Finest Skateboarding Video Video games (Proper Now) From the Streets to the Console—Are Your Favorites on the Record?

However after I’m off my board, nothing beats diving into a great skateboarding recreation. Let’s face it, generally the climate doesn’t cooperate, or possibly you’re simply too wiped from a day on the park. So, which video games really do justice to the skateboarding expertise? 🤔

On this roundup, I’ll share my private favorites that span from hardcore simulators to arcade-style gems that hooked us all. We’ll discover what makes every recreation stand out, whether or not they seize the true essence of skating or simply supply some good old style enjoyable. 

Prime Skateboarding video games of 2024

Skater XL: Is realism at all times higher?

I’ve received to begin with Skater XL. Developed by Straightforward Day Studios, this recreation goals for a real looking skateboarding simulator expertise. It doesn’t hassle with a narrative mode; as a substitute, it presents a sandbox format with a ton of maps, each official and people created by the modding group [2].

Launched on February 8, 2022, it’s accessible on just about each platform you possibly can consider—PC, PS4, PS5, Swap, Xbox One, Xbox Sequence X, and S. Critics gave it a little bit of a lukewarm reception, with a Prime Critic Ranking of 61/100 and solely 27% recommending it [2].

However right here’s the factor: regardless of the critics, the mod group is the place this recreation shines. You may customise your expertise to a loopy diploma. Wish to skate a reproduction of your native park? There’s in all probability a mod for that.

So, is realism at all times higher? Effectively, if you happen to’re into tweaking each little element and crave that genuine really feel, Skater XL could be your jam. However if you happen to’re on the lookout for a recreation that holds your hand with missions and a storyline, you would possibly need to hold scrolling.

Session: Skate Sim: Too punishing or simply proper?

Subsequent up is Session: Skate Sim by creā-ture Studios. This recreation doesn’t pull any punches—it’s as near actual skateboarding as you may get with out risking street rash. The controls are difficult, mimicking the precise footwork you’d want in actual life. It’s been getting fixed updates and new DLC packs, which retains issues contemporary [2].

Launched on September 17, 2019, and accessible on PC and PlayStation 4, it boasts a Metascore of 73 (Not too shabby) and an ESRB Ranking of T [2].

However is it too punishing? I received’t lie; the educational curve is steep. However if you happen to’re somebody who appreciates the grind (pun supposed) and needs a recreation that respects the intricacies of skateboarding, Session could be well worth the effort.

Skate 3: Does old skool nonetheless rule?

Ah, Skate 3—the sport that many take into account the top of skateboarding titles. Developed by EA Black Field and launched means again on Might 11, 2010, it’s nonetheless a fan favourite. Out there on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, it blends real looking mechanics with some outrageous stunts. The storyline is participating, and the multiplayer performance was forward of its time [2].

Regardless of its age, Skate 3 stays extremely regarded for its gameplay, map design, and park editor. I nonetheless hearth it up at times.

So, does old skool nonetheless rule? Completely. The sport’s enduring reputation speaks volumes. Similar to that traditional deck you simply can’t half with—it might be weathered, however it nonetheless feels excellent underneath your toes.

Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 1 + 2: Simply nostalgia or next-level enjoyable?

Who may neglect Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater sequence? The remastered Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 1 + 2 by Vicarious Visions brings again all these arcade-style thrills. Launched on September 4, 2020, it’s accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Sequence X/S [1].

The sport is pure nostalgia, however it’s been up to date to satisfy trendy gaming requirements. The graphics are slick, and the controls are as tight as ever.

Is it simply nostalgia, or does it supply next-level enjoyable? Actually, it’s a little bit of each. It’s like jamming out to Blink-182—positive, it’s a throwback, however it nonetheless will get you pumped. When you’re after excessive scores and epic combos relatively than a skate sim, this one’s for you.

OlliOlli World: Can 2D seize the fun of skating?

OlliOlli World by Roll7 is a side-scrolling 2D skateboarding recreation that’s all about pace and chaining methods. Launched on February 8, 2022, it’s accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Swap, Xbox One, and Xbox Sequence X/S. Critics find it irresistible, giving it a Prime Critic Ranking of 86/100 with 96% recommending it [2].

The visuals are colourful and trendy, and the gameplay is surprisingly deep. It’s straightforward to select up however difficult to grasp.

So, can 2D seize the fun of skating? Effectively, it’s not for everybody. It might not supply the realism of a 3D sim, however it delivers addictive gameplay that’ll hold you coming again.

EA Skate 4(upcoming): Will it fill the void?

I’ve received my eye on the upcoming EA Skate developed by Full Circle. Introduced again in 2020, it’s been in improvement with non-public playtests occurring. They’re pulling in former modders from Skater XL and Session: Skate Sim, which is promising [4].

Will it fill the void left by earlier video games? Solely time will inform, however I’m optimistic. Given the expertise concerned and the teachings realized from previous titles, this might be the sport that brings every part collectively. Fingers crossed.

Skatebird: Too whimsical or simply good enjoyable?

For one thing utterly totally different, there’s Skatebird by Glass Backside Video games. You play as a tiny chicken on a skateboard. Yeah, you learn that proper [1].

It’s a singular, humorous tackle skateboarding video games. Whereas it won’t fulfill these on the lookout for realism, it’s a enjoyable diversion that’s price a glance.

Is it too whimsical? Perhaps for some. However if you happen to’re open to a lighthearted spin on skating, it’s a hoot—pun supposed.

How skateboarding video games affect skate tradition

It’s wild how skateboarding video games have influenced the skateboarding group over time. I bear in mind again within the day, earlier than video games like Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater, not many individuals had been aware of the skate scene past those that really skated. However after the sport’s launch, you possibly can see a large surge of curiosity in skateboarding throughout the globe.

These video games not solely launched skateboarding to a wider viewers but in addition impressed many to select up an actual board and hit the streets. They seize the essence of skate tradition—the music, the fashion, the perspective—and package deal it in a means that’s accessible to everybody.

Moreover, the publicity of iconic skate spots by these video games has been important. Locations just like the Brooklyn Banks and different legendary places have gained much more fame.

So, what’s the very best skateboarding recreation on the market?

I get this query on a regular basis. The reality is, it relies on what you’re after. If you would like hardcore realism, Session: Skate Sim could be your finest guess. When you’re nostalgic for the previous days and love arcade motion, Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 1 + 2 is a stable selection. For a mix of each, Skate 3 nonetheless holds up.

However can’t you simply choose one? Alright, if I had to decide on, I’d go along with Skate 3. It hits that candy spot between realism and enjoyable, and the group continues to be lively.

Remaining ideas

The skateboarding recreation style is alive and kicking, with choices for each sort of skater. Whether or not you’re a purist on the lookout for a simulator or simply need to pull off insane combo methods with out risking a damaged bone, there’s one thing on the market for you.

However what concerning the future? With upcoming titles like EA Skate within the works, the very best could also be but to return. Within the meantime, there’s a lot to maintain us entertained on these days after we can’t hit the precise skatepark.

Now, if you happen to’ll excuse me, I’m off to show my baby learn how to kickflip in Skate 3. Gotta begin ’em younger, proper?