Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk has responded to the wave of mixed reactions following the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Much of the fan criticism centers around one specific change: the soundtrack. Only ten classic tracks from the original games made it into the new edition, and for many longtime fans, that just wasn’t enough.
Hawk, a central figure in the franchise since day one, clarified that the music choices were intentional. The goal, he said, was to strike a balance—to honor the legacy of the original soundtracks while still pushing things forward. “It was my choice to pick some different songs by the same artists featured in THPS3+4 OST,” he explained, noting that he wanted the soundtrack to be more than just a nostalgia trip. In his words, “discovery is half the fun.”
Key Takeaways:
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 includes just ten tracks from the original games.
- Hawk personally selected new songs by returning artists, as well as tracks from newer acts.
- The aim is to inspire music discovery, much like the original games once did.
- Nostalgia remains a major factor in fans’ mixed reactions.
- Music licensing hurdles and costs also likely influenced the soundtrack changes.
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has always been known for its genre-defining soundtracks. For a generation of gamers, the original games were how they discovered bands like Rage Against the Machine, Goldfinger, and Dead Kennedys. Songs like “Superman” or “Guerrilla Radio” weren’t just background music—they were part of the memory. The 2020 remake of Pro Skater 1 + 2 was praised for retaining most of the original tracks, so it’s no surprise that fans noticed the sharper shift in 3 + 4.
Still, Hawk isn’t shying away from the decision. He acknowledged that some players might not be thrilled, but emphasized the importance of evolving. The updated soundtrack includes both legacy artists and newer voices like Fontaines D.C. and Idles. According to Hawk, it’s about keeping things fresh, relevant—and still fun.
“Nostalgia is powerful,” he admitted, “but games are evolving. So should the music.”
Of course, not everyone sees it that way. Some fans argue that if you’re remaking a classic, it should feel like the classic—music and all. Scrolling through forums and social media, it’s clear many players were hoping for more of the original tracks. They point out that the way the music interacted with gameplay—changing during tricks or combos, for instance—was part of the immersive magic.
Others suggest workarounds: just stream the old tracks in the background while playing. But as many players have noted, it’s not quite the same. The integration of the soundtrack into the gameplay experience is a key part of what made the originals so iconic.
There’s also the less glamorous side of things: licensing. Getting the rights to decades-old tracks can be difficult and expensive. Even if the will is there, the logistics might not always align.
Developed by Activision, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is clearly aiming to move the franchise forward without losing sight of what made it special in the first place. And while not every decision will please everyone, Hawk’s vision seems focused on growth—musically and otherwise.
FAQs:
Q1: Why are some original songs missing from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 soundtrack?
A1: Tony Hawk has said it was a conscious decision to mix things up by including different songs from returning artists and adding newer acts to encourage music discovery. Licensing hurdles and high costs for older tracks may have also played a role.
Q2: Can I play the old Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games with their original soundtracks?
A2: Yes, the original games are still playable on their respective platforms, or through emulation if you’re after the full classic soundtrack experience.
Q3: Does Tony Hawk have control over the game’s soundtrack selection?
A3: Hawk has confirmed that he had a say in the soundtrack and made specific choices, but final decisions typically involve multiple teams, developers, and licensing negotiations.
