Five years ago, Streets of Rage 4 burst onto the scene, delivering a powerful dose of nostalgia and modern beat-'em-up action that resonated deeply with fans worldwide. Today, as we celebrate this milestone anniversary on May 3, 2025, the art director and CEO behind the game, has offered a fascinating glimpse into what could have been in a social media post. In a special reveal, they've shared captivating concept art showcasing a potential design for a beloved character from the series' past: Skate.
For many long-time Streets of Rage enthusiasts, Skate (also known as Sammy in some regions) holds a special place in their hearts. Known for his lightning-fast rollerblade attacks and youthful energy in Streets of Rage 2 and 3, his absence from the initial Streets of Rage 4 roster was noted by many. While the agile and dynamic Cherry Hunter ultimately joined Axel, Blaze, Adam, and Floyd as a playable character, the question of Skate's potential inclusion lingered in the minds of fans.
Now, thanks to the generosity of Lizardcube's Art Director and CEO, we have a visual answer to that question. The shared concept art presents a contemporary take on Skate, retaining his signature red cap and rollerblades while sporting a cool, updated outfit. The artwork captures his dynamic stance and suggests how his unique fighting style might have translated into the modern gameplay of Streets of Rage 4.
This anniversary reveal sparks a wave of "what ifs." How would Skate's speed and maneuverability have balanced against the other characters? What special moves and combos might he have brought to the streets of Wood Oak City? While we can only speculate, this glimpse behind the scenes offers a valuable insight into the creative process behind game development and the difficult decisions involved in character selection.
The inclusion of Cherry Hunter in the final game brought her own unique flair and moveset, proving to be a fantastic addition to the Streets of Rage universe. However, the unveiling of this Skate concept art serves as a wonderful tribute to the series' rich history and the characters that have become so iconic over the years. It's a reminder of the love and dedication the developers have for the entire Streets of Rage legacy and a special treat for fans celebrating five years of punching our way through hordes of Syndicate thugs.
While Skate didn't ultimately join the fight in Streets of Rage 4, this anniversary reveal is a fantastic acknowledgment of his enduring popularity and leaves fans pondering the possibilities for future installments or updates. Happy 5th Anniversary, Streets of Rage 4! Thank you, Lizardcube, for this awesome peek behind the curtain.