Skater XL Switch Review

[@atomshrek]

Is this really what 7/10 graphics looks like in 2023‽

[@whatsitlikeau]

Fair criticism. I'm working on changing how my scoring system works. My 7 for this is due to the detail in environments and models for Switch standards despite the lower resolution which knocked it down 3 points. I'm always open to opinions so let me know what you would give them and why and I'll take it on board to fine tune things. I'm still new, but always looking to refine my approach to improve. Thank you for your input!

[@GXSCChater]

Compared to how ugly sessions and tony hawk is on the switch, the graphics are the best for a switch skater game. The lighting was the important factor for me i cant stand the weird shadow rendering happening in session allow light to appear under bridges.

[@whatsitlikeau]

Hopefully they add an option to lock it in at a higher resolution.

[@FLIPFINGERS-p3n]

The developers are not constantly updating the game and have been lacking any communication towards the wanted features by the community so don't expect this switch port to get many if any updates ( maybe some major fixes heared many people have had crashes while doing missions)

[@whatsitlikeau]

That's good to know. I saw the patch notes and it looked like they have been active, but maybe that's just for the Switch version prior to release?

[@FLIPFINGERS-p3n]

let's just say their history on updating the game is very poor on pc@@whatsitlikeau

[@whatsitlikeau]

Thats really good to know. I'll update the online article to omit that line. I read that they did a July update and an October Grab update so they did seem active on paper.

[@FLIPFINGERS-p3n]

Update history of skater xl looks a little like this: There's been the alpha/developing phase before release with features somewhat constantly being added ( bumping out of grinds/ better pushing animations more customization etc.) then there's been update 1.3 which introduced transition skating which was like skater xl biggest upgrade. After that it's starting to crumble already. Only community made maps were added that were already played by the modding communtiy. They released a dlc which was laughable ( some baggy pants and hats and tank tops that's pretty much it). Then there is the multiplayer update ( mind you there's like a 2 year gap where nothing happened) This was the only good new addition which I can say honestly works great for what it is but still could use improvement which was later done by the community). Now the grap update was announced like a whole nother year later and still has not been released with all features that were announced. Again mind you there's not a single feature that hasn't been made possible already by modders. Many features like 1 foot grabs even looking worse than community mods. And the fact that they just say that basically what the community wants is not what they envision for the game and then never addressed any issues ever again is pissing everyone off basically. EVERYONE who played this game for a while now thinks the devs kinda abandoned the game and only update minorly from now. There will most likely never bee really innovative new additions like proper footplants hippie jumps or no complies bonelesses etc. To put this into context: modded skater xl is still besides all the bullshit the best simulation for skateboarding ever made in my opinion which is the reason why I'm close to 3.500 hours playtime. @@whatsitlikeau

[@whatsitlikeau]

I really appreciate you taking the time to relay all of this information mate. I heard the PC version is really good and when I picked up a retail copy on Switch it said "Mod support" which turned out to be some maps and clothes... no mod library at all :( I hope there's continued support from the devs, but from what you just told me, it's less likely.

[@steroberry]

Its so funny to see the regular person try skater xl. This game is one of my most played in my library, its so realistic and satisfying

[@whatsitlikeau]

It certainly has a steep learning curve!

[@Fartsniff69]

I think they are still adding a mod menu

[@whatsitlikeau]

That's good to know. I'm hoping to kick flip back into this one when they do!

[@painter5391]

Can you turn off the colored shoes? lol

[@whatsitlikeau]

I didn't during my time on there, but Other players in my session had different coloured shoes if that helps!

[@steroberry]

You can

[@FLIPFINGERS-p3n]

the shoes are displayed in red and blue when you activate the controller overly to help visualize which stick controls which foot. Sadly there's no option to turn it off but keep the controller display on

[@turkN9NE]

game plays like something from 30 years ago. like a ps2 game when ps2 was brand new

[@whatsitlikeau]

I thought the control scheme was intuitive once I got the hang of it. What didn't you like about it?

[@vomitspitCONCARNE]

Try more like early xbox360...don't over exaggerate lol go play THP8/Proving ground on the 360 then play the ps2 versions. They are 2 totally different games with 2 totally different looks. If the switch was more powerful with graphics then it would look the same as the ps5 version. The early beta sandbox concern he was talking about is still felt on the ps5 even.

[@bushwickerman]

sounds like a comment from a 20 year old, if you were raised playing games in 1993 youd remember we were in 16-bit still. I couldnt imagine this being run on a super nintendo. i think youre assuming PS2 was 15 years older than it was... and didnt play the tony hawk games that were state of the art... this is a major step forward from EA skate's control scheme going from one stick to both sticks to control the feet. if its not for you, its not for you. the pc version is thousands of times better due to the modding community and gameplay tweaks, but the ground work made here is super solid. 70/100 is fair, though a little high... base game needs more environmental details and interaction (vehicles, NPCs, weather, things the mods offer... and story mode/progression)

[@whatsitlikeau]

I was wondering if they cut out NPC's and what not for the Switch but it seems its on all consoles. Great mechanics for the game, just feels incomplete.

[@whatsitlikeau]

@bushwickerman Thanks for the feedback on the review score, I really appreciate the input. I really thought the mechanics of the game were its saving grace and agree it's a step up from other skating games. They nailed that part! I was so disappointed by the mods on Switch as I read the same about the PC version. It certainly feels incomplete. What would you score it after your time with it?

[@randomm2617]

lowest bitrate video on youtube

[@whatsitlikeau]

It was captured mainly in docked mode using the Switch capture like most of my videos. Unfortunately the Devs dropped the resolution back to reach 60 fps during gameplay. I would have preferred 30 fps with sharper graphics. Handheld is significantly reduced further. Hope that helps!

[@caponezy907]

I actually haven’t been having a problem at all, a little bit of re learning cuz the sticks feel different from x box, but since release im right back where im at beast mode and its fun to shred on the go

[@whatsitlikeau]

Yeah I found it to be a fun experience, if a little blurry

[@caponezy907]

@@whatsitlikeau yeah not to bad though , I can’t wait till we get the Downloadable maps like primitive park and Tampa etc etc

[@whatsitlikeau]

@caponezy907 Yeah. There's a tiny selection of community maps on there already which is nice. Hopefully they add the mod database or just curate some more selections for us console gamers!