Skate Story: a Skateboarding Paradise Despite its Hellish Premise
The skateboarding video game genre often hinges on its vibe – the atmosphere, tone, and overall feel that defines an experience. Skate Story, developed mostly by solo developer Sam Eng, takes a bold approach to capturing this essence, transposing it to a demonically-tinged underworld filled with glittering 2010s-era vaporwave aesthetics.
Here, you play as a demon made of "pain and glass," tasked with skateboarding to the moon and devouring its surface in exchange for freedom. The learning curve is gentle, starting with mastering ollies before progressing through pop shuvits, kickflips, and more. Skate Story's controls are intuitive, making it easy to pick up and play.
However, it's not just the gameplay that sets Skate Story apart – it's its emotional resonance. The game tackles deeper questions about addiction, obsession, and the risks associated with skateboarding in real life. As you progress through levels, a melancholy tone emerges, echoing themes found in films like Minding the Gap and Mid90s.
The graphics are stunning, with detailed animations that bring the demon to life. You'll navigate narrow tunnels at breakneck speeds or explore open sandbox levels filled with offbeat objectives. The soundtrack is equally impressive, providing a downbeat electro score that complements the game's atmosphere.
While Skate Story's premise may seem hellish at first, the game's true strength lies in its poetry – not just of the skating itself but also in its poignant storytelling and tender emotions. This is a skateboarding game that wears its heart on its sleeve, tackling real issues with sensitivity and nuance.
The skateboarding video game genre often hinges on its vibe – the atmosphere, tone, and overall feel that defines an experience. Skate Story, developed mostly by solo developer Sam Eng, takes a bold approach to capturing this essence, transposing it to a demonically-tinged underworld filled with glittering 2010s-era vaporwave aesthetics.
Here, you play as a demon made of "pain and glass," tasked with skateboarding to the moon and devouring its surface in exchange for freedom. The learning curve is gentle, starting with mastering ollies before progressing through pop shuvits, kickflips, and more. Skate Story's controls are intuitive, making it easy to pick up and play.
However, it's not just the gameplay that sets Skate Story apart – it's its emotional resonance. The game tackles deeper questions about addiction, obsession, and the risks associated with skateboarding in real life. As you progress through levels, a melancholy tone emerges, echoing themes found in films like Minding the Gap and Mid90s.
The graphics are stunning, with detailed animations that bring the demon to life. You'll navigate narrow tunnels at breakneck speeds or explore open sandbox levels filled with offbeat objectives. The soundtrack is equally impressive, providing a downbeat electro score that complements the game's atmosphere.
While Skate Story's premise may seem hellish at first, the game's true strength lies in its poetry – not just of the skating itself but also in its poignant storytelling and tender emotions. This is a skateboarding game that wears its heart on its sleeve, tackling real issues with sensitivity and nuance.