Skater XL Reviews
Skater XL has promise as a platform but on console it still feels a bit too much like a prototype
Skate XL cleverly mimics real-life skateboarding, but the minimal amount of gameplay means it's only ever going to be for real-life skate fanatics.
Skater XL's exit from Early Access doesn't feel like a proper 1.0 release, with disappointing levels and a lack of polish letting its good trick system down.
Skater XL softens some of the more technical aspects of the sport, but empowers players with the ability to pull off stylish tricks with a swish of the analogue sticks. Even with a lack of content and polish, Skater XL stands on its own four wheels in a soon-to-be-crowded marketplace, providing players with an experience that prioritises fun over simulation.
Skater XL is the most realistic skateboarding simulator we've ever seen, but also the hardest. If you love skateboarding you'll probably enjoy it a lot (specially if you skate in real life), but if you don't, it's difficulty and barebones content won't seduce you.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Easy Day makes a valiant effort with Skater XL, but this game isn't a pro skater just yet.
Easy Days Studios strived to achieve a great and realistic control system for Skater XL, and they nailed it. On the way to get it, though, they forgot to build a proper and fun game around it.
Review in Italian | Read full review
What Skater XL does well is make you obsess over an 8-set of stairs, or return again and again to a simple curb. You will keep going back to line up the perfect angle, the exact spot to crouch into an ollie, tre flip and land a crooked grind. That’s great, that’s street skating in its essence, and it’s an achievement to capture that. But outside of that microcosm, as soon as you pan out, it steps on its own shoelaces and stumbles into a bush.
While Skater XL's learning curve is steep, for those who stick with it, there is some fun and satisfying skateboarding action to be had.
Skater XL is, simply put, an unfinished product. It's a Skateboarding Simulation Game without the game. A barebones five developer-created maps and three user-created maps have no path, purpose or direction with just a handful of 'challenges' that are identical to tutorials. The skateboarding itself is great, the tricks satisfying to perform and a joy to pull off, particularly due to the control scheme. Will you enjoy it? Possibly, if you're happy making your own fun and you like skateboarding. If you expect a video game, you're going to be sorely disappointed.
Once you overcome Skater XL's learning curve there's some fun board-based entertainment to be had here. But this is a lightweight package with subpar presentation, and unless you're so deep into skater culture that you absolutely need a simulation for your PS4, we'd recommend either waiting for this to be updated – or pre-ordering Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 instead.
Skater XL is a strong proof of concept but it’s currently incomplete.
Despite trying to capture a more realistic skateboarding system, Skater XL's high points are brought down by some rough areas which could use some work. With more updates and fine-tuning, it does at least have the potential to be an XL package rather than an XS snoozefest.
I am a massive skateboarding game fan and wanted to love this game. Skater XL just does not have enough content to remain enjoyable for very long. The levels, characters and gameplay are dull and I find it very hard to get excited about it. I think it perhaps could be a good game in the future but I do not have that long to wait. Yes, it does have a unique control system and pulling off tricks is fun but we need more than that, as that can only take you so far. Move on people, there's little to see here.
Skater XL comes pretty close to the real trend sport, but is still not suitable for every skateboard fan.
Review in German | Read full review
A skate game with good performance and a good playable base, but with little content.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Skater XL tickles the same part of my brain as my favorite racing sims. It provides a compelling sandbox with enough depth that it makes me want to do a difficult thing well. It's simultaneously relaxing. You can fall on your face 500 times, but there are zero consequences for any of it. No one's keeping score, not of points or broken bones. In troubled times, a low stakes challenge can be a welcome one.
First representative of a lost genre in years, Skater XL will clearly disappoint those who hopes for dense content. Clearly focused on its core simulation mechanics, the game offers a true experience of what skating might feel, but lacks on every other level, with very few stages, a meagre soundtrack and many technical flaws.
Review in French | Read full review
Skater XL has successfully brought back the skateboarding genre, and I am eager to see how Easy Day Studios supports the game moving forward.
Skater XL pushes off strong, noticing some wheel wobble as you speed through, until you realise there’s little substance and the game completely wipes out face-first halfway down the vert ramp.