Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk is nicknamed the Birdman for the high flying moves he used to pull off on a board, but what if the person shredding the half pipes was actually just a bird? SkateBIRD from Glass Bottom Games is here to give us that exact scenario, in video gaming form! Now I love, and I mean absolutely love the old school Tony Hawks games, not just for nostalgia but also for the fantastic amount of enjoyment they provide. So when I see new skateboarding games I always want to give them a go. Will Skatebird scratch that skateboarding itch? Or will it turn out like a Simpsons Skateboarding rash?
You're a lonely lil' bird, and your Big Friend has hung up their board for good. Their job sucks, and lately, they're barely ever home to play with you. You're gonna fix all that with the power of being a chill little skateboarding bird. You may be tiny, but the more you skate, the more following you get, the more the world of bird skating will open up. Birds will come check out your park, help you find more parks, and together you'll (somehow) fix Big Friend's life! Above all else, skate birds try their best.
Skatebird clearly takes inspiration from classic skateboarding games, however the game feels alot more like the later Tony Hawks games than the early ones as it too forgoes the punishing few minutes time limits that would have you replaying a level over and over, instead opting for a more free roam approach with a selection of challenges found in each stage. With no kind of marker pointing to the various NPC characters in stage, it sometimes gets rather frustrating when you are looking for another challenge to start.
There are a couple of different modes to play through in the game:
Free Skate: This is the main game mode, where you can explore the levels and try to pull off tricks. There are no objectives or goals in Free Skate, so you can just relax and have fun.
Challenges: This mode offers a variety of challenges, such as landing a certain number of tricks or completing a course in a certain amount of time. Completing challenges will earn you stars, which you can use to unlock new items and cosmetics.
Competition: This mode allows you to compete against other players in online multiplayer matches. You can choose from a variety of game modes, such as trick contests and race courses.
Birdhouse: This mode is a collection of mini-games that you can play to earn coins. Coins can be used to buy new skateboards, wheels, and other items.
In addition to these main game modes, there are also a few other features worth mentioning:
Tricktionary: This is a comprehensive list of all the tricks that you can do in the game. You can use the Tricktionary to learn new tricks or to find inspiration for your own combos.
Customization: You can customize your bird's appearance, skateboard, and wheels. There are a variety of items to choose from, so you can create a bird that looks and plays exactly the way you want it to.
Photo Mode: This mode allows you to take screenshots of your bird in any environment. You can use the Photo Mode to capture amazing shots of your bird doing tricks or exploring the levels.
The highlight of the game is the soundtrack. Whilst it doesn't have the big name songs you would find in the Tony Hawk series, there are upbeat tracks that will get you pumped up to skate, as well as more mellow tracks that are perfect for just chilling out.
Skatebird is a great game for anyone who wants to experience the fun of skateboarding without having to worry about taking the whole experience too seriously. The game's low-poly art style and relaxing soundtrack create a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for just kicking back and having some fun.
However, it's important to note that Skatebird is not without its flaws. The game's short length and lack of variety may leave some players wanting more than the bitesize experience that's on offer. Additionally, the camera can be a bit finicky at times, which can make it difficult to pull off certain tricks.
Overall, Skatebird is a fun and charming skateboarding game that's worth checking out for fans of the genre and you will definitely get some enjoyment out of it. However, it's important to go into the game with realistic expectations. If you're looking for a long and challenging game with a lot of variety or a replacement for that good old Tony Hawks gaming itch, then Skatebird may not be for you.
TOTAL SCORE: 7/10
SkateBIRD was released onto the Playstation store on the 1st June 2023. Priced at £16.99 it's playable on PS4 and PS5 consoles and can be purchased HERE. A copy of the game was provided for this review. A big thanks for that.
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