The reveredSkateseries is finally coming to the Xbox Game Pass.SkateandSkate 3, released in 2007 and 2010, were originally Xbox 360 titles that can now be played on the Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X. Though no game from theSkatefranchise is available on PC, it’s a more than welcome inclusion to this round of Game Pass additions.
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There are a lot of significant differences between the first title and its third entry, though. Many fans consider the originalSkateto be the ultimate skateboarding experience in video games; hwoever,Skate 3has a lot to offer thatthe original game did not. Ultimately, it’s best to try both games and see which feels better for the player — but what are the pros and cons of each?
7Skate 1 Feels The Best To Control
Skatewas a revolutionary game upon release. Other skateboarding games, mostnotably theTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterseries, had players pull off tricks with simple button inputs that often defy real-life physics and human ability.Skate 3has a similar problem, in that controls aren’t as complex but lead to some ridiculous tricks that don’t make physical sense.
The originalSkate, though, still stands as an incredibly satisfying skating experience. The player can’t get off of their board and run around like inSkate 2andSkate 3. This forces players to find good trick spots while constantly on the move. The thumb stick controls were pretty well perfected in the game’s simple environment, making things feel a bit more intuitive and realistic.
6Skate 3 Offers Good Online Playability
One of the major benefits ofSkate 3on the Xbox Game Pass is the inclusion of online playability. InSkateit is not possible to play online with others, butSkate 3opens up this functionalityto a wide range of activities. The Hall of Meat, Trick Competitions, and Co-Op are just a few of the available options for playingSkate 3with friends.
Unfortunately, the games do not feature local multiplayer on the Xbox Game Pass. ThoughSkatehas a few fun alternative game modes,Skate 3still takes the prize for multiplayer. It offers a huge variety of wacky game modes and multiplayer features not present in the original title.
5Skate 1 Features More “Skater Culture”
WhereSkate 2andSkate 3put the player in the shoes of a relatively established skater,Skate 1starts the player at the very beginning of their journey to the top. As such, it features a lot more of the skater aesthetic. Grungy vibes and great, subtle trick spots are absolutely everywhere on its relatively small map.
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It’s a bit more realistic in terms of places that skaters would actually choose to try out some tricks. WhereSkate 2andSkate 3have a lot of bizarre spots,Skatekeeps things grounded. Players won’t find an endless tunnel, but they might find a plaza with perfectly spaced grindable benches near a set of stairs.
4Skate 3 Is Prettier Than The Previous Two
As typical of sequels in a game franchise,Skate 3is miles better-looking than the original title released three years earlier. They both came out for the same console, butSkate 3is better optimized and makes full use of the Xbox 360’s capabilities.
Additionally, whileSkatehas a very grungy, realistic atmosphere throughout map design and color scheme,Skate 3is much more vibrant.Colors really pop in this11-year-old title, enough to hide some of the era’s graphical capabilities.
3Skate 1 Has Less Realistic Physics
As graphics improved with the series, so too did the game engine’s capability to handle physics.Skateis an incredibly fun, satisfying experience that’s still miles ahead of modern skating games. Where it falters a little bit, though, is exact grinds, exact landing, and time spent in the air.
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Even though the game is still more difficult than its contemporary titles,Skatedoes feel a little floaty sometimes. It doesn’t have as fine attention to physics detail asSkate 2orSkate 3, and not being able to get off the board makespush-offs feel unrealistically strong.
2Skate 3’s World Feels Generic
One complaint that fans of theSkateseries had with the third entry was how bland its world felt.Skate 1andSkate 2featured realistic-looking maps with subtle skating spots built into the environment; however,Skate 3is much more comfortable with offering players both bland and ridiculous locations. It just doesn’t pay much attention to world design.
Some fans have comparedSkate 3toThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as both titles are themost popular in their respective franchisesdespite having a less detailed world to explore.Skateencourages players to find their own way and create their own fun, whileSkate 3offers cool moments and locations with little effort involved on the player’s part.
1The Verdict: Skate 1 vs Skate 3
Ultimately, the decision to play the firstSkatetitle orSkate 3is an individual choice. There’s no objective fact that dictates which one is better than the other.Skateis a satisfying skating experience with a great world and satisfying skating mechanics. On the other hand,Skate 3is much nicerto look at, and has an easier learning curve for beginners to its control scheme.
Either way, theSkategames are quite unlike other skating video games of their ilk. The unique control scheme, the real skating inspirations, and the light RPG mechanics involved in upgrading one’s character make them worth playing. These are two games that any skating enthusiast (or fan of combo-oriented games) should experience on the Game Pass.
