System: X360, PS3
Dev: EA Black Box
Pub: Electronic Arts
Release: Sep. 14, 2007
Players: 1-6
ESRB Rating: Teen
Review by Justin Conte

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

One of the most enjoyable online features though is the ability to edit and upload your videos to the official website to be viewed and voted upon by other skaters. I found myself watching others clips in order to learn what spots I may not have noticed and what lines I may never have known were possible. The video editing is simple to use, but still allows you to get just abut any shot you could desire. Kudos to Black Box for getting it right with this feature.

The sound track and effects are exceptional, with every fall and grind sounding true-to-life. When you fall, you'll cringe hearing flesh against concrete, but when you pull off a grind, you'll feel satisfaction hearing the board slide off with perfection. The music doesn't get in the way of you feeling the moment, instead adding to the atmosphere and letting you know when you've found an especially sweet spot.

You're sure to find the hours disappear, as what feels like a half-hour skate session in reality was a four hour marathon. There's an immense amount of value here, and even dozens of hours and you're sure to still be finding spots you missed or new lines you couldn't have pulled off before. Even with its flaws, Skate is an amazing first attempt at a genre which has been stagnant for years. My interest in skateboard games has been nonexistent up until now, but I find myself unable to put skate down. There's room for improvements in the inevitable sequel, but this one isn't to be missed by anyone with even a passing interest in the sport.

By Justin Conte
CCC Freelance Writer

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