Gameplay Mechanics
EA's Skate revolutionizes skateboarding games with its innovative Flick-It control system and realistic physics engine. Unlike traditional button-mashing skateboard games, Skate emphasizes authentic skateboarding mechanics that mirror real-world skateboard physics and movements.
The Flick-It Control System
The revolutionary Flick-It system uses the right analog stick to perform tricks, creating an intuitive connection between controller movements and skateboard actions. Players flick the stick in specific directions to execute ollies, kickflips, heelflips, and complex combinations. This system requires practice and precision, rewarding players who invest time in mastering the nuanced control scheme.
Physics and Momentum
Skate's physics engine accurately simulates skateboard behavior, including weight distribution, momentum conservation, and realistic collision detection. Players must consider speed, approach angles, and landing techniques to successfully complete tricks and navigate the urban environment. The physics system creates authentic skateboarding experiences where timing and positioning are crucial for success.
Stance and Balance
The game features both regular and goofy stances, allowing players to choose their preferred skateboarding orientation. Balance mechanics affect trick execution and landing stability, requiring players to maintain proper weight distribution during complex maneuvers. Understanding stance dynamics is essential for progressing from basic tricks to advanced combinations.
Comprehensive Tricks System
Basic Tricks
- Ollie: Foundation trick performed by flicking down then up
- Kickflip: Ollie with board rotation using diagonal flick
- Heelflip: Opposite rotation of kickflip
- Shuvit: Board spins without flipping
- Pop Shuvit: Elevated shuvit with more height
Advanced Tricks
- Tre Flip: Combination of kickflip and 360 shuvit
- Hardflip: Frontside shuvit with kickflip
- Inward Heelflip: Backside shuvit with heelflip
- Double Flip: Two complete board rotations
- Laser Flip: Heelflip with frontside 360 shuvit
Grinding and Sliding
Skate features an extensive grinding system allowing players to lock onto rails, ledges, and various urban obstacles. The grinding mechanics include 50-50 grinds, 5-0 grinds, nosegrinds, tailslides, lipslides, and boardslides. Each grind type requires specific approach angles and balance maintenance to execute successfully.
Grab Tricks and Vert
Aerial maneuvers include various grab combinations such as indy, melon, stalefish, and method grabs. Vert skating in bowls and halfpipes introduces additional complexity with transition riding, air tricks, and lip tricks. The game rewards creative combinations and stylish execution across all trick categories.
Skaters and Characters
Skate features an impressive roster of professional skateboarders alongside extensive character customization options. The game celebrates skateboarding culture by including legendary pros and rising stars from the skateboarding community.
Original Pros
Classic Skate series professionals return with updated models and signature tricks. These legendary skaters bring authentic skateboarding heritage and recognizable styles to San Vansterdam.
Contemporary Skaters
Modern skateboarding talents represent current skateboarding culture and diverse riding styles. These additions reflect the evolution of skateboarding and contemporary street skating approaches.
Custom Characters
Comprehensive character creation tools allow players to design unique skaters with personalized appearance, clothing, and skateboard setups reflecting individual style preferences.
San Vansterdam World
San Vansterdam serves as Skate's expansive open-world playground, combining elements from previous Skate locations with entirely new districts designed for modern skateboarding exploration. This living city evolves continuously, offering fresh challenges and skateable terrain.
Downtown District
The urban core features dense street skating opportunities with stairs, handrails, ledges, and plaza areas perfect for technical street skating. Downtown's architecture provides diverse skateable elements from beginner-friendly spots to challenging professional-level obstacles.
Residential Areas
Suburban neighborhoods offer different skating experiences with schools, parks, and residential features. These areas provide more relaxed environments for practicing tricks and exploring creative line possibilities.
Industrial Zones
Warehouse districts and industrial complexes present unique skating challenges with loading docks, metal structures, and unconventional obstacles that encourage creative skateboarding approaches.
Skate Parks
Purpose-built skateparks throughout San Vansterdam cater to different skating styles, from street courses to vert ramps and bowl complexes, providing structured environments for skill development.