Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the game makes an absurd attempt at comedy when, in a video, kids see skater Busenitz 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 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.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Marc Saltzman
Skateboarding is all about cheeky defiance, which is exactly what Electronic Arts is sporting for going up against Activision's billion-dollar Tony Hawk skateboarding franchise.
But EA's SKATE is more than just thumbing its nose at a rival video game company -- it's actually a very good game that, while not without its faults, proves there's room for some healthy competition.
Available for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3, Skate offers a more simulation-like approach to skateboarding than the Tony Hawk titles, which are more fast-paced arcade games with over-the-top mid-air stunts. 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). You will also run into virtual versions of real skateboarding pros or up-and-coming stars, including Danny Way, Rob Dyrdek, Mark Gonzales, Mike Carroll and P.J. Ladd.
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. For example, to pull an ollie you'd pull back and push up on the left analog stick, while a "goofy" twist on it is performed by also pushing up on the right analog stick. One of the issues with the game is its steep learning curve -- even grinding on a rail or curb can be tricky at first -- but those who don't give up prematurely shouldn't be disappointed. At any time, you can access the trick book to read up on how to perform these Flickit controls.
Another shortcoming with Skate 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, such as in a four-player online match. Many online forums suggest that this problem happens more with the PlayStation 3 version of Skate than the Xbox 360 game.
Similar to the Halo 3 video game, Skate also 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.
Other recommended skateboarding games include the Tony Hawk series such as the latest in the franchise, Tony Hawk's Proving Ground. For younger children try Backyard Skateboarding.
Rate It!
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ViolencePlayer 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. |
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LanguageWords such as "ass," "bastard," and "damn" are used. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoCigarettes 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. |
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