Skate is BACK! Hands-On Preview: Is This The Perfect Free-to-Play Game?
Get ready to shred! After a 15-year hiatus, the Skate series is making a triumphant return with a new installment that promises to turn an entire city into a skater's paradise. Electronic Arts recently offered a hands-on preview of the Early Access version of Skate, launching on September 16th, and the buzz is real.
Welcome to San Vansterdam: A Skater's Dream
The new Skate drops players into San Vansterdam, a sprawling open world meticulously designed for skateboarding. Food trucks, overpasses, and everything in between are fair game for grinding, ollies, and kickflips. This isn't just a game; it's a collaborative space where you can tackle challenges, watch other skaters, team up with friends, or challenge rivals to trick battles.
Flick-It is Back (and Better Than Ever!)
One of the defining features of the original Skate was the innovative "Flick-It" control system. Full Circle hasn't just rebuilt it; they've "resurrected" it. The system, which uses flicking motions on the right control stick to simulate tricks, has been refined to be more accessible to newcomers while retaining the depth and nuance that veteran players expect. There are three control schemes:
- Streamlined: Intuitive and easier for beginners.
- Classic: Familiar to Skate veterans, using Square/X for pushing.
- Experienced: Maximum control for seasoned pros.
And if you ever need a refresher, the Skatepedia is always available to guide you through every trick.
Free-to-Play Done Right?
Skate's free-to-play, live-service model has raised eyebrows among some fans of the original offline single-player games. Concerns about limited-time events and pressure to purchase in-game items are valid. However, early impressions suggest that Full Circle is committed to creating a fair and engaging experience for all players. The developers are pouring their heart and soul into this project, and it shows.
Community and Collaboration
Community and collaboration are at the heart of the new Skate experience. Full Circle aims to give players the freedom to express themselves and connect with other skaters. San Vansterdam is more than just a city; it's a living, breathing skate park where players can come together to share their passion for skateboarding.