Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Decent skateboarding game has a positive message.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Shaun White Skateboarding
What's It About?
While many know Shaun White as one of the world’s most recognizable snowboarders, the two-time Olympic gold medalist is also a pro skateboarder. In fact, the 24 year-old San Diego native was the first athlete to compete and medal in both the Summer and Winter X Games back in 2003. Now you can check out his chops in a video game. In SHAUN WHITE SKATEBOARDING the story focuses on a totalitarian government regime known as The Ministry that oppresses its people and imprisons those who try to fight back -- including Shaun White. Players try to rescue White and turn this dismal world into a colorful one while creating the ultimate skate park from crumbled buildings, sprouted trees, and other objects.
Is It Any Good?
Shaun White Skateboarding puts an interesting spin on skateboarding games. "Shaping" lets you, say, hop on a rail and then shape it up in the air to reach the rooftops or take it down to link to something else. Players can create a path through the air, then onto a lamppost, then link it to a rooftop, and so on. Earned points are spent on getting from one spot to another. You start off in a dry, stale, black-and-white world. As you begin to skate a shock wave of influence goes out. Landing tricks causes people around you change, trees to shoot out of the ground, buildings to crumble into big quarter pipes, and so on. This proves fun for about an hour or two, but loses its charm thanks to some mundane tasks and repetitive puzzles. Multiplayer adds a bit more fun, but this game is a better rental than a purchase.
Online interaction: The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC versions of the game support online two-player modes, including up to 8 people in one game world. The console versions of the game allow for open voice communication via an optional headset. Players could be exposed to foul language, inappropriate conversations, and strangers soliciting personal information.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the seeming conflict that arises when recognizable brands appear in a game that promotes individuality. Is the game's message of fighting conformity undermined by this obvious commercial consideration?
Families can also discuss the many talents of Shaun White. Should it be surprising that someone who is
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Wii , PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : October 29, 2010
- Genre : Sports
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : August 30, 2016
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