See what you're saying, just don't know that I've seen an HD reboot with a significant change in how the game plays. Can you mention any off the top of your head? From what I've seen developers tend to just make the game look better, don't really tweak the play to a noticeable extent. Nostalgia being the main reasoning. Can't vouch for ride, interesting to know they were the team for that.
If you think about it though, these days the future of development comes down to a simple question.
Is it on last gen consoles? Even high up developers today dumb down the possibilities by making a last gen version and porting over to current gen, maybe adding more visual detail but for the most part not really pushing it. That being said maybe I have given some leeway where it shouldn't be.
I don't imagine it will be a current gen exclusive, so there's our answer for graphics. It won't be anything like skate so there's gameplay. I will always long for something even remotely similar to skate's controls, but sticking to the past as they say, Expect some arcade shit. Doesn't mean we can't find use in it though.
Hmm.. Hum.. Hmm..