Lost its soul, but could be saved.

I was really excited for this game, but I'm disappointed that it seems to have lost its original identity. The new free-to-play model and colorful, "Pixar-like" aesthetic feel like they're targeting a completely different audience than the skaters who originally made this franchise what it is.

The game no longer feels like it's made for the core fans. Instead, it seems like a vehicle for microtransactions, fluffed up with a generic, kid-friendly style. The franchise's roots are in professional skating culture, and I miss the feeling of being guided by pro skaters, learning new things, and filming alongside them.

Despite my disappointment with the new direction, I do have a few positive takeaways. The core mechanics are still sharp, and the connection between the skater and the board feels great. However, there are some issues with the physics. Tricks can sometimes feel too floaty, and landing grinds seems too easy. I also noticed that the ability to do 540-degree flips and beyond isn't there anymore, which is a major bummer. If I'm just missing how to do them, it would be great to get that advanced rotation back.

Give us back skate and remember why everyone holds it close to their heart. Don't Thundergun 4 this!!!!