Out Today: Skate Makes Its Big Return in Early Access on PS5, PS4, and It’s Free to Play

Fans have been incessant about bringing back the beloved Skate series, and though it took some time, EA listened, and is today launching the latest entry in the skateboarding series in early access on PS5 and PS4.

Developer Full Circle Studio has revived the franchise, turning it into a free-to-play skateboarding sandbox.

Though it launches in early access form, meaning it’s unfinished, what we can tell you is that the game feels right. The unique “Flick-It” system that defines the series is present and correct, and it feels like slipping on an old pair of Vans.

For those unfamiliar, you perform the majority of tricks using the right stick; bring it down and then straight up to pop an ollie, or aim it to the left or right for a heelflip or kickflip.

There’s a lot of complexity to be layered on top of that, but that’s the gist. It feels fantastic and intuitive, and on a basic level, leads to a more grounded experience than that found in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.

That being said, it’s not super realistic either. You’re able to climb practically anywhere in the open world city, San Vansterdam, and from high vantage points you can leap down and perform insane, impossible stunts.

It’s silly, but a lot of fun to goof around with.

The game already features lots of missions and challenges to complete, earning you XP in each district of the city and unlocking even more to do.

You can definitely tell it’s early access and not totally finished; for example, the visuals, while stylised, are on the rough side, and the open world can feel sparse. Still, we expect the game will only get better as the developer makes tweaks during this early access phase.

It’s designed as an always-online social space, populated by hundreds of other players at a time. Beyond the many challenges you can partake in, this very much a make-your-own-fun sort of game. There are even spots where you can build using various props, like ramps and rails.

It’s definitely worth a try at the very least — it’s free, after all.

Will you be hopping into Skate to take it for a spin? Have you been waiting for the series to return ever since Skate 3? Discuss in the comments section below.