You've never seen (or heard) a game quite like: Skate Story (Hands-On Impressions)

[@SkillUp]

Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring the video. If you want to set up your own website (and get a discount while doing it), hit this link for more info: www.squarespace.com/skillup

[@Dracobyte]

Skate Story seems very promising!

[@don_barbour]

You should watch "I saw the TV glow" if you like this.

[@420inportland]

idk man, usually I tend to agree with your reviews. I think your love of skateboarding is overriding the reality of this games actual entertainment value for us non skaters. I like skate games, this looks unique which is cool, but I want to play a new tony hawk style realistic game, not some impressionistic thing. The music was sick though for sure as well! Cheers...

[@Jaden-m2k]

4 Replies

[@MaximumEdgeGuy]

For anyone wondering that banger song at 10:02 is called Glass by Blood Cultures. I've spent 20 minutes looking it up so you don't have to.

[@Dracobyte]

Thanks!

[@lostname9271]

You're a legend, mate. Thank you.

[@koketsok1513]

you are doing the internet lords work

[@JavierGonzalez-HBS]

For anyone else wondering for the song of the game trailer, it's " Set it on Fire" it took me a lot to find it years ago when the trailer released and I had to find it. I am piggybacking on @MaximunEdgeGuy now because he did what I didn't then, share it. Better late than never.

[@RealLifeAlias]

Thanks MusicCritic

[@vincenttorrijos9680]

This looks like a game really trying to bridge the gap between video game and surrealist art and I'm honestly here for it. Art direction can make or break a game.

[@wumborat3669]

Griptape Backbone is another game by one dude that does very similar things with skateboarding video game infused with surrealist art and motifs; I recommend it (it's $free.99) if you're interested in this game

[@VladDascaliuc]

There's plenty of surrealist videogames though. It's not "bridging the gap" between anything. It's a videogame that decided to go the surrealist route.

[@ultraheaven8968]

Hylics did that years ago

[@alexcabrera2932]

Sayonara Wild Hearts

[@donovanfaust3227]

Definitely far from the first surrealist video game, that gap was bridged decades ago.

[@ZanDatsu]

I have no board, and I must skate.

[@Minigrub]

I have no mouth and I must scream

[@rudidower]

I have no pee pee and I must tinkle

[@Unibot47]

@@Minigrub Yes that's what he was referencing lol

[@ultraheaven8968]

​@@Minigrub thanks for ruining the joke

[@RhysticStudies]

what a fuckin vibe

[@samcates5308]

If I've learnt anything from your content, it's that this is absolutely your kind of thing

[@Crumpeter1]

Instead of a red deck skateboarding, this is more of a blue vibe I feel

[@Extef89]

When worlds collide

[@LeFreshmeat]

Word

[@noodlesalad]

One amazing Sam commenting on a video about another. And I agree, what a fucking vibe.

[@dropkickpherby6994]

I really appreciate how Ralph and the team always give a little history lesson about the devs/projects they cover. That kind of humanizing is important in this industry.

[@FuzzyDancingBear]

Absolutely

[@isaacpau1520]

I don’t skate, but i feel this art, and it’s damn cool.

[@zenergetic_8299]

My thoughts exactly. I’ll support this based on that alone

[@starfieldsignal]

Congratulations, Skill Up, you just launched Blood Culture into mainstream.

[@1handzen]

thank GOOODDDDD

[@jishan6992]

I found out about them a year back when the first teaser of this game released, i was immediately hooked to "set it on fire" It just has such a unique vibe to it

[@nerugiganon]

no joke, i had to stop the video halfway to look them up bc the music was so damn good. im listening to an album now and i am obsessed

[@1handzen]

@@jishan6992 they have such an awesome balance on beauty and aggression. Dunk On Me, and Beneath the Moon and Me are highlights

[@eddymartinez7961]

Hell yea same bro ​@@jishan6992

[@jonathanstorms4530]

The Vibes are immaculate. Also the fisheye lens and the Handycam are very reminiscent of old skateboarding videos on KZbin and the more professional ones that used to come out on DVD. You can tell that whoever made this really loved it

[@LaineIsNotReal]

Damn, this is a vibe, there's something about this style that reminds me of a vhs tape or an 80s arcade game. I can't wait to check this out and eat that moon!

[@TheRealUcanUwill]

When people say video games aren't art, you show them this. Incredible.

[@NightRogue77]

“U know what to do Geets…. You get back up, and you eat that moon!”

[@bradhaines3142]

@@TheRealUcanUwill fucking hate that camera angle. but i LOVE the art style of this

[@humanmerelybeing1966]

You're probably thinking of old media because of the use of chromatic aberration, or the way the colors seem to be "out of focus," which was common with VHS tapes and TVs.

[@bradhaines3142]

@@humanmerelybeing1966 nah its definitely the fact the dude is a bunch of triangles

[@pristine3700]

I’m recovering from a recent stroke and dealing with aphasia and the visual, auditory and emotional language presented by this piece of art of a game pulled at me like little has. I cannot wait to experience this by myself. Thank you for showcasing this.

[@nipsynuggets4930]

Sending health to you friend, I hope you're okay !! Glad something has pulled you back in to this crazy reality

[@Shawn-n7p]

Bless 🙏

[@marquee-moon]

Fantastic that someone is focusing on doing something impressionistic, capturing the feeling and poetry of a pursuit, rather than a literalist depiction with the Most Graphics.

[@theghostfacekza4549]

As a skater, I am really happy to see something thats not a THPS clone, racer or fingerboard simulator. Skateboarding is art and has such a rich grassroots culture, I love to see people getting a taste of it from the outside

[@noahsabadish3812]

OlliOlli World is brilliant too

[@knogface]

Try session, or skater xl

[@Thailerr]

Wow the music and artstyle is phenomenal.

[@flamingburitto]

This game is one of my most awaited games. The way it just captures a vibe is just so damn perfect

[@Nevarro_]

You know it's unique when it's published by Devolver

[@user-ne9sd4ow1o]

They made Anger Foot right? Still need to get that! I loved the demo

[@hardlux]

I don't think I have ever witnessed the insane level of synergy between sound and visuals as I have in this game... My jaw is on the floor. I hope this creator makes a lot more games. Thanks for the wicked video as always.

[@NickHunter]

Check out Thumper if you haven't already. Got a similar neon-demon vibe altho a little more tightly wound

[@luisguerra3450]

check manifold garden

[@milkmanchannel1]

Between your channel and other channels, I've seen this game come up from time to time and thought it was cool looking, but probably something I'd pass on. This video 100% changed my mind. This has gone from something that I was gonna let come and go, to a game I 100% need to play

[@flamingo_with_Hat]

yea same especially bloodcultures being involved, this looks like an alltimer in the making

[@wi11owi11]

Really like to see dedicated reviews for smaller AA and indie games alongside your AAA review cadence. You are one of the greatest critical voices on this platform, and using your reputation to highlight these kinds of titles makes a real difference. You already do this on your weekly TWIVG show, but reviews like this can take it one step further to highlight games that truly innovate and push the industry forward in positive directions. Thanks for introducing me to this game and creator, can wait to give it a try!

[@michaelscotto5010]

Good on you Ralph, one of my favorite videos you've done. Incredibly heartfelt.

[@crash_jj]

The moon and the eye bit captures the getting yelled at and chased away from everywhere you skate that you aren’t “supposed to” by people who are annoyed by you but don’t quite know why. I’m double in

[@mattduffyw99]

Oh wow, the moon as a subliminal stand-in for a patrol car's spotlight during a night skate. That works.

[@cluckendip]

This looks like those mythical level pulls you come across in LittleBigPlanet that are just so out there but crafted so spectacularly that you wonder how on Earth the author managed to develop it within the constraints imposed by the engine, except there are no constraints here. The only limit is Sam's imagination, yet even that appears to be limitless.

[@skrufff]

The trailer years ago turned me on to Blood Cultures. Been obsessed ever since. Can't wait to play this. I kinda don't even want to watch this video past 2:00 so I can experience it raw on my own.

[@kida026]

Same here. I was like, who are these people!? Been listening a ton ever since. They are effin rad.

[@Aziraphale686]

That was some *seriously* impressive literary prose, the man knows how to write.

[@jak-A127]

I found it a little pretentious for a video game about demons skateboarding.

[@Lomaxxx53]

@@jak-A127 yeah because you only consume Marvel movies and cheesy videogame writing

[@Xfacta12482]

@@jak-A127 Hard disagree

[@dev-asya]

​@@jak-A127I genuinely think you should reconsider that- there's loads of great video games you're missing out on if that's how you're viewing this

[@jak-A127]

​@Lomaxxx53 lol sorry for triggering you with my opinion, brother. It's alright to disagree, but dont pretend to know anything about me. Thanks.

[@Alexisonscope]

This looks batshit. So cool, so much style, I would love to see this pop off. Great preview, loved seeing more gameplay.

[@Brownaut1993]

This is a Day 1 buy for me. Glad it sports such a fantastic soundtrack as well! Too often, game studios underestimate the impact of music in a video game.

[@ruffethereal1904]

Stardew Valley is one of those immortal series partly because of its soundtrack.

[@gavinderulo12]

Really? Video games have some of the best soundtracks. If anything I would say video games usually put a large emphasis on music.

[@WdawgSmith]

I agree I think they put too much emphasis on it I gotta be honest I never pay any attention to the soundtrack of a game Unless it’s like a little tune that gets stuck in my head because it’s the battle theme in a jrpg I genuinely could not even tell you what the soundtrack of a given game is and I don’t notice any difference in a final fantasy soundtrack and the horizon soundtrack I know that’s weird But it just doesn’t matter to me And never once during my ff7 rebirth play through did I stop and think “man this sounds great” I only care about the game itself How fun it is How is the progression Is it satisfying to play

[@gavinderulo12]

@WdawgSmith do you play with good speakers or headphones? Do you generally like music outside of games?

[@takimi_nada]

@@WdawgSmith i do not think you meant to say you agree lol

[@IIPaleHorseII]

Once the trailer kicked in and it was playing Blood Cultures I knew this game was on to something.

[@MultiToto07]

Yeah Thanks Skillup for covering more indie games !!!

[@g2jxGhF5G8z1gL7S]

Man Devolver Digital are real ones. OG good game publisher and developer. Ever since Hotline Miami 1 they've been on my radar.

[@ParkHillProjects]

The one with the bird , souls like.. i forgot the Name, was also from them

[@johntyrrell5231]

@@ParkHillProjects Death's Door?

[@ParkHillProjects]

@@johntyrrell5231 ah yes that was it

[@user-ne9sd4ow1o]

I highly recommend Anger Foot! I played the demo and had a blast!!

[@rotem20061997]

one of your best hands on impression. thanks ralph

[@MarkHyde]

THE most vibey video you have ever created - this is an inspired and epic gem of a game. Truly best wishes for the Sam and any team he has - can't wait for this game. So chill and with a such an engaging flow. The soundtrack makes it complete as a truly sense based experience. Thanks for taking the time to interview Sam and make this video showcasing this!!

[@sirviv]

I am buying this as soon as it’s available. As someone who skated for years when I was younger, it perfectly captures the magic of flying down a street and doing tricks at high speed. Thank you for the preview. Thank you Sam!!

[@abdalla8558]

There is so much style and uniqueness here

[@senorlechuga8832]

Ironically the delay made me even more hyped for this game because I got time to listen to Blood Cultures, and holy shit they've became some of my favorite

[@xn--b81a]

The visual and the music is so strong. I shed a tear lil bit. I don't know why.

[@leithaziz2716]

This is the beauty and creativity I love seeing come out of small-scale indie projects. Someone had a cool idea, and they made a game out of it.

[@lorentzen.montoya]

The visuals. The feel. The plot. Cant wait for this to be released!

[@matt5842]

You did a great job showcasing this games unique merit. Im in.

[@tuxmario]

been waiting for this one ever since that awesome reveal trailer 2,5 years ago, i think?? so excited

[@DewtehDew]

Man had it been that long? Damn can’t wait for the release

[@TrizollinTehWorld]

I knew from the first time you mentioned it on this channel that I'd love it. The passion oozes through the screen and it gives a feeling that I wont ever forget it once I complete it. I've been patiently waiting for this one.

[@UNITTEODOR]

The music is so fire and although I am not a skate fan when it comes to gaming, the skating element seems to be the most insignificant part of the experience Looking to see more content on this in the future

[@dev-asya]

Ralph, thank you so much for sharing this. This looks absolutely incredible. U can tell it's a passion project in absolutely every aspect of this. it's great to see video games actually being treated as an art form in the cultural sense. It's also great that you use your platform to support indie games so much. I played Outer Wilds because of your 2019 GOTY, so I absolutely appreciate you. Also the "second donkey kong" joke a few weeks ago really made me laugh

[@BurningChrome]

I remember dropping acid and skating Stone Edge skatepark in Daytona back in the late eighties. Didn't look quite as trippy as this but close! 🤩

[@ramaron]

Man this looks so cool, I love how the camera looks like these old skate videos. Thank you for covering games like this!

[@benwertenberger6730]

I am now a Blood Cultures fan. Looking forward to Skate Story.

[@woodyboy123]

Damn, this looks so sick, and the editing in this video was flawless too. So excited for this, what a vibe

[@DreadedLad88]

I usually kinda disregard smaller games, as i dont get many gaming hours. But this.... This is art. It makes me wonder how many fantastic indie games i have missed through the years.

[@Lomaxxx53]

a lot of them a finished piece of art is way more satisfactory than a gameplay machine that has you grinding hundreds of hours to justify their price I recommend you check Thumper, a "violent" rhythm game

[@xRhychux]

For someone who doesn't get many gaming hours you should be paying more attention to smaller games

[@november4196]

Wouldn’t not having many hours make indie games more suitable? They’re usually shorter

[@user-sq7ry5vx7t]

Seeing artists talk about their art will never cease to be awe inspiring. At the surface they may sound arrogant, but caring so much about a world of such insignificant details, its aesthetics and the crystallized feelings in the medium is just so much more than many of us can really aspire the create. I just... I wish life would've gone through a different path, man.

[@glue2065]

i recognized all the blood cultures songs, this game introduced me to them in the first place

[@angrymikko]

Music is mixed like we are hearing it from a club next door giving space for the crunchy peaks of wheels on ground. I love it.

[@hali0491]

Anyone looking for that first song at 02:16 it's called Scenes From A Midnight Movie By Blood Cultures, I may or may not have scrubbed through all their albums to find it 😂

[@Technonova323]

You're a goddam lifesaver

[@hali0491]

@@Technonova323 😌🤝🏾

[@kraithaywire]

@@hali0491 i love you

[@ehjesu]

loved the format for this one, I hope to see some more impressions like this in the future!!!

[@stormswarm]

the first trailer i saw for this game a few years back put me onto one of my favorite songs of all time so I knew the game was special

[@ruffelduck]

Thanks Shill this has been on of the few games on my wishlist for years. I thought it was really cool to how you made the video also about the story and the creator. great work

[@siricar6237]

Unfortunately, I'm too clumsy for this kind of game, but I enjoy admiring Skate Story as a spectator. Before I saw the very first trailer for it, I had never heard of the band Blood Cultures. They are now one of my favorite bands. This music is wonderful.

[@strayiggytv]

Same. I look forward to someone doing a flawless silent run on KZbin so I put it in the background while I do other stuff.

[@elchristianez_]

The vibe here is absolutley through the roof. Ralph you may have just shown me my new favorite game.

[@ColtFortyFour]

The music alone is enough reason to buy this game.

[@wayfarervisual]

Love that you aren’t afraid to cover cool indie shit like this. Awesome! Love your endless enthusiasm too, Ralph.

[@ironmooss1946]

Bro 5:25 is more like a NYT best seller than a lore entry. Beautiful.

[@maliisadrable5994]

The song immediately caught my ears. Helluva vibe right there for this game

[@TheOnlyJuman]

Gosh I had goosebumps watching that bossfight part against the moon. Music is so much in my alley, didn't know Blood Culture until now, I'm so happy to have found both this game AND this band. Thank you so much Ralph, for covering Indie gems like this one and also for the discovery.

[@Oryyyt]

Those tracks goes hard and matches the visuals perfectly. Absolute vibe

[@BlackAera]

I just love how Skate Story doesn't just look like another skateboarding simulation but an audiovisual skateboarding experience

[@fentanylfrog8403]

3:26 Oh my god this looks like the raddest game ever, and I don’t use “rad” lightly. Been wanting more skateboarding games for so long

[@BarrettBaker_photos]

I’ve watched this five times now and I cannot stop

[@I-Rex232]

This really gives me Sayonara Wild Hearts vibes

[@OctaveMirbeau]

Had to control F for this - first game I thought of on seeing it (high praise, Sayonara rules) and was so surprised that neither Ralph nor the comments flagged it up as a key reference point. If that suggests you haven't played Sayonara Wild Hearts... well, if you liked this video, go and play it now!

[@I-Rex232]

@@OctaveMirbeau I defenitly played Sayonara Wild Hearts lol,like at least 8 times, it''s my go to break up game lol. Trully an incredible experience, glad to see another man of culture

[@damian-vp9lg]

The music throughout the video is what sells the game for me. Masterful

[@Organon1980]

Skillup misreading a quote he puts up on screen. A tale as old as time.

[@moonbeam54321]

Looks awesome, been waiting for more on this game for a long time, thank you for covering it!!

[@SusieGrace-tn2ve]

You never fail to surprise us!

[@martopad]

I'm definitely buying this once it comes out. The music choice is right up my alley. I hope it has an endless mode so I can skate while vibing, kind of like night driving on a freeway.

[@brandonreyes7113]

Most important question… steam deck verified??

[@spacedoritos]

There is a shot of the game being played on the steam deck

[@PackRecs]

Thanks for highlighting Blood Cultures' music in your review. Can't wait for this game to finally come out.

[@spaaaaace8952]

Too pretenious for my taste.

[@BasementMinions]

The Vibes are immaculate, thank you for showcasing what makes this so special

[@spadedonemcdysentery2493]

The more skate games the better but this game just doesn’t click for me. The game is aesthetic vomit. Legitimately hard to watch in motion for more than a few seconds.

[@thomasjarvstrand1511]

Wow, couldn't disagree more. This is beautiful.

[@spadedonemcdysentery2493]

@ I very much understand that this is a “me” thing. There’s more people seemingly enjoying it than not. I play a lot of skateboard games in general and folks have been pretty excited for this one for a while now. It just looks like throwing lights and colors at the screen to me. Nothing makes sense and everything is a cacophony of light and sound.

[@Mikey3DS]

i have been desperately waiting for this to come out ever since you put it on our radar! it looks sooo rad

[@Thailerr]

Peeper poopoo

[@danieljohn9257]

This is a perfect example of the shot of creativity and sublimity we’ve been craving. To quote the man himself… Good on ya, Skillz, good on ya. 🤙🏼

[@4fingaz]

ISNT THIS THE SICKEST SHIT YOU HAVE EVER SEEN? Actually not, no 😂

[@markkoetsier6475]

Yeah, I was like... "Ehh, no?" A guy from the Fighting Polygon Team jumps around on a skateboard while 3000 filters tumble over each other, causing a bright white circle to take damage without anything even connecting. Okay. Sick.

[@GigglingStoners]

Forgive him, he gets easily excited.

[@bjwal6]

This is so fucking great, excellent work allowing the audio and visualize to take centre stage

[@outersludge]

Dude I've been waiting for this game for SO LONG! The announcement of the game actually got me into Blood Cultures and I've loved them ever since. Thank you for making this vid, more people to know this game, and this amazing band!

[@jman2542]

When you first started playing the music, I thought to myself OMG how can he play these sick beats on a KZbin video!? Kudos to Blood Cultures for sharing their sick music!

[@user-ne9sd4ow1o]

They captured the visceral feeling of pushing and going fast on a board! The audio and visuals are insane. 🤯

[@PopFlipCatchStickRol]

This game captures the exhilaration of skateboarding better than any other game I've seen. The sense of speed, narrowly avoiding obstacles, and consequence of a wipe out are depicted so well and so creativity..and the music slaps! Can't wait to play this!

[@Mura-723]

I've been waiting on this one since you first gave it a spotlight on your "put this on your radar" section of your show some time ago, and this video just sold me even more on a game I was already pretty interested in. Really looking forward to this one, thanks for giving indies like this a spotlight both in your weekly show and in their own videos like this one.

[@BigCalm48]

I absolutely love Blood Cultures. So cool to see them back something like this, and so excited to hear the new tracks. Their sounds fits the art style and overall vibe perfectly.

[@ethanhoerl]

I've been a fan of blood cultures since before this partnership and since I was announced I've been eagerly awaiting. Nice to see someone finally covering the game in some detail and reassuring me that it does actually still exist lol

[@PaupersSerenade]

Oh man this OST is absolutely going to be on my 'most played' list. Kinda want it before the game (that I know I'll be sinking a lot of time into). Vibing to this so hard. EDIT; I put this comment down before fully watching the video, needless to say Blood Cultures is getting a thorough listen from me as I wait for this game to release. Double Edit; We've got call outs for 'Set it on Fire' and 'Glass' but I think my personal favourite is @2:17 which is 'Scenes from a Midnight Movie'

[@Jumungous]

Skate Story has been on my must-play-before-I-die list for a while now Thanks for highlighting this one, Phil

[@opperhoofdrampeneer8324]

This was exceedingly and quite unexpectedly exceptional! Thanks Ralph. Ya Dingus.

[@dominicsagona1186]

Astonishing. Beautiful. What a phenomenal piece of art. I love it.

[@dazed6511]

Dude I recognized blood cultures IMEDIATELY their music is such a gem. Really good find

[@bbmanguy610]

The camera angle makes it feel like it's another skater following behind you, just like a classic 90s skating VHS tape. I love it

[@neil6259]

I was having a terrible day and this video and music healed me. Thanks Skill Up!

[@logancromer9862]

I saw Blood Cultures open for Superoganism a couple of years back and thought they were severely underated. Im happy to finally see them get their time in the sun

[@polyhymnea1426]

god i love how they get the sound of skating right, just pulls me back to when i was hanging out with my friends in skate parks and halls

[@Quizack]

Man, this whole game and the substack is like seeing into a man’s brain. It’s like hallucinating and experiencing someone else’s creativity. It just oozes creative freedom and you can see so much of who he is and how he thinks in everything he does. He is pouring himself into it. This game is not for me, but wow I appreciate it.

[@LukaelPlays]

I remember seeing the trailer for this game for the first time and being hooked by the music right away, I then looked up Blood Cultures and instantly became a fan! But I was also intrigued by the concept itself of being a demon made of glass skating in hell. What a cool fucking idea. This video only cements my interest by showing it's coming along nicely, features even more great Blood Cultures music, but what sticks with me most is the incredible and poetic writing from Sam?? These quotes are just so evocative and cool and I somehow find myself looking forward to playing a skateboarding game for the writing?? Thank you Skillup for featuring these smaller games

[@l88ch3r]

Total respect for not editing out the shoddy gameplay :)

[@TeQxktcg]

Damn! One minute in and I’m sold! Sam, you’re a genius, I can’t wait to try this. Between you and me, both skateboarders and developers, I truly hope you manage to nail the learning curve accumulating into bone breaking freedom and expression; at first glance at least you seem to be on the right path. Again I truly cannot wait, we seem to be cut from similar cloth the further I got into this review; colour me thoroughly impressed. Ralph, thanks for firmly putting this on my radar!!