VR Skater Review: A Challenging and Satisfying Skateboarding Sim for PSVR 2
VR Skater offers an enjoyably challenging skateboarding simulation experience that does justice to the sport on the PSVR 2. Developed by Deficit Games, this full review will delve into all the details.
The Hardware Limitations
Deficit Games has clearly worked around the hardware limitations of VR Skater. With the PSVR 2, players use two Sense controllers and the headset for tracking. Acceleration in the game relies on arm swinging instead of leg movement, face buttons are used for jumps, and gesture motions are required for performing tricks. While this approach may seem strange to real-life skateboarders, the basic controls start to feel natural after the opening tutorial.
The Facts
VR Skater is an arcade-style VR skateboarding simulator available on PC VR and the PSVR 2 (played on PSVR 2). The game is developed by Deficit Games and was released recently. It is priced at $34.99.
Learning Tricks and Performance Ranking
Learning tricks in VR Skater can be a bit challenging as the game doesn’t provide hints during levels. Some tricks may not necessarily mirror real-life movements, such as the Ollie to the Side which requires both head and controller movements. Additionally, you can’t rely on the same moves for high scores as the game punishes repetition. Repeat tricks result in halving your scored points until you reach a lower limit.
Construction Site Challenges
Memorizing gestures and combinations can be tough and a bit fiddly in VR Skater, so the extra tutorials almost feel mandatory. As you find your footing, you’ll likely coast through the initial levels and only earn bronze medals. The difficulty curve may feel off-putting at first, but the game requires patience rather than rewarding instant gratification.
However, once you start pulling off tricks like grinding down railings or avoiding obstacles, it feels both stylish and satisfying. Even if you’re not good at real-life skateboarding, landing moves like a 720 Shuvit or a Backside Tailslide can be quite thrilling. The sense of reward increases when you finally earn your first gold medal after several hours of practice.
Map Variety and Soundtrack
VR Skater features eight maps, with three more planned for post-launch updates. These maps include the local neighborhood, a construction site, and other locales. While the visuals may not be particularly stunning, the game makes up for it with a rock soundtrack that perfectly complements the gameplay. Each map has a set destination, and multiple paths often keep the gameplay interesting. However, some routes may lack opportunities for tricks and feel somewhat empty as a result.
Mega Ramp Challenge
The bonus map in VR Skater is the Mega Ramp, which offers two high-speed ramps with no room for divergence. This map is designed for practicing aerial moves and catching significant air. While map variety is always welcome, the Mega Ramp alone may not be enough to keep players engaged in the long run.
Game Modes and Challenges
Most of the maps in VR Skater are unlocked through Tour Mode. Each map provides a free practice mode and four challenge types. ‘Spot Challenges’ focus on individual obstacles and task you with performing tricks over three attempts. ‘Best Trick’ requires you to perform five tricks and create your total score from the best four. Falling over or crashing counts as a trick with zero points. ‘Street Run’ involves completing a run of the whole area, with a checkpoint system to respawn you after crashing. However, the checkpoint placement can be problematic at times, disrupting the flow of the game. Occasionally, trying to teleport elsewhere may also lead to bugs.
Another challenge mode in VR Skater is ‘Sudden Death,’ which is similar to ‘Street Run’ but a single crash ends your attempt. This mode adds an extra layer of difficulty for those seeking a more intense experience.
Replayability and Customization
“Beating” Tour Mode in VR Skater only takes around three hours, but the game is designed for replayability. High scores are tracked for each challenge, and even after earning gold medals, you may find yourself compelled to retry challenges. The game allows you to change your starting position through teleportation. Once a level begins, acceleration is achieved through an arm-swinging motion, making seated play less advisable. You can also choose between the ‘Regular’ or ‘Goofy’ stances, which swap your dominant arm for steering and determine which foot is placed in front.
In terms of progression, VR Skater features an EXP system that awards extra points for silver and gold medals. While this doesn’t unlock faster skateboards or easier tricks, it does provide customization options in the Skater Shop. You can choose from various designs for your skateboard, including full-colored boards, checkered patterns, and flames. The Skater Shop also offers new raw trucks, wheels, and more. This additional customization option adds a nice touch to the game without requiring excessive grinding.
Final Verdict
VR Skater is an enjoyable skateboarding simulation that may frustrate players looking for instant gratification. Learning new tricks can be tough, but with patience and practice, earning gold medals across the maps can be highly rewarding. However, the game does have some rough edges, including occasional disruptions in gameplay and teleportation issues.
UploadVR uses a label system for reviews instead of a numeric score. While VR Skater may not be perfect, it falls into the “Recommended” category for its replayability and satisfying gameplay mechanics. If you’re willing to invest time into learning advanced moves and don’t mind the occasional glitches, VR Skater is definitely worth a try.
Editor’s Notes
Overall, VR Skater offers a challenging and satisfying skateboarding experience in VR. While it may not be the most visually stunning game, it makes up for it with its gameplay mechanics and replayability. The learning curve may be steep, but once you master the tricks, the sense of reward is worth the effort. However, be prepared for occasional disruptions and bugs that may hinder your experience. If you’re a fan of skateboarding and VR, VR Skater is definitely worth checking out.
