A sublime skateboarding game
When you first play a new game, you’re waiting for that moment – almost like a hook in a song. So many games fail to deliver a valid reason to stick with it early in the experience.
- Oh… that’s nice.
Right from the start, OlliOlli2 just feels right. During the very first tutorial, I was already hooked. My little skater dude took off running with his board, and then smoothly dropped it and hopped on. On-screen prompts walked me through the basic controls, and in matter of moments I was doing kickflips and ollies like a champ.
- Here’s me – being a champ. Seriously, look at all those points. I’m so good at games.
The simple, sharp controls combined with the level design and challenge system make for a lovable and additive little package.
Easy to play, Tough to master
It only took a few levels for me to realize a stark reality: I’m not very good at this game.
- Instantly regretting all my life decisions
Yes, I stumbled and fumbled and lucked out on my way to the end of the first dozen or so levels without really getting stuck. But when I looked at my ‘star rating’ for each of them, I saw an embarrassing drop off.
Time to roll up my sleeves and start chasing down these challenges.
Achieve a score threshold. Perform 7 perfect grinds. Collect the movie tickets.
The challenges were simple at first, but quickly ramped up in difficulty. 35x combo on some crazy level in the lava-filled Aztec ruins? Took a few tries, but when I finally got it… that felt GOOD. It helps build confidence in tackling some of the challenges that follow.
- YEAH!!!
Oh, and I just now realized that I’m only on the “Amateur” tracks. There’s Pro difficulty up next. And then a difficulty called “rad” which I don’t believe is actually rad at all.
God help me…
- Completely normal.
I love this game.
- There’s an actual tragedy happening at the amusement park.
