The Create-a-Skater mode has plenty of appeal, with the ability to upgrade clothing and parts after earning cash. The game also supports online play through various modes, including slalom races and just cruising around in Free Skate. (Sometimes you just want to chill out and mess around with friends in real time, like in a real skate park.)

Instead of taking the safe route and gathering licensed tunes from today's biggest artists, EA put more thought into the soundtrack. Where else can you get down to N.W.A.'s "Express Yourself" one minute and Booker T & the MG's "Green Onions" the next? There's conventional stuff in here, too, including the likes of Agent Orange, the River City Tanlines, Nirvana and more. It's an eclectic mix that suits the game perfectly. In addition, skateboarding pros (and rookies) also provide comments to go along with the nicely themed ambience of San Vanelona.

These goodies aside, Skate doesn't achieve skating perfection. While San Vanelona is a huge city with lots to do, it would've been nice to cruise around other cities or exotic settings. Getting on a flight to Hawaii and grinding your way around the beach would have been sweet. Furthermore, as huge as the trick lexicon may be, not every move made the cut. Lip grabs are out of the picture; reverts simply can't be done (although manuals can); and the lack of hand plants will disappoint fans.

Still, this is a great start for EA. Skate's natural feel, excellent presentation and other various features make it such a life-like experience that you strap on knee pads and a helmet. Give it a few spins around the block.