Ollie Up Your Skateboarding Game With the Release of Skater XL on Consoles

Believe it or not, but skateboarding games are making a comeback. First of all, Session has hit Game Preview on Xbox One. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 is set for a September 2020 release and the long-awaited sequel in the Skate series – Skate 4 – is in development. Is there anything else an avid skateboarding fan could wish for? Why yes, yes there is – a game to fill in the gaps. That game’s none other than Skater XL which is now available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, with a Nintendo Switch release planned later this year.

Along with the console release, Skater XL is also leaving Early Access on PC since its successful debut in 2018. Skater XL takes a more simulated approach to the usual arcade-style genre and sets itself apart from the competition thanks to the unique way of performing tricks. Instead of inputting different button combinations for tricks, each analogue stick is assigned to a separate foot. This means that you can come up with new tricks organically and pretty much let your imagination run wild.

A recreated version of downtown L.A. – possibly the most prominent skateboarding scene in the world – is at your disposal. It features a number of iconic locations of the Southern Californian city, along with ramps, rails, stairs and anything else an aspiring skater could wish for. Speaking of skaters, the game also includes a number of professionals to choose from, including Evan Smith and Brandon Westgate.

Along with real-world landmarks, skaters and licensed brands, Skater XL includes community-created content at launch. Moreover, anyone can participate in the creation of additional content, such as skate parks, leading to an even more incredible amount of content.

Features include:

• Freedom Of Expression – Skater XL’s physics-based controls don’t have any pre-programmed tricks – only the movement through the thumbsticks. Each thumbstick is connected to the corresponding foot of the skater and as the player moves the stick, the board instantly responds. Much like a musical instrument, the player has complete freedom, whether it be pushing to nail a line or skating free from.
• Real Life Iconic Locations – Skater XL levels are all inspired real-world skate areas and designed to ensure a constant flow of skate lines. From the DTLA Map with skateboarding landmarks around the Staples Center and LA Convention Center, to Easy Day High School’s sprawling campus of iconic skate spots like the Wallenberg Big 4 and the ‘Leap of Faith’, to the humongous ‘Big Ramp,’ where skaters can soar higher than a hawk.
• Play As Real-Life Skate Pros – Select from renowned pros Tiago Lemos, Brandon Westgate, Evan Smith, and Tom Asta, all with their own distinct gear that fits their style.
• Customizable Characters – The possibilities are endless to personalize the Skater XL experience. Players can customize their entire look, including their skater’s gear with different tees, hoodies, hats and shoes from over 30 of the most recognized skate brands like Vans, Santa Cruz, DC Shoes, Independent, Lakai and many more.
• Trick Challenges – Hundreds of challenges with progressive difficulties, to help build your bag of tricks as you move further toward the completing them all. Can check off the entire list??
• Thriving Community – Join the thriving ecosystem of players creating, sharing and collaborating around the passion of Skater XL!
• Legit Soundtrack – Modest Mouse, Getter, Interpol, Animal Collective, Future Islands and Band Of Horses headline the distinctive music that blends well with the Skater XL’s West Coast vibe and fluid physics-based control mechanics.

Whether you wish to go for longer airtime on one of the numerous ramps or perform simple ollies closer to the good old’ concrete, Skater XL has got you covered. Skater XL is available for download on the platform of your choice, either Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Switch or PC. A physical release is also available at a relatively reasonable RRP of £34.99. Skater XL received predominantly positive reviews from the PC community, but if you’re still unsure which skateboarding game to invest in, make sure to stick around for our upcoming review.