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 vs. 1+2: Which Remake Is the Best in 2025?

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When Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 launched in 2020, it set a new gold standard for remakes—tight gameplay, stunning visuals, and an unforgettable soundtrack all wrapped in nostalgia. Fast-forward to 2025, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 has entered the arena, promising bigger parks, deeper mechanics, and more ways to skate your heart out.

But does THPS 3+4 build on that legacy—or bail under pressure? Let’s break it down across five key areas to see which remake truly sticks the landing.

1. 🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics: Pure Arcade vs. Mechanical Evolution

THPS 1+2 – Simple, Sharp, and Satisfying

  • Tight, responsive controls — Everything feels like the classic PS1 games, only smoother.

  • Two-minute run system — Keeps things fast-paced and focused on score-chasing.

  • Reverts introduced — A smart mechanical bridge to allow longer combos.

THPS 3+4 – Deeper Tricks, Greater Freedom

  • Expanded move set — Spine transfers, 180 spins, and manual modifiers offer more combo potential.

  • Flexible timers — Open-level structure from THPS 4 allows up to 60-minute free skates.

  • Game Mods — Toggle bails off, set infinite Special, or go triple speed for wild runs.

🧠 Verdict: THPS 1+2 delivers crisp, classic arcade perfection. THPS 3+4 adds depth and options for advanced players and creators.

2. 🗺️ Content & Modes: Nostalgia vs. New Horizons

THPS 1+2 – The Ultimate Throwback Package

  • All original levels intact — From Warehouse to School II, every park returns.

  • Classic multiplayer — Graffiti, Trick Attack, and Horse still hit hard.

  • Create-A-Park — Fun, but fairly basic by today’s standards.

THPS 3+4 – Bigger Maps, Bolder Additions (and a Few Cuts)

  • New parks — Waterpark, Pinball Machine, and Movie Studio introduce creative new lines.

  • Missing fan favorites — No Chicago, Sewers, or Darth Maul cameo (RIP lightsaber board).

  • HAWK Mode — A brand-new online mode where you compete to dominate trick zones.

  • Create-A-Park 2.0 — Cross-platform sharing and advanced building tools are a huge upgrade.

🧠 Verdict: THPS 1+2 is a flawless time capsule. THPS 3+4 sacrifices a few legacy parks but offers more replay value and variety.

3. 🎨 Visuals & Presentation: Style vs. Grit

THPS 1+2 – Clean, Colorful, Consistent

  • Bright and stylized — Feels like a modernized version of the PS1-era look.

  • Minimal visual glitches — Smooth animations and solid frame pacing.

THPS 3+4 – Darker, Grittier, More Realistic

  • Higher texture detail — Rusted rails in Alcatraz, authentic graffiti in College.

  • Some jank — Larger parks introduce occasional clipping and physics hiccups.

🧠 Verdict: 1+2 wins for polish and visual cohesion. 3+4 sets a moodier tone that fits its edgier maps.

4. 🎵 Soundtrack: Legendary vs. Lukewarm

THPS 1+2 – A Hall-of-Fame Playlist

  • The classics return — Goldfinger’s "Superman," Rage Against the Machine, Primus.

  • Every song hits — It’s the perfect nostalgic throwback for 90s skate culture.

THPS 3+4 – Some Hits, But Mostly Misses

  • Missing key tracks — No Del tha Funkee Homosapien or Adrenaline ROM.

  • New songs from IDLES and Turnstile are energetic, but lack icon status.

🧠 Verdict: THPS 1+2’s soundtrack is untouchable. 3+4 tries, but never quite lands the same vibe.

5. 🛠️ Customization & Accessibility: Freedom to Skate Your Way

THPS 1+2 – Classic Approach

  • Standard difficulty and options.

  • Great for purists who want no frills.

THPS 3+4 – Designed for Everyone

  • Game Mods — Play at half speed, remove bails, or max out Special for a more casual or experimental run.

  • Accessibility wins — Great for newcomers, content creators, and speedrunners alike.

🧠 Verdict: THPS 3+4 is the clear winner for accessibility and customization, letting players tailor the experience to their playstyle.

🏁 Final Verdict: Which Remake Should You Get?

🎯 Choose THPS 1+2 If You Want:

✅ Pure nostalgia – The original games, lovingly restored.
✅ Classic arcade gameplay – Fast, tight, and addictive.
✅ An iconic soundtrack – The sound of a skateboarding generation.

🧪 Choose THPS 3+4 If You Prefer:

✅ More depth – Advanced mechanics like spine transfers and modifiers.
✅ New modes and content – Fresh parks, HAWK Mode, and Create-A-Park 2.0.
✅ Accessibility – Mods and tools that make the game fun for everyone.

The Bottom Line:

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is the better remake. But Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is the better game

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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Full Soundtrack

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