Mini Review: Skate Story (PS5) – The Most Unique, Most Stylish Skateboarding Game to Date

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We’ve played many great skateboarding games, but none have ever looked or felt like Skate Story.

This game isn’t focused on high scores or difficult challenges. It’s a personal story where you play as a demon made of crystal, trying to save himself as he travels through the underworld.

According to the Devil, a demon can get its soul back by completing a bizarre task: skateboarding and swallowing all the moons across the various realms of Hell, with help from an enigmatic rabbit.

The premise is a bit ridiculous, particularly when combined with skateboarding, but it’s executed with such skill that it’s easy to get caught up in the experience.

The game follows a straightforward story, but most levels are open areas where you’re free to skate around and explore.

The skating here is challenging, focusing mostly on street and flatland styles. This approach feels quite authentic, actually.

The controls can be a little tricky to get the hang of initially, as you use the shoulder buttons along with the Circle button to perform tricks. It takes some time and effort to become skilled at the game, but that appears to be by design – mirroring the real sport, you improve with practice and dedication.

Landing a difficult trick like a kickflip into a grind, followed by a pop shuvit, is incredibly rewarding. Similarly, completing tasks in the game – whether it’s helping characters, advancing the story, or taking on side quests – is really enjoyable, and you unlock new abilities at a good pace.

While the game concludes with multiple endings that slightly disrupt the flow, Skate Story generally maintains a good pace. It consistently keeps things fresh with fast-paced sections, open areas to explore, and creative boss battles, constantly showcasing how enjoyable it is to play.

The presentation style is key to the overall experience. Its mix of unusual visuals, fantastic music, and writing – ranging from beautiful to absurd – creates something truly one-of-a-kind. The atmosphere is dark, melancholic, and defiant, and it delivers this distinctive energy with remarkable ease.

Honestly, one of the biggest disappointments for me was that after finishing the story, you can’t just go back to the open world areas to explore. You have to start a completely new game, losing all your progress! It feels like a pretty big missed opportunity, and I’m really hoping they patch it so we can revisit those levels after the credits roll.

I’ve realized there’s a point in the game where things get really tough, and honestly, it seems like the best strategy is to just avoid the final level for now. I’m having so much fun unlocking new boards and discovering everything this cool, challenging skateboarding game has to offer in its dark and gritty world – I’m happy just staying here and enjoying that!

For as long as it’s available, this game is easily one of the most original and visually captivating skating experiences you’ll find, and we admire its determination to be different.

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2025-12-08 20:07