Skate Reviews Mixed as Players Complain Early Access Feels “Soulless”

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While Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is often the first skating game that comes to mind, EA’s *Skate* series is also incredibly popular. *Skate* stood out with its innovative “Flick-It” controls, offering a fresh take on skateboarding games. So, when EA released the newest *Skate* game, fans were eager to try it. However, the initial Early Access launch left many players disappointed, as it didn’t live up to their expectations.

It’s been 15 years since the last *Skate* game, *Skate 3*, and fans have been eagerly awaiting a new installment. After a long period of testing, *Skate* recently launched into Early Access on September 16th. Initial reactions to the free-to-play skateboarding game have been mixed, earning it a ‘Mixed’ review rating on Steam. Here’s a look at what players are saying and how the developers, Full Circle and EA, can improve the game going forward.

Skate Suffers from Missing Features & Monetization in Early Access

It’s common for games starting in Early Access to receive mixed reviews, as the level of completion varies greatly. Some, like *Hades 2*, feel quite finished, while others, such as *Runescape: Dragonwilds*, are very basic. For some players, missing features are enough to turn them off, and this seems to be a problem with *Skate*. However, as is often the case with free-to-play games, there’s more to the story than just that.

Players are disappointed with the new *Skate* game, pointing out that it lacks popular features from previous installments, such as Story Mode, Pro Skaters, and the Hall of Meat. Many feel this omission removes the unique personality that defined the *Skate* series. Beyond the missing features, players also report a lack of diverse missions, leading to a repetitive gameplay experience.

While the initial Early Access version of the game doesn’t promise these specific features, the developers at Full Circle plan to continually update it with new content, improvements, and events. This means some of the currently missing features could be added later, especially if players request them. We can expect more missions to be added, which should make the game more diverse. However, the developers have indicated that a traditional Story Mode isn’t likely to be included in this version of *Skate*.

Early feedback on *Skate* has largely centered on how the game actually plays. However, as a free-to-play title, how it makes money is also under scrutiny. Like many free games, *Skate* offers in-game purchases, and some players feel these are too aggressively pushed. This has led to criticism that the game is prioritizing profit over player experience, with some noting that the free customization options feel deliberately limited to encourage spending.

While *Skate* has received some criticism, many players are still finding it enjoyable, especially considering it’s a free game. One Steam user put it simply: “It’s free, so there’s fun to be had, but it’s a bit of a mixed experience.” Because the game is still in early development, these initial impressions could change for the better. Overall, *Skate* is definitely sparking strong reactions from players.

The skateboarding game *Skate* became available in Early Access on September 17th for Steam, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Players can download and play it for free, and the full version is expected to launch in 2026.

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2025-09-17 17:46