The remastered Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 promised a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s, and it largely delivers. Beyond the updated graphics and smoother gameplay, the allure of unlocking secret skaters remains a strong draw for dedicated fans. But how easy *is* it to access these hidden characters? And are they all created equal in terms of unlock difficulty? The answer, as with many things, is complicated.

In some ways, the hunt mirrors classic gaming challenges. Remember scouring every inch of Hyrule in *Ocarina of Time* for heart containers? Finding all the secret skaters in THPS 3+4 demands a similar level of dedication, but with a distinctly skater-punk twist. And while past games had unlockables tied to high scores or specific tricks, this iteration leans heavily into collection and completion-based challenges.

Here’s a breakdown of how to unlock each of the secret skaters, ranked by the level of dedication required:

• Andy Anderson & Bam Margera: Accessible from the start via the Secret Shop for $5,000 each. Consider these the “starter pack” of secret skaters.
• Michaelangelo (TMNT): Also in the Secret Shop, but at a steeper $10,000 price. A clear indication that some secrets require a bit more grind.
• Constable Richard: This is where things get interesting. Unlocking this British counterpart to Officer Dick requires finding 19 hidden panda plushies scattered across all levels. Prepare for a scavenger hunt!
• Birdman: The ultimate completionist challenge. To unlock Birdman, you must complete every single goal in both THPS 3 and 4, then purchase the “feathers” item from the shop. A true test of skill and patience.

But there’s a catch. Two additional skaters, Doom Slayer and Revenant from the *Doom* franchise, are locked behind the Deluxe Edition paywall. This has caused some controversy within the community, with players expressing frustration over the seemingly arbitrary distinction between in-game achievements and paid content.

“It feels a bit cheap to lock characters behind a paywall when the core game already requires so much effort to unlock everything else,” wrote user @Sk8rboi420 on X.com.

The decision to include paid DLC characters raises questions about the evolving landscape of game remakes. Are they meant to be faithful recreations of the original experience, or opportunities to monetize nostalgia? The answer, it seems, often lies somewhere in between.

The Panda Plushie Predicament

The quest for Constable Richard, in particular, has become a focal point for players. The placement of the panda plushies is often obscure, requiring players to explore every nook and cranny of each level. Online forums and YouTube guides are now filled with tips and tricks for locating these elusive collectibles.

One player, recounting their experience on a popular Reddit thread, described the hunt as both rewarding and infuriating. “I spent hours looking for the last panda in the Foundry level,” they wrote. “I almost gave up, but the feeling of finally finding it was so satisfying.”

The effort required to unlock Constable Richard highlights a broader trend in gaming: the appeal of “grinding” for rewards. While some players may find this tedious, others see it as a way to extend the lifespan of the game and demonstrate their dedication.

This trend of “grinding” has historical parallels. Early MMOs like EverQuest, where players spent countless hours repeating tasks to level up, demonstrate this concept. The modern equivalent is the battle pass system in games like Fortnite, which incentivizes players to complete daily and weekly challenges to unlock cosmetic items.

Community Reactions and the Future of THPS

The reception to THPS 3 + 4 has been largely positive, but the debate over the DLC characters and the grindy nature of some unlockables continues to rage on. Some players argue that the challenges are too difficult, while others praise them for providing a sense of accomplishment.

“The moment things shifted,” one local game store owner observed, “was when people realized how much time they’d need to invest to get *everything*. Some loved that, others felt betrayed.” He explained he had to field an increasing number of questions about the best strategies to obtain Birdman, sometimes multiple times an hour.

Ultimately, the success of THPS 3 + 4 will depend on its ability to balance nostalgia with innovation, and to provide a rewarding experience for both casual and hardcore players. Whether the challenges are fair or frustrating, one thing is clear: the hunt for secret skaters is alive and well.

Here are some things to keep in mind while searching.

1. Check every corner. Pandas and the level goals are often hidden in plain sight, but still obscured.
2. Watch videos! Other people have already done the hard work, so use them!
3. Have patience. It can be frustrating, but that feeling of satisfaction when you unlock that last character is worth it.