Skateboarding has become a popular culture recreation sport and has really hit the streets literally. It's rare anymore to see the streets empty of hyperactive skateboarders, who have a passion for the sport and for just hanging out. Skate, the game from Electronic Arts, wants to build around the actual experience of skateboarding; the adrenaline, the crowds, the moves, tricks, and so much more is here to explore in this game. But is EA capturing skateboarding in the right manner, and most importantly, can it go toe-to-toe with Tony Hawk?
To begin, Skate is surrounded by the idea that you are a hotshot skater that goes through various challenges in the fictitious city of San Vanelona. In earlier builds, we noticed that there wasn't a lot of life in the environment, but now there are cars roaming the environments, fellow skateboarders challenging you, and the locals are hanging around to see that perfect trick.
This environment is further enhanced by the excellent next-generation technology, both in graphics and physics. When playing this game, we got the feeling that this game is definitely a simulation of sorts. Don't cringe just yet. Most of the time you'll be using the new "flickit" control scheme, which is built around the thumbsticks. The right thumbstick allows for you to do ollies, manuals, and other tricks. When combined with the right trigger, you can grab the board with your right hand, and the left trigger allows grabs for your left hand. Once you have this mindset, the controls can become second nature.
However, the learning curve for this game isn't that bad. It's the innovation of the control scheme that really lets us know that next-generation games are going beyond look and now are really paying attention to feel. This is so evident with the flickit control scheme and the realistic physic engine behind Skate. The game runs at a steady framerate and really never dips, and we haven't had any problems in that department.
While Tony Hawk: Project 8 was more about huge combos, Skate is more about the experience of every normal trick and having the gratitude for pulling of these tricks. And EA has really nailed it. We'd definitely consider the controls responsive but loose and timing is everything in this game, from jumping on rails to performing a grind to a masterful manual. It's all so rewarding.
The animation engine in this game really shines and the goal here was to keep you on the skateboard most of the time. Even if you land in an awkward position, the animation will show your skater fighting to stay on the skateboard. Instead of making you fall off every single time you mess up your landing, you'll be wobbling for control and losing speed - consequences of not landing properly. Yet the consequences won't be so bad that you will fall off your skateboard. But if you managed to streamline your moves with your landings, then you can really be rewarded with major speed and some awesome stunts afterward.
To really show off that this game is more of a simulator (but friendly to players at the same time), you will have the opportunity to customize your skateboard, from choosing softer, stickier tires (adds more grip) or hard tires which gives you more speed. There's tons of customization options and we cannot wait to explore them all, but you can also adjust your trucks to be harder or softer, or more responsive turning or tighter, sturdier board for downhill street races. EA promises that there will be loads of customization options for your skater too, so hopefully you are stoked about it!
And that is where we mention the modes in the game, starting with the incredibly detailed and robust career mode. In your career, you'll have the chance to create your very own skater and build him up to be a famous cover athlete. Of course, this won't happen without a few challenges along the way, so get ready to roam the streets to find downhill jams and other contests. You main goal is to land on the cover of two major publications: Skateboard and Thrasher. You'll have to work your way up from the back cover to the cover athlete.
What's so amazing about Skate, apart from other skateboarding games you've played, you'll be skating it out in X Games events and tournaments. This will hit home with a lot of X Games fanatics and this is a huge feature in the game. But skating against the pros isn't an easy task; first you'll have to take on such challenges as staying close to a certain skater and keeping up with his/her tricks, or getting a photographer to take pictures of your best moves.
We got the chance to play a trick jam, which challenges other skaters to duel it out in a trick contest. Landing the best tricks in this contest is what it is all about and you will definitely want to stay on your board. The mode is especially fun because a crowd surrounds you, and although the crowd is small, you know it is going to build up into bigger and better things - that is, the invite to X Games. Before you get to X Games events, you'll also be skating in downhill events, which is reminiscent of SSX series. By racing downhill, you'll have to avoid various obstacles, like cars and onlookers, to win the prize.
We can't leave you without mentioning the fact that you will be able to save your favorite moments through replays. Being able to completely customize your replays from the camera views to film grain and other effects, you'll be able to be the producer of your own videos. You'll even be able to choose the playback speed, add additional effects, and then upload it to EA's skate website, where you'll be able to show it off to your friends. How sick is that? That is sick!
Skate is looking and playing absolutely amazing. With a revolutionary mindset on controls and graphics, this game is looking to be sports game of the year contender easily. Skate will also offer online multiplayer and we have yet to tell you more about this. Due out September 11th, expect to really have some awesome and new experience with your virtual skateboard.
(0 vote)
Check out footage to the single player and multiplayer demo of Battlefield Bad Company.
