Newest Day-One Game Pass Release Nails A Lost Art We Seriously Missed

12 July 2025

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newest-day-one-game-pass-release-nails-a-lost-art-we-seriously-missed — Newest Day-One Game Pass Release Nails A Lost Art We Seriously Missed

Xbox Game Pass’ newest first-party day-one release has arrived in the form of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. The remaster of the third and fourth Tony Hawk games has been getting solid reviews, and despite some flaws, it’s another great entry in the series. I’ve been enjoying the game, minus some screen-tearing issues, but there’s one aspect in particular that I majorly appreciate.

While you might be trying to find the game’s numerous secrets or complete its tough Pro Goals, there’s one special aspect you might not have even thought much about. That element is the return of the video intro. I miss these so much, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a great example of why they should be in more games. It sets the tone perfectly, and it’s an iconic franchise element that should never be removed.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Brings Back Intros

An Absolute Necessity

Intro movies are a staple of the Tony Hawk franchise, and Pro Skater 3 + 4 doesn’t disappoint. Upon booting up the game, you’ll watch an incredible intro featuring the numerous Pro Skaters landing sick tricks, all with Motorhead’s Ace of Spades playing in the background. It sets the tone right away and hypes you up to dive into the actual game. If 3 + 4 started on the title screen, it would feel empty and lacking. These videos are called intros, but I personally refer to them as opening hype packages.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 4 with xbox, ps5 and gameboy

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 will be released on a wide range of platforms, so many players are likely hoping the game features crossplay.

This term originates from the WWE, where an opening hype package is often played before the start of big matches, with the most famous example being the “My Way” Rock vs. Stone Cold 2 promo for WrestleMania 17. Most video game intros and opening hype packages serve the same purpose: to excite you for what’s about to happen next. It’s such a shame that video games have largely abandoned intros entirely.

More Games Need Opening Hype Packages

Like A Dragon Should Take Note

Around 20 years ago, a lot of video games had opening hype packages, whether fighting games, wrestling games, or even many general action titles. However, as time went on, they became less frequent. The Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise was infamous for its incredible opening hype package intros, but starting with Yakuza 6, the developers removed them from the series. Look at the intro to the original 2014 release of Like a Dragon: Ishin. With Clock Strikes playing, you couldn’t help but be so hyped up for the experience.

THPS 3+4 Panda Plushie Closeup Cover Image

Panda Plushies are a secret collectible in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 that you’ll need to track down if you want to unlock one of the best skaters.

Then there’s the 2023 Ishin remake, which has nothing. You just start at the title screen. In the same way that incredible opening credit sequences for movies can be so effective, the same applies to video games. Going back to Metal Gear Solid 2, that intro still gives me goosebumps, with the music and digital-style visuals that you don’t often get anymore in video games. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 shows why intros need to be in more titles, as they often provide a far more memorable opening impression.

Source: BenedictPlays/YouTube