Latest news with #ProSkater
CNET
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
I Can't Wait to Drop Into Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Xbox Game Pass Soon
The Tony Hawk games were some of my favorite titles when I was growing up. The soundtracks helped form my musical tastes, and the games helped propel me and my friends to learn to skateboard. So when Microsoft brings Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 to Xbox Game Pass on July 11, I'm going to grab my (virtual) deck and returning to some familiar gaps and rails in the game. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a CNET Editors' Choice award pick, offers hundreds of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC or mobile device for $20 a month. A subscription gives you access to a large library of games, with new titles, including Doom: The Dark Ages, added monthly, plus other benefits such as online multiplayer and deals on non-Game Pass titles. Read more: Play Classic Games From the '80s and '90s on Xbox Game Pass Now Here are the games Microsoft is adding to Game Pass in July. You can also check out what games Microsoft brought to the service in June, like Call of Duty: WWII. Legend of Mana (console) Coming to Game Pass Standard on July 2. As soon as you embark on a quest to find the mythical Mana Tree, you discover the world map is empty! So the only way to find it is to explore the world, talk to people and take on fearsome monsters in this remastered, classic RPG. This version of the game also has graphical improvements, a rearranged soundtrack and other modern enhancements. Trials of Mana (console) Coming to Game Pass Standard on July 2. If you enjoyed the remastered version of Legend of Mana, you'll likely enjoy this remastered version of Trials of Mana, another entry in the Mana series. You set off on an adventure to find the Mana Tree and protect the world from chaos. This version of the classic RPG has graphic improvements, character voiceover support, a new ability system and much more. Ultimate Chicken Horse Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play on July 3. The name of this game was enough to draw my attention, and the in-game raccoon sealed the deal for me. This party-platforming game has you race against others to see who can get to the end of the level first. But each player gets to build the level as they play. So you can set traps for others, but make sure you don't take yourself out. The Ascent Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play on July 8. Microsoft is bringing this game back to Game Pass almost a year after the company removed it from the service. In this cyberpunk-themed RPG, you control a formerly enslaved worker after the collapse of the megacorporation The Ascent Group. The area devolves into chaos with criminal factions vying for control over the different districts. It's up to you to stop these other factions and uncover what happened to the defunct corporation. Minami Lane Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on July 9. Welcome to the cozy world of Minami Lane! This cute management game sets you in charge of maintaining the titular street, opening new shops and making sure everyone is enjoying their stay in the area. Build ramen shops for the foodies, open book stores for the bookworms and customize the street in whatever way you want. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can play on July 11. Tony Hawk is back to shred in new areas, perform gnarly tricks and bring you more great music along the way. This revamped version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 also brings new skaters to the roster. Game Pass subscribers who preorder the Deluxe Edition Upgrade can play this game three days early on July 8 and get the Doom Slayer as a playable skater and other perks. High on Life Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and Game Pass Standard subscribers can play on July 15. Microsoft removed this game from Xbox Game Pass in June, 2024, but the company is bringing the potty humor-filled game back to the service. You've just escaped an alien invasion and have befriended an alien that's also a talking gun. You and other talking guns -- and a talking, psychotic knife named Knifey -- will team up to stop the invasion of Earth and bring an end to an intergalactic drug cartel. Retro Classics gets 5 more games Microsoft launched its Retro Classics collection of games in May, and Microsoft said more than 1 million people have already enjoyed some nostalgic games. To celebrate this milestone, the company brought these five classic games to the collection. Cosmic Commuter Heart of China Skiing Solar Storm Subterranea Games leaving Game Pass on July 15 While Microsoft is adding those games to Game Pass soon, the company is also removing six other games from the service on July 15. So you still have some time to check these games out or finish your campaign before you have to buy them separately. Flock Mafia Definitive Edition Magical Delicacy Tchia The Callisto Protocol The Case of the Golden Idol For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now, read our hands-on review of the gaming service and learn which Game Pass plan is right for you. You can also check out what to know about upcoming Xbox game price hikes.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Tony the Tiger® and Tony Hawk Reunite to Celebrate Their 30+ Years of Friendship
From the streets to the ramps, and to your bowl of cereal, these two are turning up the heat in the skateboarding and gaming worlds with their latest collaboration. BATTLE CREEK, Mich., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The legendary partnership between Tony the Tiger and world-renowned skateboarder Tony Hawk is igniting once again to celebrate something big. Their friendship, which started with Tony Hawk serving as Tony the Tiger's stunt double in a '90s advertisement, captured both icons' enthusiastic attitudes and desire to motivate youth to be courageous and get active. This time, their reunion will take to the physical and digital skatepark - via the launch of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 and at the live Vert Alert Legends Demo and skateboarding competition. 'I've been a fan of Tony the Tiger since I was a kid,' said Tony Hawk. 'It's been an incredible journey, from originally doing stunts for Tony to reuniting over 30 years later, and I'm honored to still be associated with the most iconic Tiger in the world.' In Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 video game, players can dive into tiger-themed gear and accessories, channeling Tony the Tiger's energy on virtual ramps. Available now for pre-order, the game promises an epic ride across digital skateparks. To commemorate the collaboration, limited-edition skateboards will be released for five lucky fans*. Complementing this release are exclusive Tony x Tony cereal packs, featuring autographed items from Tony Hawk and, of course, the timeless taste of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. 'We've been waiting for the perfect moment to bring these two Tonys back together, and it couldn't be better timed,' said Ryan Versfeld, Brand Marketing Director at WK Kellogg Co. 'We're excited to support Tony Hawk with these unique experiences for the next generation to encourage them to do what they love!' The legendary duos' reunion will hit its peak at the two-day Vert Alert at the University of Utah, a global gathering of skateboarding talent, which will be free and open to the public. There, both Tonys will hype up participants in the exhilarating competition – reminding us that each skater fueled by confidence is a gr-r-reat one. Pre-order Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 here and stay connected with updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content by following @kelloggsfrostedflakes. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are sixteen (16) years of age or older at time of entry. Begins 6/30 at 12:00:00 AM (ET) and ends 7/11 at 11:59:59 PM (ET). For details on how to enter and/or for complete Official Rules, go to our link in bio. Subject to complete Official Rules. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: WK Kellogg Co, One Kellogg Square, North Tower, Battle Creek, MI 49016. 2025 WK Kellogg Co About WK Kellogg Co® At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Froot Loops®, Kashi®, Special K®, Kellogg's Raisin Bran®, and Bear Naked®. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger® and Toucan Sam®, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. Through our sustainable business strategy – Feeding Happiness™ – we aim to build healthier and happier futures for families, kids and communities. We are making a positive impact, while creating foods that bring joy and nourishment to consumers. For more information about WK Kellogg Co and Feeding Happiness, visit Media contact: Meg Patrick, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE WK Kellogg Co.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Tony Hawk's New Quest: Conquering Home Improvement
Tony Hawk makes an appearance at the "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4" Launch Event at El Rey Theatre ... More on May 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) Skateboard legend Tony Hawk has never seen a half pipe or, for that matter, a skateboard competition he hasn't conquered. The highly decorated skateboarding champion and 10-time X Games gold medalist still skates almost every day, he said. However, Hawk noted that buying a new house in Los Angeles this summer has presented him with a whole new set of challenges. Hawk, now 57, has four children, whom he says have been living in various places in and around L.A. While he and his wife still keep their home in San Diego, they thought it might make sense to buy a fixer-upper in L.A. as a way to spend more time together as a family. 'We just bought a house with the intent of three of our adults living there.' Hawk, during our Zoom interview last week, said that two of his kids recently graduated from college. 'Let's put it this way, our kids were scattered, and for us to see all of them, we kind of had to beg them to come see us somewhere centrally. So we bought a place.' Hawk described the purchase of an older L.A. home as a big undertaking. 'In fact, it was pretty rough,' he said. Hawk said that when they bought it, one closet was being used as a laundry space, which he wanted to turn back into a closet. There were also cracks in the concrete floors, among other issues. 'We needed new floors. We needed new bathrooms. And the room that would be my son Calvin's room was an empty canvas.' Hawk said that soon after locking in, he heard from the technology company Thumbtack about a potential collaboration, specifically to make the new home much more livable. 'Thumbtack contacted me about this very property,' Hawk said, laughing about the amount of work needed. 'They asked if we had any places that needed work, and said, 'We want to show you how we do things,' and I was all in.' Founded in 2008, Thumbtack has built its reputation on helping millions of people care for and improve their homes. Through the platform and its app, homeowners can receive personalized guidance on home improvement projects—ranging from small fixes and routine maintenance to major improvements—and access the right professionals from Thumbtack's community of 300,000 local service businesses. New digs: Tony Hawk's new Los Angeles home boasts retro-style bathrooms and bedrooms with ... More skateboarding accents. 'They were really a one-stop shop. And that's what it's all about,' Hawk said about the experience. 'They connect homeowners with resources and people who can get stuff done, the actual products and building materials. So once we got in contact, everything moved very quickly.' Hawk said that the result was a cozy new home with more bedrooms and a swanky new bathroom with retro looks. 'Honestly, if you saw the before and after pics, it felt at first like a very industrial space. It is amazing how much more warm and comfortable Thumbtack made our place look." Thumbtack boasts 5-star ratings from 12 million consumers on its projects and has recently raised over $500 million from investment partners, including Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, Baillie Gifford, and CapitalG. Working with Thumbtack, Hawk said, 'removed all the guesswork. I'm new to this (remodeling) in a sense, and all the work was super efficient.' Thumbtack, in kind, indicated that Hawk was an ideal partner and let them show how they and their affiliate contractors could transform a living space. 'Helping Tony bring this space to life was a reminder of what's possible when you have the right pros by your side," said Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack's resident interior design expert. "Whether it was refining finishes or navigating bigger repairs, our Thumbtack team made sure every detail came together seamlessly, so he could focus on creating a home his kids will love.' Hawk added that, with all his media and sports-related work in L.A., he often found himself dropping in to see the ongoing progress made by the contractors, saying "the turnaround time took only weeks, and with some parts less than that.' Even though Hawk is effectively retired from competitive skateboarding and national competitions, he keeps busy and in close contact with members of the skateboarding community. Two years ago, Hawk competed in one event at the 2023 X Games and then joined the Summer Olympics in Japan last year as a color commentator for Olympic skateboarding and extreme sports events. Miles Goodman, Riley Hawk, Catherine Goodman, Kady Hawk, Tony Hawk, Keegan Hawk and Calvin Goodman ... More attend the Los Angeles premiere of HBO Max's "Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off" at The Bungalow on March 30, 2022 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by) As an entrepreneur, he has built a billion-dollar video game franchise and established successful businesses, including Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and 900 Films. Hawk is also a sought-after public speaker, particularly on topics such as brand image and authenticity, and was the subject of the HBO 2022 documentary film 'Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off.' In addition to four kids of his own, there's another new, big role for Tony Hawk—that of a grandfather. 'Today, after this interview, I have a new skate ramp I am going to skate,' he said. 'And another thing I'm going to do this afternoon, after I skate, is that my grandson is coming over. So I'll go from skating to changing diapers.' Hawk's grandson, born last fall, is the child of his eldest son, Riley, and his wife Francis Bean Cobain, daughter of rock legend Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. In addition to discussing business, family, and contemporary skateboarding history, Hawk is just as easy to talk to about music, especially 1990s punk and alternative music. 'I'm a fan and was always a fan of Nirvana, and got to see them in 1991. But we try to keep those elements separate, so to speak. I think Frances hears enough,' Hawk said, about Nirvana, 'in her public life.' When Hawk heard that I was from Chicago, the names of Chicago artists originating in the 1990s came to mind, particularly Chicago rock legends Steve Albini (b. 1962) and the band Local H. 'Local H did a cover of 'Wolf Like Me' (a song by TV On The Radio) that I've used in a social media clip I was doing not too long ago. Local H—Super talented, amazing," Hawk said of the band, which will be back on tour this September. When I finally asked what's next for Tony Hawk, he mentioned that he remains heavily involved in pushing his sport to new levels, while helping to develop new skateboarding talent of all genders. 'I'm still skating as much as I can. But I think the best use of my time professionally now is to promote skateboarding and advocate for public skate parks.'
Metro
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is 15% off if you pre-order now
The next batch of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater remakes are even cheaper thanks to one retailer, ahead of the game's launch next month. Activision's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is arguably one of the best remakes of the past few years, so anticipation is high for the modern revamp of the next two games. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 might not carry the same level of nostalgia, but the third instalment is widely considered one of the best. It remains to be seen, though, if they hold up as well in light of various changes, with the fourth entry's career mode no longer an open world experience like in the 2002 original. If you're looking forward to hitting the half-pipe once again, one UK retailer has knocked 15% off the original price when you pre-order. You can claim this discount by pre-ordering Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 through Currys, ahead of its launch on July 11, 2025. If you use the code 'HAWK15' at the checkout, you'll save £6 in total, bringing it down from £39.99 to £33.99. While the discount isn't quite as high as the retailer's past offers on other games, it's the cheapest option out there right now. This discount applies to the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 version, although the latter is only a download code in a box. More Trending If you buy the Nintendo Switch version, it's even cheaper, with the code saving you £5.55 for a total of £31.44. However, if you own a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2, we'd probably advise picking up one of those for a more polished experience. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. It's important to note that this is only the standard edition of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4. A digital deluxe edition, which costs £59.99, includes three days early access, additional songs and items, along with a Doom Slayer and Revenant skaters. Along with all the original maps from both games, the remake features entirely new skate parks, online support, 4K resolution, and the return of Bam Margera. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 launches across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on July 11, 2025. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: PS Plus games for July includes one of the best dungeon crawlers ever MORE: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 climbs chart after 'unusual' sales boost MORE: Time Crisis and Point Blank lightgun console smashes Kickstarter goal within hours
Time Business News
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Retro Reboots: Why Classic Games Are Making a Comeback
In a digital age where hyper-realistic graphics, massive multiplayer ecosystems, and AI-powered mechanics dominate the gaming industry, it might seem odd that pixelated characters from decades ago are once again taking center stage. But that's exactly what's happening. From Final Fantasy VII Remake to the revival of Metroid Dread , and indie homages like Shovel Knight , the demand for retro reboots is skyrocketing. Why are these classics from the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s experiencing a second life? The answer lies in a mix of nostalgia, gameplay purity, and evolving gamer demographics. Let's dive into why classic games are making a triumphant return—and why they continue to dominate the gaming news cycle. At the heart of the retro reboot trend is nostalgia. Gamers who grew up in the early eras of console gaming are now adults with disposable income and a desire to relive the golden days of their childhood. For many, booting up a new version of Crash Bandicoot or Tony Hawk's Pro Skater isn't just about gameplay—it's about rekindling a feeling, revisiting old memories, and sharing those experiences with a new generation. Game developers and publishers recognize this emotional pull. By revamping classic titles with modern graphics and quality-of-life improvements, they're not only appealing to longtime fans but also attracting new players curious about what made these games timeless. Another reason for the resurgence is the elegant simplicity of retro games. Before the days of expansive open worlds and cinematic cutscenes, developers focused on core mechanics—tight controls, clever level design, and rewarding difficulty curves. These foundational principles still hold up today. Take Mega Man , Castlevania , or Super Mario Bros. as examples. Their straightforward objectives, skill-based progression, and short session formats make them accessible yet challenging. In contrast, many modern games can feel bloated with side quests, microtransactions, and confusing upgrade trees. Retro reboots often retain the original gameplay structure while polishing visuals and streamlining controls, making them ideal for both short gaming bursts and long play sessions. The result is a refreshing break from today's often overwhelming AAA titles. Indie game studios have also played a huge role in the retro resurgence. With platforms like Steam, and Nintendo Switch offering low barriers to entry, indie developers have embraced pixel art, 2D side-scrollers, and chiptune soundtracks as a cost-effective yet powerful artistic style. Games like Celeste , Undertale , Dead Cells , and Hollow Knight are modern classics built on retro foundations. Their success proves that you don't need cutting-edge visuals to captivate an audience—you need heart, smart design, and memorable storytelling. Many of these indie developers grew up playing retro games and are now using their skills to pay homage while innovating. This blending of old-school inspiration with modern sensibilities continues to fuel the retro reboot phenomenon across the gaming news landscape. Today's reboots aren't just ports of old titles—they're technological overhauls. Developers are using modern engines like Unreal and Unity to rebuild classic games from scratch. The result? Gorgeous lighting, enhanced character models, re-recorded soundtracks, voice acting, and smoother performance—all while staying true to the original design philosophy. The Resident Evil series is a perfect example. The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 retained the horror and tension of the original but presented it with a third-person perspective, stunning visuals, and expanded storylines. Fans and critics alike praised it for respecting the source material while offering a fresh experience. Similarly, the Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagined the 1997 RPG into a real-time action title with cinematic storytelling, all while preserving its emotional core and beloved characters. It's not just older gamers who are driving demand. A younger audience, curious about gaming history and increasingly disillusioned by live-service models and loot boxes, is discovering the magic of retro-style titles. Many Gen Z players are diving into classics through platforms like Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus, and Xbox Game Pass, where remastered collections and emulated titles are readily available. By experiencing reboots and remakes, this new generation gains an appreciation for the roots of modern gaming. Developers, in turn, are creating games that bridge generational gaps, combining storytelling depth with gameplay accessibility. Twitch and YouTube have significantly boosted the retro revival as well. Popular streamers frequently revisit old games or showcase new remakes, introducing millions of viewers to titles they may have missed. Speedrunning communities have also helped maintain interest in classic titles like Super Mario 64 , The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time , and Sonic the Hedgehog . Social media campaigns and Kickstarter projects further generate hype around reboots and remasters. The viral success of Shenmue III and fan-led campaigns for remakes of games like Chrono Trigger illustrate the power of collective nostalgia and online communities in shaping development trends. From a business standpoint, rebooting a known IP is often less risky than launching a new franchise. Studios already know there's a built-in fanbase, existing assets to work with, and a strong chance of media buzz. This makes retro reboots a smart commercial move—especially when development cycles are streamlined using modern tools and engines. More importantly, many studios are listening to fans. Community feedback has become integral to development, ensuring reboots aren't just cash grabs but genuine efforts to enhance beloved titles. This collaborative spirit strengthens loyalty and trust between players and publishers. The return of retro games isn't just a trend—it's a testament to the enduring power of great design, emotional storytelling, and the universal appeal of video games. Whether through full-fledged remakes, remastered editions, or indie tributes, the spirit of the classics is alive and well in today's gaming culture. As long as there's a hunger for meaningful gameplay experiences and a reverence for the past, retro reboots will continue to shine. And with the latest gaming news constantly featuring new announcements, leaks, and fan theories, the future looks bright for those pixelated pioneers of play. So dust off your old controllers, or boot up your next-gen console—because retro gaming is back, and it's here to stay. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
