Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3+ 4brings two more of the franchise’s titles back with a modern coat of paint. As some of the biggest sports titles of the early 2000s,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4is an incredibly nostalgic remake for a lot of gamers. With this nostalgia comes high expectations, though, and the lead-up toTHPS 3+4’s launch hasn’t been totally free from controversy.
One of the most controversial changes brought toTHPS 3+4is with both games' original soundtracks. There are only 10 songs from the classic versions, withTHPS 3+4opting for more modern artists for its 59-song playlist. Naturally, this disappointed many fans of the original when first revealed, me included. However, after hearing Tony Hawk’s reasoning behind the switch,THPS 3+4’ssoundtrack changeactually makes a lot of sense.
It Was Tony Hawk’s Decision to Switch Up the Soundtrack for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4
An Avenue to Discover New Music
Because of the controversy this change has caused,Hawk has explained the reasoning behindTHPS 3+4’s new soundtrackin several interviews. The biggest reason behind the change is that he wants to use the games as an opportunity to introduce players to new music and artists. Talking to BBC News, Hawk further stated, “I’m not the only decider in these soundtracks, but I did manage to throw a couple of bands in.”
Hawk has understood the frustration of some fans, saying, “We’re trying to make room for new acts and new songs as well, and not everything makes the cut. It’s nothing personal. Just fire it up on your streaming service if you’re so inclined.” So, for original fans who prefer the old soundtracks, Hawk fully supports returning to that lineup of songs, but when it comes to his intent for these remakes, offering a balance of both classic and modern elements is clearly important.THPS 3+4is a reminder of the extreme sports heyday, and that can still be a nostalgic experience despite the newer songs.
Another big changeTHPS 3+4has made is withTHPS 4’s Career Mode, as it opts for timer-based goals like the previous three entries.
THPS 3+4 Still Features Some of the Most Popular Songs
Hits like “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead, “96 Quite Bitter Beings” by CKY, and “My Adidas” by RUN-D.M.C. are still present, and when they rotate through the game’s playlist, the songs serve as a fun throwback in the midst of more modern artists, like IDLES and Steve Lacy.Music choice isn’t the only controversy to strikeTHPS 3+4, but it’s definitely been one of the most notable.
We’re trying to make room for new acts and new songs as well, and not everything makes the cut.
A New Generation Can Be Introduced to Music, Just as Many Players Were With the Original Versions
As Hawk has stated, his intention for these soundtracks is to showcase fresh music that players may not get to hear otherwise. Certain artists may be outside of players' usual tastes, which could deter some from ever checking them out in the first place. WithTHPS 3+4, though, a player can be introduced to a song that they never thought they would fall in love with. This was definitely my experience with the original games, andTHPS 3+4is still showing me songs that I was completely unaware of. Making changes to such a beloved series is always going to be controversial, butTHPS 3+4can be a great introduction to the seriesfor a new generation.
Being taken aback by such a big change is understandable, but Hawk’s reasoning is a reminder that the original soundtracks were meant to broaden one’s music library. By introducing a fresh song roster,THPS 3+4is actually honoringthe legacy ofTHPS 3andTHPS 4.
