Skate or Die (1987)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Skate or Die (1987)

Overview

Skate or Die is a skateboarding video game developed by Electronic Arts and released for the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, MSX, Amiga, Atari ST, and DOS in 1987. The game was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988 and to the Sega Master System in 1989.

Skate or Die is one of the earliest skateboarding games, and it is credited with helping to popularize the sport. The game features simple but addictive gameplay, iconic graphics, and a variety of challenging levels. Players control a skateboarder and must navigate through a series of obstacles, ramps, and jumps in order to reach the finish line. The game also features a variety of tricks that players can perform, such as ollies, kickflips, and 360s.

Gameplay

Skate or Die is a side-scrolling skateboarding game. Players control a skateboarder and must navigate through a series of levels, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. The goal of the game is to reach the finish line without falling off your skateboard.

Players can control the skateboarder’s speed and direction using the joystick or arrow keys. The A button is used to jump, and the B button is used to perform tricks. Players can also grind on rails and walls by holding down the A button while moving against them.

The game features a variety of different obstacles, such as ramps, jumps, gaps, and cones. Players must carefully navigate these obstacles in order to avoid falling off their skateboard. The game also features a variety of different enemies, such as pedestrians, dogs, and police officers. Players must avoid these enemies or risk being knocked off their skateboard.

Levels

The game features a total of 10 levels, each with its own unique theme and challenges. The first level is a simple skatepark, while the later levels are more complex and challenging. Some of the later levels feature moving obstacles, such as swinging axes and conveyor belts.

Tricks

Players can perform a variety of different tricks in Skate or Die. These tricks can be used to score points, gain speed, or avoid obstacles. Some of the tricks that players can perform include:

  • Ollie: The ollie is a basic trick that allows players to jump over obstacles.
  • Kickflip: The kickflip is a more advanced trick that allows players to flip their skateboard in the air.
  • 360: The 360 is a difficult trick that allows players to spin their skateboard 360 degrees in the air.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Skate or Die are simple but iconic. The characters and environments are all rendered in a cartoonish style, and the game features a bright and colorful palette. The game’s soundtrack is also catchy and memorable, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and energy.

Reception

Skate or Die was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, iconic graphics, and challenging levels. The game was also a major hit with skateboarding fans, and it helped to popularize the sport.

Skate or Die has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game is considered to be one of the classic skateboarding games, and it is still one of the most popular skateboarding games ever made.

Legacy

Skate or Die is one of the most important skateboarding games ever made. The game helped to popularize the sport and it inspired a number of other skateboarding games. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay and iconic graphics have made it a classic, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Here are some of the reasons why Skate or Die is considered to be one of the most important skateboarding games ever made:

  • It was one of the first skateboarding games ever released.
  • It helped to popularize the sport of skateboarding.
  • It inspired a number of other skateboarding games.
  • It has simple but addictive gameplay.
  • It features iconic graphics.
  • It is still enjoyed by gamers today.

If you are a fan of skateboarding games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Skate or Die. The game is a classic for a reason, and it is still one of the most fun and challenging skateboarding games ever made.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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