Needs more Skate culture and less mainstream.

The new Skate feels more like a copy of the Fortnite formula than a continuation of the series’ unique skate culture. Unlike Skate 1 or Skate 2, there’s nothing that truly embodies the essence of skateboarding—it lacks story, atmosphere, and soul, leaving the experience lifeless and hollow.

The soundtrack in the original Skate was fantastic, and the new game should aim for the same eclectic mix—pulling from classic tracks as well as showcasing today’s new and emerging artists. Music is a huge part of skate culture, and right now, that spirit is missing.

Mechanically, the gameplay seems fine as usual, but everything else is such a letdown. Immersive details—like the option to show bruises or wear from crashes—would bring more authenticity than chasing “plastic sales” trends. Just because the industry follows the herd doesn’t mean this franchise should. (Come on, Cuz Perry & Deran Chung—you know better.)

Even if this game isn’t meant to be a direct sequel, it could still draw from what made Skate 1 and Skate 2 so great. We need that gritty, raw feel again—the sense that this is about skateboarding, not just another hollow product. Instead, what we have now is a money grab: a system that offers a watered-down experience and shoves monetization in players’ faces while giving little of real value in return. Gamers deserve more than being handed a cheap product disguised as progress.

Right now, the physics feel generic and uninspired—cookie-cutter mechanics that echo the larger issue of the gaming industry’s obsession with rehashing the same ideas. Skate deserves better, and so do the players. S.K.A.T.E., no Micro Transactions. Just another Corporate Copout is what this new "Skate" is, juat disappointing, these kids know no better.