Numerous returning THPS 4 levels in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 boast new and remixed objectives, typically referencing the offbeat challenges that characterized the original. A case in point for the San Francisco level is the return of a popular fan mission: Saving Painter Neal.
First spotted hanging over a ravenous shark in THPS 4, Painter Neal is under threat once again—and once more, it’s your job to save him. The procedure in this refurbished version has been altered slightly, so here’s how you can fulfill the Save Painter Neal task in the reworked San Francisco level.
Finding Painter Neal
From the spawn location, move towards the smaller pier on the right side of the map—that’s separate from the main pier replicating San Francisco’s Pier 39. Painter Neal will be suspended from a sign above the water, and a shark will be swimming ominously beneath. He’ll be shouting out, “I’M IN A CRISIS!”, but the fix isn’t obvious unless you’re taking notice of the surroundings.
Finding the Boulder
Behind a character nearby—Painter Bob, Neal’s buddy—you’ll see a suspiciously situated boulder. It is noticeable because it is not placed randomly like those around it; rather, it’s enveloped by what appears to be a tether or chain that you can grind. This boulder is instrumental in rescuing Neal.
To reach it, skate forward from your spawn, then turn left and head up the stairs to get onto the elevated path behind Painter Bob. Follow this path until you’re just behind the boulder.
Releasing the Boulder
Jump up and grind along the semicircle rope or rail that goes around the boulder. Stay balanced as you grind the entire loop. After finishing, you will activate a message at the top of the screen that says: “GIVE IT A PUSH!”
Now back off a bit down the course to have some space, reset your camera to point directly at the boulder, and fly towards it full-tilt. Get up close, do an ollie and slam into the boulder with a wallplant—jump and propel off the surface of the boulder with the wallplant input (usually pressing ollie again just as you land).
Observe the Rescue in Action
If done correctly, you’ll trigger a short cutscene. The boulder will dislodge, roll down the dock toward the shark, and collide with it just as the creature lunges for Neal. The impact knocks the shark back, saving Painter Neal in dramatic fashion.
When the cutscene ends, the mission will be marked as complete—another goal successfully cleared in San Francisco.
