Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has landed, reviving early 2000s nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of video game music.
Developer Iron Galaxy’s new take delivers more than skateboarding throwbacks—this release curates an expansive playlist teeming with both legendary and emerging artists.
More Than a Remake: A Curated Experience
While the gameplay nails the familiar grind of airports and iconic skateparks, the refreshed soundtrack distinguishes itself. Fans will recognize classics by Adolescents and CKY, but much of the lineup shines with newcomers—spanning unfiltered punk, modern hip-hop, and energetic rock.
For some longtime players, the fresh additions may surprise, yet the new tracks quickly become indispensable. Blending seamlessly with Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades,” the selections transform the playlist into a mixtape that feels handpicked for skaters by Tony Hawk himself.
Discovering Tomorrow’s Favorites
The latest soundtrack isn’t merely a throwback. It’s a meticulously curated showcase, helping players stumble upon their next favorite musician. Rather than relying on digital recommendation tools, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 offers a distinctive musical journey grounded in skate culture.
Standout Artists in the Mix
Jeff Rosenstock Recommended album: Hellmode A pillar in New York’s punk scene, Jeff Rosenstock transitions from projects like The Arrogant Sons of Bitches and Bomb the Music Industry to solo acclaim. His relentless punk energy powers the track “Head,” perfectly at home in the THPS universe. For those drawn in, Hellmode offers more of Rosenstock’s signature intensity.
Vince Staples Recommended album: Summertime ’06 The soundtrack boosts its representation with the inclusion of Long Beach’s own Vince Staples. His breakout track “Norf Norf” captures California’s spirit and marks a strong hip-hop presence within the game. To dive further into Staples’ artistry, Summertime ‘06 remains the definitive entry point.
Danny Brown Recommended album: Old There’s no mistaking Danny Brown’s distinctive voice. Before reaching widespread acclaim, Brown built a reputation with appearances alongside El-P and Ab-Soul. Over time, his sonic explorations have become increasingly inventive, culminating in collaborations like 2023’s Scaring the Hoes with JPEGMafia. For newcomers, Old is an ideal first listen.
Fontaines D.C. Recommended album: Romance Rising fast from the Irish underground, Fontaines D.C. have garnered critical praise since 2019. Their contribution “Boys in the Better Land” anchors the game’s soundtrack, while their recent commercial breakthrough with Romance signals an even larger presence in both the music and gaming scenes.
Wavves Recommended album: King of the Beach Emerging in the “blog rock” era, San Diego’s Wavves brings surf-punk flair through their energetic debut. “King of the Beach” is a highlight now featured in THPS 3 + 4, and the recently released Spun album proves the band’s staying power.
X-Ray Spex Recommended album: Germfree Adolescents Classic punk also finds its place, with X-Ray Spex’s “Identity” included as homage to earlier influences. Led by Poly Styrene, this British group left a lasting mark on punk and inspired future generations of artists and fans.
Conclusion: Setting a New Bar for Music Discovery
With its robust, genre-spanning playlist, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is more than a trip down memory lane. The fusion of renowned veterans with up-and-coming acts not only rejuvenates the skating experience but also turns the game into a launchpad for discovering new music.
Players are invited to keep an ear out—and maybe a credit card handy—for these artists’ albums, supporting talent old and new.
Key Takeaways:
- Broad genre inclusion: Punk, hip-hop, rock, and more
- Curated, not algorithmic: A personalized feel to every song
- Spotlight on both legends and newcomers: From Jeff Rosenstock to Wavves
- Rooted in skating culture: Music selections enhance the game’s identity
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater legacy endures, reshaping how in-game soundtracks can introduce a whole new world of music to players everywhere.