The multiplayer in Skate It comes in the form of a pass-the-controller-style party mode. There are a number of games like highest score, best trick, and best line, but the inconsistent controls add too much luck to the affair. You might be hoping for a high-scoring 180 pop shuvit, but instead you'll get a worthless ollie.
Skate It makes a great first impression with its slick menus and home-movie style, but that style doesn't carry over to the actual game. The in-game graphics are impressive, though everything does look a little blurry. There are plenty of name-brand clothes to dress your skater in, but there are few customization options when it comes to his or her physical appearance. Facial options, for example, range from ugly to horrifying to what looks like Andy Samberg in drag. At least your attractiveness-challenged skater animates well, realistically flipping the board and shifting weight. Despite their dull appearance, most of the levels are set up well, and many have sections that let you move objects to construct your own sweet lines. Those familiar with Skate will recognize the city, but it's been changed in some interesting ways. The destruction in San Vanelona has affected almost every landmark, leaving skateable debris and rubble everywhere. Even if you've put hours into Skate already, you'll find enough changes to make the city worth visiting again.
The music offers an eclectic selection including Judas Priest, LL Cool J, and variety of lesser-known artists. There are a few duds in the tracklist, but most of it is great skating music. The voice work from your cameraman and various pro skaters is good and often encouraging, but sometimes it comes through sounding muffled. The skating sound effects are terrific, with every texture and surface emitting a different sound.
It's not saying much, but despite its disappointments, Skate It is still the best skateboarding game on the Wii. It's a step in the right direction in delivering a satisfying living-room skateboarding experience, but ultimately, it's not worth the cash in this crowded holiday season.
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Where to buy
Skate It (Wii):
$18.17 - $19.95
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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$18.17 | Yes |
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$18.99 | Yes |
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$19.95 | No |
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