Best Skateboard Games of All Time

Skateboarding has long been a popular activity among young people, with its roots in the surf culture of California and a history that spans several decades. Over the years, skateboarding has become more than just a recreational pursuit, evolving into a cultural phenomenon with its own distinct style, music, and language. In addition to the physical act of skateboarding, video games have also played a significant role in the rise of skateboarding culture, allowing players to experience the thrill of the sport from the comfort of their own homes. From the classic arcade-style gameplay of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series to the more realistic and physics-based mechanics of the Skate series, skating games have offered players a variety of experiences and gameplay styles. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best skateboard games of all time, exploring their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and impact on the culture of skateboarding.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater Series

The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series is a hugely popular franchise of skateboarding video games that has been around since 1999. Developed by Neversoft and published by Activision, the series has seen numerous entries on various platforms over the years. Here's what you need to know about the tony hawk games:

Gameplay: The gameplay in tony hawk pro skater is focused on completing a series of objectives in various levels as a skater. Objectives typically include performing tricks, collecting items, reaching specific areas within the level, and achieving a high score. As you progress through the game, you unlock new levels and characters to play as, as well as new tricks and abilities.

Characters: One of the key features of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series is the inclusion of real-world skaters as playable characters. The tony hawk game featured Tony Hawk, Bob Burnquist, and other famous skaters, and subsequent games have added even more. Each skater has their own unique set of stats and special tricks.

Levels: The levels in the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series are inspired by real-world skateboarding spots, such as Venice Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, and Marseille, France. Each level has its own set of objectives and challenges, and some levels include hidden areas that can be unlocked by performing specific tricks or actions.

Tricks: The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series is known for its large and varied trick list, which includes both real-world skateboarding tricks and fictional ones. Tricks can be performed in combinations to create unique and stylish combos, and players can earn bonuses for performing tricks in quick succession or while grinding on rails or other objects.

Music: One of the defining features of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series is its soundtrack. The games feature a mix of punk, hip-hop, and alternative rock music, with songs from bands such as The Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion, and Goldfinger.

Legacy: The Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series has had a huge impact on both skateboarding culture and video game culture. The games have helped to popularize skateboarding and bring it to a wider audience, and have inspired numerous other skateboarding games over the years. The series is also known for its fun and addictive gameplay, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack, making it a beloved franchise for many gamers.

Skate Series

The Skate series is a popular skateboarding game franchise developed by EA Black Box and published by Electronic Arts. The series started in 2007 with the release of the first game, simply titled "Skate", and has since seen two sequels. Here's what you need to know about the series:

Gameplay: The gameplay in the Skate series is focused on more realistic and physics-based mechanics than the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. The game uses a dual analog stick control scheme that allows players to control the movement of their skater's feet individually, allowing for a greater range of tricks and a more realistic feel. The game also features a "flick it" mechanic that allows players to perform tricks by flicking the right analog stick in different directions. Skate also started the more realistic skateboarding genre.

Characters: The Skate series does not feature real-world skaters as playable characters, but instead allows players to create and customize their own skater. The game includes a variety of clothing and skateboard brands to choose from, as well as different hairstyles, tattoos, and other customization options.

Locations: The Skate series features a variety of real-world skateboarding spots, such as San Francisco, Barcelona, and Tokyo. Each location includes a variety of challenges and objectives to complete, as well as hidden spots and challenges to discover.

Tricks: The Skate series features a large and varied trick list, including both real-world tricks and fictional ones. The game's physics-based mechanics allow for a greater degree of control over the skater's movements, allowing players to perform unique and creative tricks.

Multiplayer: The Skate series includes online multiplayer modes that allow players to compete against each other in various challenges and events. The game also includes a "Hall of Meat" mode, which challenges players to perform the most brutal and bone-breaking crashes possible.

Legacy: The Skate series has been praised for its realistic and satisfying gameplay, as well as its attention to detail and authenticity in its representation of skateboarding culture. The game has inspired a new generation of skaters and gamers, and has had a significant impact on the skateboarding video game genre. While the series has not seen a new entry since Skate 3 in 2010, fans of the series continue to hope for a fourth installment in the future.

Olliolli Series

The OlliOlli series is a popular skateboarding video game franchise developed by Roll7 and published by Devolver Digital. The series started in 2014 with the release of the first game, simply titled "OlliOlli", and has since seen a sequel and a spin-off. Here's what you need to know about the series:

Gameplay: The gameplay in the OlliOlli series is focused on 2D side-scrolling skateboarding, with a focus on performing tricks and combos with precision timing. The game uses a simple two-button control scheme that allows players to perform a variety of tricks, such as grinds, flips, and spins, by combining different button inputs. The game also features a "manual" mechanic that allows players to continue their combos by balancing on the skateboard's wheels.

Levels: The levels in the OlliOlli series are handcrafted and feature a variety of obstacles and challenges to overcome. Each level has a set of objectives to complete, such as achieving a high score, performing specific tricks, or collecting items. The game also includes a "daily grind" mode that features a new randomly generated level each day for players to compete on.

Characters: The OlliOlli series does not feature real-world skaters as playable characters, but instead allows players to create and customize their own skater. The game includes a variety of clothing and skateboard customization options, as well as different tricks and abilities to unlock.

Music: One of the defining features of the OlliOlli series is its soundtrack, which features a mix of electronic, hip-hop, and indie rock music. The game's music is designed to match the fast-paced and intense gameplay, and includes tracks from artists such as Kid Koala, Four Tet, and The Qemists.

Legacy: The OlliOlli series has been praised for its addictive and challenging gameplay, as well as its unique 2D art style and soundtrack. The game has inspired a new generation of skateboarding games, and has had a significant impact on the indie gaming scene. While the series has not seen a new entry since OlliOlli World in 2021, fans of the series continue to hope for more games in the future.

Session

Session is a popular skateboarding video game developed by Crea-ture Studios and published by Microsoft Studios. The game was first released in early access in 2019 and officially launched in 2020. Here's what you need to know about the game:

Gameplay: The gameplay in Session is focused on realistic and physics-based mechanics, similar to the Skate series. The game uses a dual analog stick control scheme that allows players to control the movement of their skater's feet individually, allowing for a greater range of tricks and a more realistic feel. The game also features a "film" mode that allows players to capture and edit their skateboarding footage.

Levels: Session features a variety of real-world skateboarding spots, such as the Brooklyn Banks and Courthouse Ledges. The game includes a variety of challenges and objectives to complete in each location, as well as hidden spots and challenges to discover.

Tricks: The trick system in Session is focused on realism and authenticity, with a large and varied trick list that includes both real-world and fictional tricks. The game's physics-based mechanics allow for a greater degree of control over the skater's movements, allowing players to perform unique and creative tricks.

Characters: Session does not feature real-world skaters as playable characters, but instead allows players to create and customize their own skater. The game includes a variety of clothing and skateboard brands to choose from, as well as different hairstyles, tattoos, and other customization options.

Multiplayer: Session includes online multiplayer modes that allow players to compete against each other in various challenges and events. The game also includes a "film contest" mode, which challenges players to create the best skateboarding video using the game's film mode.

Legacy: Session has been praised for its realistic and challenging gameplay, as well as its attention to detail and authenticity in its representation of skateboarding culture. The game has inspired a new generation of skaters and gamers, and has had a significant impact on the skateboarding video game genre. While the game has not seen any major updates or expansions since its launch, fans of the game continue to enjoy its challenging and rewarding gameplay.

Skater XL

Skater XL is a popular skateboarding video game developed by Easy Day Studios and published by Easy Day Studios and Sold Out. The game was first released in early access in 2018 and officially launched in 2020. Here's what you need to know about the game:

Gameplay: The gameplay in Skater XL is focused on realistic and physics-based mechanics, similar to the Skate and Session series. The game uses a dual analog stick control scheme that allows players to control the movement of their skater's feet individually, allowing for a greater range of tricks and a more realistic feel. The game also features a "map editor" mode that allows players to create and share their own skate parks and spots.

Levels: Skater XL features a variety of real-world skateboarding spots, such as the West LA Courthouse and the Embarcadero. The game includes a variety of challenges and objectives to complete in each location, as well as hidden spots and challenges to discover.

Tricks: The trick system in Skater XL is focused on realism and authenticity, with a large and varied trick list that includes both real-world and fictional tricks. The game's physics-based mechanics allow for a greater degree of control over the skater's movements, allowing players to perform unique and creative tricks.

Characters: Skater XL does not feature real-world skaters as playable characters, but instead allows players to choose from a variety of fictional skaters with different styles and abilities. The game includes a variety of clothing and skateboard brands to choose from, as well as different hairstyles and customization options.

Multiplayer: Skater XL does not feature any online multiplayer modes, but instead focuses on community-driven content creation and sharing. The game includes a robust map editor that allows players to create and share their own skate parks and spots, as well as a replay editor that allows players to capture and share their best tricks and runs.

Legacy: Skater XL has been praised for its realistic and challenging gameplay, as well as its attention to detail and authenticity in its representation of skateboarding culture. The game has inspired a new generation of skaters and gamers, and has had a significant impact on the skateboarding video game genre. The game has seen several major updates and expansions since its launch, including new maps and features, and has a dedicated community of players who continue to create and share new content.

Thrasher Skate and Destroy

Thrasher: Skate and Destroy is a skateboarding video game that was first released in 1999 for the Sony PlayStation. The game was developed by Z-Axis and published by Rockstar Games.

The game is named after Thrasher Magazine, which is a popular skateboarding magazine that has been in circulation since 1981. The game features real-world skaters and locations, and players can choose to play as one of several professional skaters, including Bob Burnquist, Ed Templeton, and Jamie Thomas.

Gameplay: Thrasher: Skate and Destroy is a skateboarding video game that focuses on completing various objectives within a time limit. These objectives can include performing specific tricks, reaching certain areas, or competing in skateboarding competitions. The game also features a free skate mode, where players can skate around without any specific goals or objectives. One unique feature of the game is the "Thrasher Hall of Meat" mode, where players can deliberately try to injure their skater character by performing dangerous stunts and crashes.

Characters: The game features several real-world professional skaters, including Bob Burnquist, Ed Templeton, and Jamie Thomas. Players can choose to play as one of these skaters or create their own custom skater with unique stats and abilities.

Levels: The game features various real-world locations, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Each level has its own set of objectives to complete and challenges to overcome.

Tricks: Thrasher: Skate and Destroy features a wide variety of tricks that players can perform, including kickflips, grinds, and aerials. Each skater has their own set of tricks that they can perform, and players can also create their own custom trick lists.

Music: The game features a soundtrack of punk and alternative rock music, with songs from bands such as Suicidal Tendencies, Social Distortion, and The Offspring.

Legacy: Although the game received mixed reviews upon release, it has gained a cult following among skateboarding and video game enthusiasts. It is considered a classic title in the skateboarding video game genre and is often cited as an influence on later games such as the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series. The "Thrasher Hall of Meat" mode has also become a popular feature in later games, and the game's realistic skateboarding mechanics have been praised for their accuracy and attention to detail.

Shaun White Skateboarding

Shaun White Skateboarding is a skateboarding video game that was released in 2010 for various gaming platforms, including PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. The game was developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft.

The game features professional snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White as the main character and guide. The story takes place in a fictional city called "New San Vanelona" that has been stripped of its color and creativity by a sinister corporation called "Mongocorp". The player's objective is to restore color and life to the city by performing skateboarding tricks and completing objectives

Gameplay: Shaun White Skateboarding is a skateboarding video game that takes place in a fictional city called "New San Vanelona". The game features a unique gameplay system called "Build, Create, and Skate", which allows players to use their skateboarding skills to "build" and "create" new structures and obstacles in the environment, which they can then use to perform tricks and complete objectives. The game also features a "Hall of Meat" mode, where players can deliberately try to injure their skater character by performing dangerous stunts and crashes.

Characters: The game features professional snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White as the main character and guide. Players can customize their own character's appearance and skateboarding gear as they progress through the game.

Levels: The game takes place in a fictional city called "New San Vanelona" that has been stripped of its color and creativity by a sinister corporation called "Mongocorp". Players must restore color and life to the city by performing skateboarding tricks and completing objectives.

Tricks: Shaun White Skateboarding features a wide variety of skateboarding tricks and moves that players can perform, including grinds, aerials, and flips. As players progress through the game, they can unlock new tricks and abilities to customize their character's moveset.

Music: The game features a soundtrack of rock, punk, and hip-hop music, with songs from artists such as Weezer, Nas, and The Hives.

Legacy: Although the game received mixed reviews upon release, it has gained a small following among skateboarding and video game enthusiasts. The game's unique "Build, Create, and Skate" gameplay system has been praised for its creativity, and the game is considered a unique entry in the skateboarding video game genre. However, the game's lack of challenge and repetitive objectives have been criticized.

Transworld Skateboarding Series

Transworld Skateboarding is also the name of a skateboarding video game that was released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 console. Here are some key things to know about the game.

Gameplay: Transworld Skateboarding is a skateboarding simulation game that allows players to control a virtual skateboarder and perform a variety of tricks and moves. The game features a career mode where players progress through a series of challenges and competitions, as well as a free skate mode that allows players to explore and practice their skills in a variety of different environments.

Characters: Players can customize their own virtual skateboarder with a variety of different clothing and gear options, including hats, shirts, pants, and shoes. The game also features several unlockable characters that can be used in the game's various modes.

Levels: Transworld Skateboarding features several different environments for players to skate in, including parks, streets, and ramps. Each level features a variety of different obstacles and challenges for players to overcome, and players can unlock new levels as they progress through the game.

Tricks: The game features a wide variety of skateboarding tricks and moves that players can perform using a combination of button inputs and joystick movements. These include basic tricks such as ollies, kickflips, and grinds, as well as more advanced moves like 360 flips and nollie 360 flips. Players can also string together different tricks to create combos and earn higher scores.

Music: Transworld Skateboarding features a soundtrack that includes a variety of punk and hip-hop tracks from popular artists such as Jurassic 5, X-Ecutioners, and The Misfits. The music can be customized and edited using the game's jukebox feature.

Legacy: While not as well-known as some other skateboarding games from the early 2000s, Transworld Skateboarding has developed a cult following among skateboarding video game fans. The game is remembered for its realistic approach to skateboarding simulation and unique style, and is still played and discussed by gamers and skateboarders today.

Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure

Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure is a skateboarding video game that was released in 2003 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube consoles.

Gameplay: Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure is a skateboarding video game that features a variety of skateboarding challenges and events based on three popular Disney animated movies: Toy Story, The Lion King, and Tarzan. Players control a character from one of the movies and must complete various objectives and earn high scores in order to progress through the game's levels.

Characters: Players can choose to play as different characters from each of the three movies, including Woody and Buzz from Toy Story, Simba and Nala from The Lion King, and Tarzan and Jane from Tarzan. Each character has their own unique skateboarding abilities and special moves.

Levels: The game features a variety of levels based on locations and scenes from the three movies. These include Andy's House from Toy Story, Pride Rock from The Lion King, and the Jungle from Tarzan. Each level features a variety of different skateboarding challenges and obstacles for players to overcome.

Tricks: Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure features a variety of skateboarding tricks and moves that players can perform using a combination of button inputs and joystick movements. These include basic tricks such as ollies, grinds, and flips, as well as more advanced moves like 360 flips and heelflips. Players can also earn special moves and abilities unique to their chosen character.

Music: The game features a soundtrack that includes a variety of music styles, including punk, ska, and hip-hop. The music features both original tracks and covers of popular songs, and adds to the game's fun and energetic vibe.

Legacy: Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the game's fun and creative approach to skateboarding gameplay, while others felt that the game lacked depth and replay value. Despite this, the game has maintained a dedicated fanbase and is remembered for its unique blend of Disney animation and skateboarding culture. The game has also been cited as an early example of cross-promotion between the gaming and entertainment industries, paving the way for future collaborations and crossovers.

Street Sk8er Series

The Street Sk8er series is a skateboarding video game series that was released for the PlayStation console in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Gameplay: The Street Sk8er series is a skateboarding video game series for the PlayStation console. The games feature an open-world environment where players can explore and perform tricks. The gameplay includes a variety of skateboarding challenges and events.

Characters: The series features a cast of unique skaters, each with their own style and set of tricks. Some of the characters include Eddie, Gino, Kati, and Alex, among others.

Levels: The games include a variety of levels based on real-world locations and fictional locations. Players can skate through Venice Beach boardwalk, a medieval castle, and an abandoned factory. Each level features a variety of skateboarding challenges and obstacles.

Tricks: Players can perform a variety of skateboarding tricks and moves using a combination of button inputs and joystick movements. Basic tricks include ollies, grinds, and flips, while advanced moves like 360 flips and heelflips are also available.

Music: The games feature soundtracks that include a variety of music styles such as punk rock, alternative, and hip-hop. The music adds to the game's energetic and fast-paced atmosphere.

Legacy: The Street Sk8er series was generally well-received upon its release, with critics praising the games' engaging gameplay, unique cast of characters, and locations. The games were also noted for their use of an open-world environment, which was relatively uncommon in skateboarding games at the time. However, the series has been overshadowed by other skateboarding games such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Skate, and has not seen a new release since Street Sk8er 2 in 2000. Despite this, the games remain a nostalgic favorite among fans of skateboarding games from the PlayStation era.

Conclusion

From the early days of arcade-style gameplay to the more recent focus on realism and player control, skateboarding games have played an important role in the evolution of skateboarding culture. Through these games, players have been able to experience the thrill of skateboarding, perform gravity-defying tricks, and explore a variety of locations and challenges. While some games have focused on arcade-style fun and over-the-top action, others have emphasized realism and player creativity, giving players the tools and freedom to create their own unique skating experiences. No matter the approach, skateboarding games have left an indelible mark on gaming history and skateboarding culture, inspiring a new generation of skaters and gamers alike. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the classic Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games or a newcomer to the Skate series, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of skateboarding games and experience the thrill for yourself.