Skater XL will make you forget that there's no Skate 4

It’s been a long time since Tony Hawk introduced the world of indoor kids to the magical world of skateboarding with his titular Pro Skater video games. While the series slowly spun into mediocrity (remember Downhill Jam?) hope rose for a new era of digital street boarding in the form of EA’s Skate series. However, Skate was more of a sim where THPS had been an over-the-top arcade experience and had a much steeper learning curve. Now, all these years later, a new golden era of skateboarding games could be on the horizon thanks to the devs at Easy Day Studios and their game Skater XL. I recently got a chance to go hands-on with a build of the upcoming Xbox One version during PAX West.

The analog control mechanics of Skater XL definitely take their cue from the Skate series. Players will push off with the press of a button and use the left and right sticks to control the corresponding foot when doing tricks. The tricks themselves are rooted in reality and nothing cartoonish but it does feel satisfying to pull off even the simplest of introductory tricks, like a kickflip or a manual. But where Skater XL really begins to make itself accessible in its more forgiving physics. The game feels somewhere between THPS and Skate thanks to the ability to get big air and do some crazy transitions while still maintaining a need for skill and technique.

Skater XL’s levels are inspired heavily by the Southern California skate scene and will feature several iconic spots that should be familiar to fans of the scene. I was told by one of the devs that some San Francisco landmarks would be in the final version along with a few other noteworthy spots as well. While I personally don’t have the balance to ride a skateboard, let alone do tricks in real life, I was immediately hooked and spent a lot of time respawning at my moveable checkpoint and perfecting my trick run.

While Skater XL isn’t actually the next Skate 4 or Tony Hawk, it does initially strike me as a love letter to both titles and the skater scene in general. I think it’s got a good shot at filling a hole that’s been left by it predecessors, but I’ll have to wait until there’s a full release to declare it the heir to either series’ throne. Skater XL is already in early access on Steam and will be coming to the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in 2020.

Blake Morse

Events Coordinator

Blake has been writing and making videos about pop-culture and games for over 10 years now. Although he'd probably prefer you thought of him as a musician and listened to his band, www.cartoonviolencemusic.com. If you see him on the street, buy him a taco or something. Follow him on twitter @ProfRobot