Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Stumbles on Steam: Game Pass to Blame, Mate?
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4's Steam launch is a bit shaky, but Xbox Game Pass is likely the culprit for low player counts. Mixed reviews suggest some gameplay tweaks are needed to really nail the nostalgia.
Right, so the much-anticipated Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 has dropped on Steam, and the launch numbers… well, they're a bit like landing a 900 on a dodgy ramp – a bit wobbly. According to Game Rant, the initial peak concurrent player count was only 2,214. Now, before we start sharpening our pitchforks and blaming the skateboarding gods, let's dig a little deeper, shall we?
The 2020 Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 remake was a stonking success, racking up an impressive 89 Top Critic Average. It was the perfect kickflip back into the series for old fans and newcomers alike. So, naturally, expectations were higher than a perfectly executed ollie for 3 + 4. However, the road to release wasn't exactly smooth. There were rumblings about changes to Pro Skater 4's career mode (always a risky move, messing with the classics!), and the whole Bam Margera situation added another layer of… well, let's just say 'drama'.
But here's the kicker: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 launched day one on Xbox Game Pass for PC. Ding ding ding! Suddenly, those lower Steam numbers make a lot more sense, don't they? Why shell out $49.99 when you can grind your way through the game as part of your existing subscription? It's a fair point, and one that paints a slightly different picture.
It's not all sunshine and grinds, though. The Steam reviews are currently sitting at a 'Mixed' rating, with only 68% of players giving it a thumbs up. Digging into the negative reviews, it seems the controversial changes to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 are the main culprit. Ouch. Seems like they messed with the formula a bit too much for some.
One thing's for sure: skateboarding games are having a bit of a moment, aren't they? From the return of the Tony Hawk's series to Session: Skate Sim offering a fresh take, and the upcoming Skate game (still can't believe we're finally getting another one!), there's plenty for fans to get excited about. More competition means everyone needs to bring their A-game.
So, is this a disaster for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4? Not necessarily. The Game Pass factor is a big one, and while the Steam reviews are mixed, it doesn't necessarily reflect the overall quality of the game. Maybe with some tweaks based on player feedback, they can land this trick yet. We'll be watching to see if they can stick the landing.
Tags: Tony Hawk, Skateboarding Games, Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Gaming News
Original article: Game Rant