The beloved Skate franchise, born in 2007, captured the essence of skateboarding without the flashy trappings of mainstream 'skate culture.' Unlike the vibrant, commercialized worlds of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Skate focused purely on the act of skating itself—mastering a board in a public space rather than chasing points or costumes.

Despite its cult following, fans and players agreed it didn't need a comeback. Its simplicity and authenticity made it timeless, but EA, ever driven by profit, has resurrected it for a new generation in 2025. Brace yourselves—it disappointingly misses the mark.

What we get is a cash grab wrapped in a poorly executed modern package. The game feels like a hollow marketing ploy, designed with the idea of appealing to newcomers while alienating long-time fans. Infamous for its cringe-worthy dialogue, it resembles a bizarre mashup of skateboarding and corporate jargon.

The premise? An AI sidekick trails you, providing unsolicited updates about your latest fashion unlocks. If you ever wanted a skate game narrated by a chatbot, congratulations—you’ve got it! The experience is painfully reminiscent of a mismatched 2K career mode rather than the gritty, spontaneous world of skating.

Surrounded by sterile, overly polished environments that could belong in a breakdancing Olympics, you start to wonder: Where's the heart? Characters come off as wannabe inspiration speakers rather than relatable skaters.

While the original controls and some open-world opportunities to nail impressive tricks still shimmer with potential, they're drowned out by frustrating mechanics like lootboxes and incessant AI chatter. It’s an unfortunate twist for a series that once elevated skateboarding to new heights.

To sum it up: Skate 2025 is a bewildering misfire that steals the joy of skating. Sadly, it’s a reminder that not all beloved franchises should be revisited—sometimes, it's best to let them ride off into the sunset.