What the game is
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 is the first entry in the franchise to introduce the revert and hidden combos, and the first to support online play—specifically on PlayStation 2 via USB Ethernet adapter.
How it actually plays
The revert lets players extend vert combos by tapping a button when landing in a quarterpipe. Hidden combos require precise input variations—like double-tapping the kickflip button to trigger a double kickflip. A session is built around chaining these into longer runs, with scoring tightly tied to combo length and trick variety. Online play on PS2 requires a USB Ethernet adapter and supports direct player-to-player connection.
What works
The revert fundamentally extends the vert combo loop, enabling longer, more expressive runs. Hidden combos reward muscle memory and experimentation with input timing. The Xbox version delivers a smoother experience with an improved frame rate and adds the Oil Rig level—a tangible, exclusive expansion of the world.
What does not
The PlayStation and Nintendo 64 versions do not include the revert or hidden combos. They run on the older Pro Skater 2 engine and offer no online functionality. The PS2 version’s online mode lacks matchmaking, lobbies, or persistent infrastructure—it is raw peer-to-peer only.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for players who value mechanical depth in skating games and want to see how online infrastructure began as a bare-bones, adapter-dependent feature. It is not for players seeking polished multiplayer, cross-platform play, or versions that match the PS2’s feature set.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you want to experience the first Tony Hawk game that reshaped the combo loop and introduced online infrastructure to the franchise. No—if you only have access to the PlayStation or N64 versions, which reuse the Pro Skater 2 engine and lack the core innovations.
