Twenty hours later, and I’m enjoying skate. for all of its bumps and bruises. The repetitive nature of the challenges, along with some significant question marks in the microtransaction department, leaves a lot to be desired. For many fans, this doesn’t feel like the game they knew and loved, and in some aspects, I agree. I also think, however, that I’m enjoying session after session of gameplay that I find addictive. Just in time for the game to really click, Season 1 of the live-service title is here, and I have some thoughts.

When I was writing up an article recently about skate. Season 1, I could feel myself getting excited and frustrated at the same time. There is no doubt in my mind that the bones from skate. work for me and what I’m looking to get out of this game. That said, a Season Pass system needs to offer worthwhile items to entice me to spend money on a game I can play for free. In reality, these aren’t tempting cosmetics worth my cash. That might be different for you, but it really didn’t leave me feeling any temptation.

Sure, there’s a leather jacket or some cool hats, but there’s also skate decks that look subpar and a mascot uniform I literally do not care about. The joy of something like a Fortnite battle pass is that you’re unlocking characters, weapon skins, and a significant amount of V-Bucks. In skate., you can unlock the equivalent of 0.25 USD and a pig decal for your skateboard—hard pass. Working on the free Season Pass items netted me things I would have likely wanted more than the premium items.

The music in skate. Season 1 is an upgrade, adding a pleasant influx of ’90s music that feels much more akin to what I remember from skating video games in my younger years. I also think the inclusion of giant waterslide-like ramps is a good way to make the game feel larger-than-life. I understand the original games had an authenticity to them, but I don’t think that works in the live-service format. Season 1 ups the ante in ways that feel expansive, and that includes the best part of the whole update.

For my time with the game, I’m looking to play for 30 minutes to an hour a day and have fun flipping, grinding, and grabbing around town. The inclusion of seasonal events and weekly challenges noticeably bolsters the game’s offerings. One thing I don’t like about the NBA 2K MyCity is the eye-rolling realization you have to walk across the empty, annoying city to get to your next activity. In skate., you are heading toward the next challenge, playing the core elements of the game.

We’re still a bit early for the season’s Events, which include Skate-O-Ween and 7-Ply Maple Harvest, but I imagine these will also help grow the game’s to-do list. For some, this isn’t enough to bring them back session after session. For me, it’s all I’m looking for. Give me more challenges, more rewards, and even if the loot boxes I’m unlocking aren’t incredible, I’m not paying a dime, and I’m watching the hours tick away doing something I find fun. For me, that makes Season 1 a good start to the game’s life.

Let me know in the comments if you’re enjoying skate. or avoiding it all costs!

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