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Skate

(2007, Video Games - Extreme Sports, Rated T, Play it on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Fun yet tough game is injury-filled.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–15

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Player can get hit by a car or bus. The intro live pro video at the beginning of the Career mode has Busenitz standing in a hospital holding his severed arm (absurd comedic effect) and Gonz has blood on his shirt from doing surgery.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Words such as "ass," "bastard," and "damn" are used.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Cigarettes are visible behind a drug store counter in an intro video. There is also a line of dialogue or two from a skate pro that refers to smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Skate was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know that the game makes an absurd attempt at comedy when, in a video, kids see a skater standing in a hospital holding his severed arm. The controls are complicated and can take patience in getting good at them.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how this game stands up against the almighty Tony Hawk video games. What do you like and don't like in this game that attempts to mirror real life? Do you like this game better or worse than the more arcade-like experience provided by the Tony Hawk games?
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More on Skate

What’s the Story?

Available for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3, SKATE offers a more simulation-like approach to skateboarding than the Tony Hawk titles. In the fictitious town of San Vanelona, Skate attempts to re-create the sensation of real skateboarding with authentic player, board physics, and a low camera to concentrate on your footwork. The goal in the meaty career mode is to work your way up from punk skater to pinup pro as you sculpt your skills, take on trick and race missions, and vie to make the pages of Thrasher magazine. If a less structured game is more your pace, you can create your own skater from scratch and take on non-linear challenges spread out around the city (including indoor locations you can unlock). Close

Is It Any Good?

While it takes some getting used to, Skate puts a heavy emphasis on the controller's two analog sticks to pull off moves rather than rely on the four main buttons -- EA calls this "Flickit" control. One of the issues with the game is its steep learning curve but those who don't give up prematurely shouldn't be disappointed. Another shortcoming is a frame-rate that fluctuates depending on what you're seeing on screen, so it might be fast and smooth when you're cruising down a steep hill by yourself, but might grind to a halt when there's a lot of action onscreen.

Similar to the Halo 3 video game, Skate lets savvy players record, edit, and share movies with other players in YouTube-like online video posts, designed to show off your best tricks. You can also go online to play the game cooperatively or competitively in a handful of multiplayer modes. Despite being a relatively tough game to master, Skate is an ambitious and entertaining effort that proves to be a solid rival to the mega-popular Tony Hawk titles.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 09/25/2007, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for blood and gore, crude humor, language, mild violence, tobacco reference)

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Skate?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

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See all 24 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Safety isn't an issue

    Great game for kids and teens. Only minor downsides

    SKATE is one of the most realistic skateboarding games out there. The only bad things about it are the violence, product placement, and bad rolemodels. Here are some examples of the bad things: 1.Getting hit by cars has never been so bone breakingly sounded. 2.one of the missions has you being chased by cops while gaining a 1000 points 3.everything you wear is a REAL brand OTHER THAN THAT, THE GAME IS GREAT FOR KIDS.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    Cmon, let them play

    parents, chillax, some language but you know kids are gonna start soon and here it often, some violence, but not a lot, some drug reference, and language, let them play it, its fine

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Safety is an issue

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Easy to play

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    the name should be awesome!

    As a note to parents, the only blood and gore is a hilarious live-action opening cut-scene where there's a construction worker holing his severed arm and said "can the doctor take a look at this? The language is not bad but happens repeatedly, though mostly when in cut-scenes or your character gets hit by a car. The only violence is when San Vanelona security catches you, and punches your avatar or something like that.

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