EA’s official Skate FAQ outlines what the 2025 early access iteration represents for the series. It states, “This isn’t a sequel, remake, or a remaster. It’s the evolution of the Skate franchise.”
- EA’s official Skate FAQ states it’s not a sequel.
- Skate’s early access features impressive sound effects.
- Skate’s controls are described as approachable yet deep.
- The game is exclusively online, causing connection issues.
- Skate's art style is criticized as vanilla and boring.
- Approximately 100 songs are in Skate’s early access jukebox.
Skate has evolved dramatically, but it has changed to fit into a free-to-play, service game model. The new version bears little resemblance to the late-2000s originals.
The sound effects in Skate’s early access launch are a strength, capturing the nuanced array of skateboarding sounds effectively. The controls remain approachable yet deep, allowing for a satisfying gameplay experience.
However, the feel of Skate differs from older games, with stiffer turning and a sticky grind assist. Skitching and other tricks are absent, but the game maintains a familiar feel for returning players.
Skate’s online-only experience has faced issues, including disconnections during play. Server problems and queues are common on launch day, but the game’s reliance on online connectivity has drawn criticism.
The personality of the originals has been diminished, with an AI app called Vee replacing human characters. Vee’s dialogue has been described as nauseating and overly simplistic.
The human characters in Skate are criticized for their inauthentic, overwritten scripts. The term “skater eyes” is frequently referenced, leading to confusion about its meaning.
The game lacks traditional injury mechanics, replacing them with a fictional medical technology called “ImpervaTEK.” This change has removed the visceral elements present in earlier games.
Skate’s art style has shifted to a more cartoonish approach, which has been met with disappointment. The city of San Vansterdam lacks detail and feels sterile, failing to create an immersive environment.
The map design is flat and lacks distinct areas, making it uninteresting to navigate. It contrasts sharply with the more varied environments of previous games.
Pro skaters from earlier games are absent, along with the traditional intro montages. The campaign currently lacks competitions and other engaging content.
The early access jukebox features approximately 100 songs, but most are recent tracks. The campaign is described as weak, combining lengthy tutorials with repetitive tasks.
Progression in Skate revolves around collecting in-game currency to open loot boxes. This system has been criticized for prioritizing monetization over gameplay.
Originally reported by www.ign.com as “Skate Early Access Review” on 2025-09-24 06:03:00.
