Skate’s New “Golden Hour” Look Transforms Season 1
▼ Summary
– EA’s new Skate is now playable via free Early Access, but players have criticized its Fortnite-like visuals and heavy microtransactions.
– Developers at Full Circle will address these visual complaints with an update on October 7, making the world feel “more grounded and lived in.”
– Future seasons will introduce new content like customization items, legacy game modes, seasonal events, and quality-of-life improvements.
– Crucially, all new tricks added in future seasons will be free for players and will never require payment.
– Despite these planned updates, the game currently has a “mixed” rating on Steam and faces criticism from major gaming outlets.
The newly released free Early Access version of EA’s Skate has brought the beloved skateboarding franchise to a wider audience, though its initial reception highlights a significant divide. While the core skating mechanics earn praise for their fluidity and responsiveness, a vocal segment of the player base has expressed strong reservations. Criticisms largely center on the game’s aesthetic direction, which many feel leans too heavily into a bright, high-contrast style reminiscent of titles like Fortnite, compounded by an emphasis on microtransactions and character models that lack detail. Acknowledging this feedback, the development team at Full Circle has announced a substantial visual overhaul set to debut with Season 1 on October 7, aiming to deliver a more authentic and gritty atmosphere.
In a detailed social media update, Full Circle reaffirmed its commitment to evolving the game’s look, pointing back to an August promise of infusing “even more detail and personality.” The upcoming .28 update, launching alongside the new season, represents the first major step in this direction. The primary change involves a significant reduction in visual contrast, bathing the city of San Vansterdam in a warm, golden-hour glow. This new lighting is designed to make the world feel “more grounded and lived in,” a direct response to players seeking a less cartoonish vibe. The developers were clear that this is merely the beginning of a continuous process, openly inviting community feedback to guide future visual refinements.
Beyond the immediate aesthetic shift, the roadmap for Skate extends well into the future. Seasons 2 and 3, planned for December and beyond, promise a steady stream of new content. This includes fresh customization options, the return of beloved “legacy game modes” from earlier Skate titles, and seasonal events like Skate-o-Ween. Crucially, the developers have made a firm commitment regarding gameplay expansion: new tricks will always be free. Season 2 will introduce impossibles and enhanced handplants, while Season 3 adds darkslides and improved footplants. These moves will be integrated into challenges upon release, ensuring all players can immediately access and master them without any additional cost.
Despite these planned improvements, it remains to be seen whether they will be enough to win over the skeptical core skateboarding community. The game currently holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam, backed by thousands of player reviews, and has faced pointed critiques from major gaming publications. The central challenge for Full Circle is balancing the game’s accessible, free-to-play structure with the authentic, simulation-heavy experience long-time fans expect. While the fundamental act of skating is widely regarded as enjoyable, the surrounding elements, from its visual identity to its monetization strategy, continue to be a point of contention as the game evolves through its early access phase.
(Source: GameSpot)
