Is the Removal of Career Mode in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 a Major Mistake?

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Recently, there was exciting news about a revamped version of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4, which is highly anticipated by fans of the popular sports game series. However, this excitement has been replaced with confusion, as Activision has revealed that the career mode will not be included in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 (THPS4). The new set of remakes for the franchise, represented by THPS3+4, is significant, but the absence of a key gameplay feature like the career mode from THPS4 raises concerns about how other potential revisions might turn out.

In THPS4, the career mode was a groundbreaking addition that significantly impacted subsequent games in the series, by offering players greater control and freedom within levels, fostering exploration, and setting a new benchmark for skating games. This change has been met with disapproval among THPS4 fans, as the career mode was a pivotal aspect of the game. Returning to the challenge-focused rides of the first three games has sparked much controversy. What’s concerning, though, is whether abandoning the career mode could negatively affect future remakes.

After Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, Career Mode Became a Skating Staple

Tony Hawk’s Underground Took Career Mode to Greater Heights

Following the release of THPS4, Tony Hawk’s Underground significantly enhanced its predecessor’s career mode by making storytelling the game’s main attraction. Unlike earlier versions that concentrated on professional aspects, Underground allows players to craft their very own character who ascends through the ranks in an underdog tale. This marked a significant change for the Tony Hawk series and if Activision plans to remake every past title, Underground would be next in line. However, if Activision adopts the same strategy as it did with THPS4 and eliminates one of its most crucial features, a remake of Underground might not prove beneficial.

Beyond simply introducing a wealth of fresh techniques and features, Underground significantly demonstrated that extreme sports games can transcend mere fun, skill-based experiences. In essence, Underground validated that sports games are capable of serving as compelling platforms for narrative storytelling, comparable to more conventional games. While the unveiling of THPS3+4 sparked great anticipation and optimism about Underground’s successor, the possible absence of a career mode in the sequel would undermine the authenticity of the game itself.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 launches on July 11.

If an Underground Remake Happens, Activision Should Keep its Identity Intact

It’s uncertain if Activision intends to revamp Underground or not, but if they do, it’s crucial that career mode is incorporated. The fact that THPS4 is scheduled for release without its defining feature is surprising enough, but career mode is essentially the lifeblood of Underground. This isn’t the only questionable change in THPS4, as skating legend Bam Margera will be excluded from the game, which will undoubtedly disappoint many of his fans. The reason behind this exclusion remains unclear, but Margera’s troubled history is a strong possibility. Regardless, his absence from the game still comes as a shock.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 will be a day one Xbox Game Pass release.

Anticipation for THPS3+4 lingers on, leaving us to wonder if Activision might alter its viewpoint concerning the career mode. The THPS series sparked a golden age in extreme sports gaming. Revisiting these games with a new perspective is thrilling for longtime fans, but maintaining the elements that made each one unique is crucial. Without a career mode in THPS4, it just won’t have the same impact, and the idea of an Underground remake becomes significantly less captivating.

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2025-03-10 18:35