Skater XLjust premiered its launch trailer via the PlayStation YouTube channel, showing off some additional gameplay just in time for the title’s launch.
The new skateboarding game boasts itself as being the most realistic skating title of all time, with “unparalleled board control.” ThroughoutSkater XL, the playerskateboards around iconic California locationswhere they play as boarding legends Tiago Lemos, Evan Smith, Tom Asta or Brandon Westgate, each with unqiue gear and skating styles.
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Skater XLprides itself in having zero tricks programmed into it but instead relies entirely on theplayer’s full thumbstick control, with each thumbstick corresponding to each foot of the skater. As the player moves the sticks, the board instantly responds to their actions. The developer compares it to “playing a musical instrument,” stating that, “whether it be pushing to nail a line or skating free form.”
The title aims to be the most realistic–or “ultimate”–skateboarding simulator, with the game’s full title even beingSkater XL - The Ultimate Skateboarding Game.While the game certainly looks the part, it remains to be seen how exactly it stacks up to competing skateboarding sims.Sessionreleased to Steam Early Accesslast year to wide acclaim, and is considered by many to be the best skateboarding game on the market, so players will have to see which title is the true king of skateboarding games.
Skater XLis very clearly marketed towards the same audience that loved theSkateseries, with one of the testimonials shown in the trailer by Jbooogie stating, “I played EASkatefor ten years… I could never go back afterSkater XL.” This quote feels like a direct response to therecent announcement ofSkate 4’s development. The games clearly share a lot in common with each other, and will likely be direct competitors going forward.
In addition, Activison also recently announced its ownHD Remaster of the first twoTony Hawk Pro Skatergamesfor current-gen consoles. With all of these different titles being announced, 2020 is shaping up to be a great year for skateboarding fans.
Skater XLis now available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and is coming soon to the Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Skate 4 is EA’s Answer to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remaster
