Skater XL Reviews

Skater XL is ranked in the 17th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10.0
Dec 13, 2023

It's more of a dream machine for those kids in empty parking lots, but it's not really a video game. Would I recommend Skater XL to most folks? Probably not, just like I wouldn't recommend my own mother to step on a skateboard. As a sandbox for skaters to hone their skills, however, it's second to none, with some Switch concessions, of course.

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7.3 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2021

Overall, for my Skater XL review I’d say the game absolutely delivers in reviving the genre and simultaneously being something new all on its own and it even includes a killer soundtrack to really get you into the groove. A small studio putting in the amount of work necessary to not only make this game beyond fun and true to the cores of skateboarding is nothing short of incredible. At times, the movement does feel a little fixed but only to the extent of doing exactly what it takes to fulfill a challenge, I’ve noticed, but other than that and one or two smaller details I believe the game is quite smooth.

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6 / 10.0
Jan 15, 2021

Skater XL is a game full of good intentions, but not only is it completely devoid of content, but it’s also devoid of a community that was supposed to come up with new levels and assets for other players to enjoy. Sadly, I see no reason for people to give this game a shot nowadays.

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6 / 10.0
Sep 14, 2020

In sum, Skater XL tries to fill a void in the world of skateboarding video games by offering a valiant blend of the familiar and innovative. The music and aesthetic are warm and welcoming to build a carefree experience for the player. The settings are bright, crisp, and appealing, but the controls and game layout that Easy Day Studios decided to embrace seems misguided. The freedom to explore and create your own lines may be liberating for some, but the lack of direction can leave players cold. Most sandbox games offer something tangible to work toward, to build, to interact with, etc. This same sort of goal isn't in Skater XL, which makes the experience feel blasé. While the game's website touts that there are no specific inputs for tricks as a selling point, this sort of freedom is a nasty combination of overwhelming and undefined. Games generally work when the player is either presented with goals to reach or a world to explore, but Skater XL doesn't provide enough of either to be a fulfilling experience.

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6 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2020

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

Aug 27, 2020

If you are a fan of simulations games, or the authentic skateboarding experience, or even the Skate franchise, then you will definitely be a fan of Skater XL.

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5 / 10.0
Aug 22, 2020

Skater XL is doing a great job trying to simulate real skateboarding as close as possible, but lack of content, modes and overall polish makes this game hard to stick to.

Review in Russian | Read full review

Aug 19, 2020

Actually, I just want to give Skater XL a high score. The controls are innovative and the game flows smoothly. It is a shame, however, that the game is virtually soulless and actually leaves you completely free in what you can do. Now you can see this as a challenge, but I expect that many gamers will see a Skate on the case, but are disappointed when they actually play the game. Game is actually not the label I would give to Skater XL. Rather, it is a good tech demo that has the potential to become a real game, provided there is sufficient support and further development. And when I think of a tech demo, unfortunately I do not think of a price tag of 45 euros. If the game is going to be significantly supplemented, then I am willing to revise my score, but for now it is what it is.

Review in Dutch | Read full review

Unscored
Aug 19, 2020

We may be unsure about what the future holds for skateboarding video games, but I think I can say with the utmost confidence that Skater XL is here to stay.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 17, 2020

While not big on content, Skater XL provides a fresh take on the skateboarding genre with hours of mindless fun pulling off any skate trick you can think of based on its excellent physics engine and variety of spots to skate. If you like skateboarding even a little bit, pick up this game.

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5 / 10.0
Aug 16, 2020

Skater XL introduces an innovative and very satisfying control system, but that's all: it feels more like an early access game, still lacking any meaningful content like a story mode or challenges/missions. It's also in need of a visual overhaul, as the skate parks feel too empty and lifeless, skaters lack any expressivity and the overall graphical fidelity is quite low.

Review in Italian | Read full review

52 / 100
Aug 12, 2020

Skater XL feels incomplete. There's not a lot of content, and the game is lacking a personality, a vibe to engage the player. In a year that has Skate coming to mobile, the Pro Skater games being re-released (again), and Session also working its way through Early Access, you should hold off on Skater XL.

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Mat Paget
Top Critic
5 / 10
Aug 11, 2020

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.

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4.8 / 10.0
Aug 10, 2020

This game becomes needlessly complex, it is hard to recommend even to fans of skate, overall the Californian locations are forgetable at best. It makes me wonder if it should be released as early Access, as it lacks content specially for a game subbed “XL”

Review in Spanish | Read full review

35 / 100
Aug 10, 2020

I find Skater XL disappointing in almost every respect. Wanting to sustain the entire game around its control and the hope of living off the mods of the community is not only disappointing, but even unethical when it comes to monetizing something that will be more aware of the work of others than of the own study. If you want to skate, I recommend that you look at other tracks.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

6 / 10.0
Aug 10, 2020

Either way, it's a tough sell, but the reward for effort and perseverance is a good one, the bigger question: how committed are you?.

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Chris Wray
Top Critic
4 / 10.0
Aug 9, 2020

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.

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6.5 / 10.0
Aug 8, 2020

A skate game with good performance and a good playable base, but with little content.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

B-
Aug 7, 2020

There is a ton of potential in it's current state, but needs some additional content to really flush out the game. The core gameplay is incredible, but is it enough to keep players coming back? I would love to see a future roadmap for additional content. If players know that more content is coming, then I truly believe Skater XL will live up to the potential and be a standout skating simulator for years to come.

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4 / 10
Aug 7, 2020

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.

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