Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3

Gameplay and innovations

THPS3 kept the approachable, score-focused gameplay of earlier entries while adding a key feature, the "revert," which allowed players to link vertical tricks on ramps into manuals and continue combos across different sections of a level. This change unlocked much higher scoring potential and influenced level design by allowing multiline runs that combined vert and street elements. The game also refined physics and control responsiveness, offered new special tricks and expanded single-player objectives, and retained popular modes such as Timed Runs and Graffiti Challenge.

Platforms, ports and online play

The game was released on a wide range of systems: PlayStation 2, original PlayStation, Xbox, GameCube, Nintendo 64, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color. The main version was developed by Neversoft, while console and handheld ports were handled by several studios: Neversoft, Edge of Reality, Shaba Games, Vicarious Visions, HotGen, and Gearbox Software contributed to various releases and conversions.

THPS3 was notable for incorporating online multiplayer features on some platforms. On PlayStation 2 it was among the early titles with online options, arriving during a period when console online services were only just emerging and network adapters were not yet ubiquitous. That early adoption helped establish online competitive skateboarding matches as a feature of later sports and action titles.

Reception, soundtrack and legacy

Critics praised Pro Skater 3 for its expanded combo systems, inventive level layouts and fast, addictive gameplay. The soundtrack continued the series' tradition of energetic licensed tracks crossing punk, hip-hop and alternative genres, which many players cited as enhancing the game's momentum and atmosphere. The mechanics introduced in THPS3 influenced subsequent skateboarding games and remain commonly cited by fans as a high point of the series.

Two notable facts that attract collectors and historians: the Nintendo 64 version was produced in a very small run and is often described as one of the rare late-era N64 releases, and the title represents an important step in integrating online multiplayer into console sports games. For additional reading and archival sources, see developer and port credits and contemporary reviews: further information.

• Overview and year of release: 2001
• Key innovation: revert mechanic
• Platforms and major porting studios: see above links
• Publisher: Activision