What consistently attracts me to Skate over other skateboarding games is its control scheme, which feels more intuitive for my way of thinking. Instead of having to memorize multiple button sequences as in the Tony Hawk series, I find it much easier to comprehend jumping or flipping tricks by simply flicking the analog stick.
In this latest installment, the Flick-It control system of the series remains robust and has been slightly improved to offer an even smoother experience. While earlier versions could be challenging due to their strict precision requirements, this time around, it’s a bit more flexible-a change that enhances gameplay fluidity while maintaining the potential for expert play. Additionally, a simplified version of the controls is available initially for those learning the ropes before transitioning to the full system.
Indeed, there’s an enhancement in the overall gaming experience, focusing particularly on the game’s responsiveness. Now, snapping onto rails and hopping off them is more dependable. Performing tricks like board grabs and spins mid-air feels more immediate, and the upgraded parkour system makes discovering exciting spots for skating or performing stunts a breeze.
Regarding the new version of the game, there’s a greater emphasis on stunts compared to before. Unfortunately, the initial release won’t feature the traditional Hall of Meat Mode with its bone-breaking focus. Instead, it offers stunt challenges where you’ll perform daring jumps from high places, aiming to hit or pass through objectives before landing hard on the ground. This time, performing stunts contributes to your combo score, so even if a stylish skate trick ends with a face-plant onto a moving bus, you’ll still earn some points for it.
Despite finding the game enjoyable so far, I’m not fully convinced that the skating environment lives up to previous installments. At the early access release, only three out of four districts were accessible, and I only managed to explore the first one during my preview time. It’s possible that the world will improve as more areas become available. However, I found that the skating opportunities weren’t as numerous or seamlessly connected as I had anticipated. While there are some decent spots for grinding and launching tricks, the lack of a cohesive flow between these areas makes it challenging to string together combos effectively.
As a devoted player, I’ve found that the challenges in the game come in two flavors: some remain constant while others change daily. The game selects a location for these dynamic challenges, challenging you to accomplish several tasks there-typically aiming for high scores or executing specific stunts. These challenges are fine, but they can feel repetitive and progress rather quickly. Given that this is a live service game, in order to unlock new districts and a variety of cosmetics, I find myself needing to complete many of these challenges frequently.
In my opinion, I found the fundamental reward system somewhat discouraging. By accomplishing tasks and challenges, you acquire a basic currency for free, which can be used to purchase aesthetic items. However, these aesthetic items are collected in crates containing roughly 10-12 items each. When you buy a crate, you’ll receive one random item from the available pool. You cannot get duplicate items, and the only way to spend your currency is on these items, so it’s not exactly a loot box system, but the enjoyment of that aspect is significantly diminished because in order to access other regions, you must first accumulate a certain number of aesthetic items. This essentially turns the entire experience into a grind.
In simpler terms, the game Skate appears to have fallen into common pitfalls I anticipated when it was announced as a live-service game. The focus seems to be more on grinding progression rather than ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience. It’s important to note that the preview version doesn’t yet include elements like Season Pass or in-game store, which I believe will exacerbate these issues.
Speaking frankly, when it comes to the authentic skateboarding experience, this game seems destined for greatness among its peers. I found myself enjoying the simple pleasure of exploring the city, finding places to grind, leaping over cars, and taking off from massive jumps. The essence of what makes Skate appealing has been elevated, but unfortunately, you may encounter some frustrating aspects related to the game’s packaging.
The game “Skate” will be rolled out for early access starting from September 16, 2025, on platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
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2025-08-27 19:46