The new “Skate” will probably need some time before it’s ready for release. However, the current trailer already makes you want more – and proves that apparently nothing is finished yet.
What kind of game is this? “Skate” is a long-standing series from EA that – not surprisingly – focuses on skateboard action. This makes it somewhat reminiscent of the good old Tony Hawk series, but it features somewhat more complex gameplay.
Fans of the series have been waiting for a new installment for several years now. “Skate 3” was released in 2010, which means it’s over a decade in the past.
It should be encouraging that the current trailer at least shows that the successor is still in the works. And “in the works” is indeed the theme of the trailer.
This is what the trailer shows: The trailer comes across almost cautiously and basically announces kindly: “Yes, we are still working on it, but we wanted to give you a brief update on what the game might look like.”
Thereafter, something labeled as “Pre-Pre-Pre-Alpha” is shown. We see stylized, wobbly placeholder skaters failing at simple tricks and falling on their faces. Confusing bugs are displayed, as well as absolutely unfinished environments.
This is the “Where the developers were” part – followed by the “Where we are” part of the video. There, it looks a bit more like skateboarding and real, trick-rich gameplay. Even a small “Where we want to go” section is included – and it looks really good.
Otherwise, the trailer impresses with its humorous orientation, incorporating player comments and showing that a lot of feedback has clearly been taken to heart. The trailer emphasizes that players should have a lot of freedom, which is illustrated by completely crazy skateparks.
Moreover, the game obviously gets a solid parkour component, including wall runs and rolls, allowing players to access even more fun locations. By the way: On the official website, you can sign up for a playtest.
What is still missing in the trailer is a release date. Not surprisingly, given that so much is still being worked on. However: The current state already looks quite entertaining with fuzzy graphics and strange bugs.
And for those who want to bridge the time until then, they can always fall back on the wonderful Tony Hawk remake.
