Update:Several players have reported that they can access the Easter eggs without owning the Deluxe Edition. The content may be tied to thefreeContent Pack that is available to everybody but automatically downloaded with the Deluxe Edition upgrade. Original story follows.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4has locked some of its Nickelodeon Easter eggs behind the $20 Deluxe Edition upgrade, which is an uncommon move in video games.Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4launched to a fairly positive reception from critics, though its performance on some platforms has been less impressive.
To be more precise,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4’s concurrent player counton Steam has peaked at around 2,000, which is quite low considering the franchise’s legacy. Negative reviews from disappointed players often underline the cut content from the original games, with many calling the release more of a “cash grab” than a faithful remake. Now, frustrated fans seem to have even more to complain about.
As reported byVGC,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4has paywalled some of its Easter eggs. Specifically, the popularSpongeBob SquarePantsBikini Bottom map and theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' secret sewer area are only accessible through the Deluxe Edition. That has left many fans baffled, as it’s unusual for games to lock Easter eggs behind a paid upgrade. Still, the latestPro Skaterremake appears to be pushing ahead with this controversial approach.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4’s Standard Edition Owners Locked Out of Bikini Bottom
In the Deluxe Edition’s Skater Island track,THPS 3 + 4players can access the Bikini Bottomroller rink. They can also enter theTMNT’s underground hideout on the Movie Studio track. However, these Easter eggs are removed from the Standard Edition, as if they were premium content. Many fans have criticized the developer for paywalling simple nods to other IPs, arguing that it shows how content-deprived the game is.
Needless to say, the inclusion of Easter eggs wasn’t mentioned in the premium edition’s description before launch. Players expected theDeluxe Edition ofTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4to include only theDOOMandThe Revenantskins, exclusive Create-a-Skater decks and items, and some additional songs. It turns out that paying the extra $20 also grants a Bikini Bottom tour and a quick visit to a themed New York City sewer.
As for the good news,THPS 3 + 4features many more Easter eggs, and not all are locked behind a paywall or premium upgrade. Standard Edition players can still discover multiple nostalgic locations, interesting NPCs, and secret levels while exploring the game’s world, which may help them forget about the “premium” Easter eggs. It’s unclear whether the Nickelodeon nods will ever be made available to all players, but many are hoping that this negative feedback prompts a change.
