Best Alternative Sports Game of 2007SKATE
Sports gaming has always been a big part of any console’s lineup, and the Xbox 360 is no different. In 2007, our beloved white box got a boost from the hard-hitting, steroid laden Blitz: The League, as well as the Major League Baseball title, The Bigs. Wrestling fans have certainly taken notice that WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 boasts better game play, and a revamped control scheme that promises to pick up where the 2007 incarnation left off. Tony Hawk’ Proving Ground became the ninth game in the series, yet somehow felt little improved since Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 of 2000.
One game in 2007 breathed new life into a stale and stagnant genre, and only Skate is worthy of the title Best Alternative Sports Game of 2007. With its innovative approach to skateboarding controls, Skate was an instant hit with gamers tired of the same old Tony Hawk game. With the pre-release demo gamers got hooked, and many that did not have a preorder found themselves out of luck on the street date. It was so refreshing to see a viable alternative to the retreads Neversoft keeps publishing, staff writer Ed Ransbottom declared “Skate has changed the way skateboarding games should be designed and played” in his PX360 review.
At the heart of Skate’s innovation is the “’Flickit” control system that makes use of both thumbsticks to rip some gnarly tricks and sick lines. Flicking the right stick controls the player’s board and performs ollies, kickflips, shuvits and the like, while the left stick control the skater’s body, allowing for spins and body flips. Manuals are done by slowly rocking the right stick to find the perfect balance point. Skate’s system has much more of a learning curve than the Tony Hawk system, but feels much more natural and is much more rewarding when mastered. Instead of ranking up skill sets as you would in a Tony Hawk game, the onus is entirely upon the gamer to practice the techniques and become a Flickit expert.
Though Skate has some commonalities with the Tony Hawk series, such as challenges and photo shoots based on performing specific tricks, Skate brings new features to the table that set it apart from the stale TH franchise. The ability to create, edit and share videos and photos with fellow Skate gamers was a big hit, as all gamers can view and vote on some amazing lines and wicked bails. The skaters and their environments have a much more realistic look, with ramps and skate rails artfully blended into the cityscape of San Vanelona. The city is immense, and barring a few challenge areas, most of the environment is unlocked from the moment you begin your career. You choose where to go, you choose what challenges to take up, you choose the areas to explore and discover. Skate took the genre in an entirely new direction, and skillfully pulled skateboarding games from the rut they were in. Innovation and great game play has earned this title much love from the PX360 staff, and we’re hopeful EA will keep the originality coming. Skate is hands down the Best Alternative Sports Game of 2007.
Check out our full review of SKATE courtesy of Ed Ransbottom
right here.
We hope you’re enjoying our look back at 2007 as much as we are. Part 2 will take a look at 2007’s Best Sequel and Best Action Game.
