After a decade and a half of waiting, fans of the series took to the streets of San Vamsterdam in EA’s skate 4. Some were enthusiastic, others left wanting more.
For those not in the know, EA’s ‘skate’ series debuted its newest installment Sept.16. On launch day, two million players logged on for the first day of public access, eagerly waiting to take the fictional streets of San Vansterdam. For the first time in the series, the game went free-to-play. Cost is no longer a barrier. Additionally, the game was introduced on a cross-platform.
The excitement died quick. Fans discovered the game was vastly different from skate 3. It lacked content such as custom clothes and skate decks. Player-made custom skate parks and both S.K.A.T.E and Hall Of Meat minigames were missing, too. Worst of all, offline play disappeared. Players dislike playing on buggy, overwhelmed servers or waiting in queues to play.
The soundtrack: a saving grace
Only time will resolve those issues, as the game is still in early access. However, there are minimal complaints about the soundtrack. Fans seem to appreciate it, despite it being unlike anything we’ve ever heard before in the series. The soundtrack includes Sunny Day Real Estate, Turnstile, Joey Valence & Brae and many more. If the traditional skate sound isn’t your jam, indie-rockers Car Seat Headrest and pop Artist Magdalena Bay also make a delightful appearance. When you’re skating around San Vamsterdam, there’s always something to listen to.
The soundtrack leaves players optimistic, giving fans hope that the game can work out its errors. The game is still sitting in early access. It’ll be interesting to see how the series evolves. Will the developers address player criticisms, or will they ignore them, leading to a sad end for the beloved skate franchise as the player base dwindles? For now, fans will simply have to await further news, as they skate around San Vamsterdam with their friends, listening to a killer soundtrack with their cross-platform friends.
EA’s skate is available for all consoles and PC.
I'm from Plano, Texas. As an advanced technical theater student at Plano East Senior High, I have a deep passion for physical media, particularly collecting records and CDs. I'm also an avid member of my high school's tech crew, where I spend much of my time building and assembling, which fuels my creativity. When I'm not in the classroom shop crafting the next set piece, you can find me vibing to the eclectic sounds of Le Tigre, They Might Be Giants, and Mazzy Star.
