![]() ![]() Levels take place in a similar setting to the Micro Machines series of video games, with small-scaled "bird-sized skateparks" taking place across play areas of a house across real-life objects such as pencils, erasers, and other desktop type items. It will be heading to Xbox Game Pass on day one for both PC and console.The game plays similarly to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series of video games, except for the player controlling a small bird on a skateboard instead of a human. Skatebird is currently scheduled for release on August 12, 2021, for PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Some players may find the objectives tough, but the idea is to not give up and never let stress get to you. More than simply just completing objectives, Glass Bottom Games has seemingly crafted the perfect zen game to zone out with. While I'm always one for challenge in games, I do occasionally enjoy a more chilled-out experience where I can just goof around for a bit. I can't make any definitive calls about Skatebird at the moment, but this latest demo has intrigued me quite a bit. There is always a chance that updates down the line might add a competitive mode, but it won't be there for launch. Skatebird is all about the solo journey, so playing with your friends isn't in the cards. It would be interesting to see custom soundtracks get supported, but then you could always throw on Spotify or Pandora in the background while muting the in-game music.Ībout the only real lacking thing I could tell from the demo is an absence of multiplayer. Again, it evokes the feeling of Tony Hawk and skate culture, just through different means. ![]() The soundtrack for Skatebird is completely original and doesn't contain any licensed tracks. To help encourage exploration, there are hidden collectibles in the maps that will unlock different skateboards and clothes to adorn your bird with along with new songs. ![]() This demo contained only one map, but familiarizing myself with the controls and completing each objective lasted me around an hour. I found it tough not to laugh while playing Skatebird due to the absurdity of everything. ![]() It’s the kind of idiosyncratic, abstract comedy that people remember Monty Python for, just featuring a bird with a mohawk and a cape. I didn't pay too much attention to the story in the demo, but each mission starts off with dialogue between you, the bird asking for a certain task, and a big seagull. Related: Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 On Switch Is Now My Go-To Airplane Game The entire vibe of Skatebird is to be a relaxing game and Glass Bottom has definitely nailed that. It's certainly charming to see your bird rolling around after falling, flailing around with simple ragdoll physics. It certainly evokes the feeling of the Tony Hawk games, just with a more forgiving skate model that doesn't punish you as harshly for bails. The demo featured a decent selection of objectives, with my favorite being grinding across power lines between buildings. Once you do, a timer will begin and you'll be tasked with either collecting some items or pulling off tricks at specific spots. You'll have all the time in the world to hop around levels and learn their layouts before approaching other birds for missions. Those aforementioned tasks you can complete aren't given to you at the start of levels in a rapid-fire list. Interestingly, Skatebird takes more inspiration from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 than the earlier entries. Your overall score is not the goal and combos are extremely forgiving, so high scores are possible but not the intention. The control scheme is simple, intuitive, and doesn't reinvent the wheel here, mapping basic tricks to single button presses. Playing the role of a bird on a skateboard, you'll find somewhat floaty physics that let you delay your descent as you pull off radical tricks from half-pipes, grind rails, and small ramps. You'll be dropped into small-ish sandbox levels that let you explore to your heart's content before taking on a selection of different tasks. If you're unfamiliar with how Tony Hawk's Pro Skater plays and feels, Skatebird is relatively similar. Realistically, though, think of Skatebird as an entry-level Tony Hawk title. This game will definitely not scratch the itch of those looking for the arcade thrills that Tony Hawk provides, but then you can't dress a bird up in aviators and jump across buildings in Hawk's games. I've been playing the demo over the past week and I'm consistently charmed at the laid-back vibe that Skatebird has going on. I would say it does, especially after playing the latest demo that was uploaded for PAX East Online 2021 - special thanks to Glass Bottom Games for giving me early access to that. ![]()
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