Summary
- Skate 4 trailer teases a comedic, anti-corporate story with a Tim Robinson appearance.
- The trailer leaves room for potential I Think You Should Leave Easter Eggs in Skate 4.
- Incorporating iconic ITYSL memes in Skate 4's cosmetics could enhance its comedic charm.
Skate 4, styled simply as skate., received a humorous and unforgettable trailer during this year's Summer Games Fest. The trailer was suggestive of Skate 4's narrative direction, hinting toward a comedic, anti-corporate story reminiscent of Skate 2's.
But of course, the potential hints about Skate 4's story and premise were not the most memorable parts of the trailer. That honor would have to go to the surprise appearance of none other than I Think You Should Leave's Tim Robinson, playing a spokesperson for M-Corp, a likely rebranding of Mongocorp from Skate 2. Robinson's character in this trailer feels pulled directly from I Think You Should Leave, as he channels the sketch show's singular style of absurdist, chaotic humor to great comedic effect. Those who know a bit about Tim Robinson's background were perhaps less surprised by his appearance in this trailer, as he is a fairly active skateboarder in real life, making him an oddly suitable candidate for a comedy-focused Skate 4 promotion. But his involvement shouldn't stop there.
Skate 4's Replay Editor Should Be Better than Ever
A newly filed patent from EA describes the Skate franchise's replay editor feature, which appears to be making a return in Skate 4.
Skate 4 Needs Some I Think You Should Leave Easter Eggs
I Think You Should Leave Is Rife with Easter Egg Potential
For those unaware, Netflix's I Think You Should Leave has produced some of the most iconic jokes, gags, and memes in modern TV history. The sketch comedy venture is spearheaded by Tim Robinson, who appears in the overwhelming majority of its skits, often as an unlikable, over-the-top, or otherwise ridiculous character. The sketches are typically short, frantic, and bizarre, which allows them to resonate with a number of key audience demographics.
The Skate franchise is no stranger to cross-promotion and meta references, so it wouldn't feel too out of place if certain elements from I Think You Should Leave showed up in Skate 4. Setting aside potentially complex issues of licensing and miscellaneous litigious matters, it would be remarkably easy to incorporate some of ITYSL's most recognizable memes, as the show is jam-packed with instant-classic characters, locations, and simple concepts that would work in a gaming context, such as:
- Cosmetics like the hot dog costume from ITYSL Season 1, or Season 2's Karl Havoc costume
- Locations like the Summer Loving mansion or the haunted house from the New Orleans Ghost Tour skit
- Any number of absurd in-jokes, like sloppy steaks, the Eggman game, and Coffin Flop
For better or worse, cosmetics would probably be the best venue for some I Think You Should Leave Easter eggs. Skate 4 will be a live-service free-to-play title, meaning that it is destined to include some in-game purchases. With how beloved ITYSL is, it would definitely make sense for EA to spring for some themed apparel or accessories to pad out the in-game store. Moreover, many ITYSL skits center on items of clothing, such as Calico Cut pants and Dan Flashes shirts, so there's no shortage of content to draw from.
Such Easter eggs, aside from being a treat for I Think You Should Leave fans, would help Skate 4 maintain the comedic tone it set with its trailer, which many seem to be hoping for. While its actual mechanics (especially as they pertain to its live-service format) will be what makes or breaks the game, a strong sense of personality and charm will also go a long way. This is especially pertinent when comparing Skate 4 to other recent simulation-style skating games like Skater XL and Session which, though mechanically rewarding and unique, do lack a certain style and flair that older series like Skate and Tony Hawk Pro Skater have in droves. With Tim Robinson gracing the screen for Skate 4's most recent trailer, the game is perfectly positioned to loop in elements from his magnum opus.
Skate 4
- Released
- January 1, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
The upcoming fourth entry in the skateboarding series, officially now called skate., is an upcoming video game from Full Circle and Electronic Arts. For now, the game has been confirmed to be free-to-play.
- Genre(s)
- Sports
