Grinding hell and riding the moon
Skate Story is an artistic skateboarding game where the player takes on the role of a demon in the underworld. Developed by Sam Eng, in this surreal experience, you play as a glass-bodied demon skating through nine layers of the Underworld with a bizarre mission: skate to the Moon and devour it to earn your freedom.
Skate Story’s unusual premise sets the tone for a game that blends the physicality of skating with poetic symbolism and philosophical undertones, turning what could be a traditional skate sim into an expressive, atmospheric journey.
Skate through hell
Skate Story focuses on core skateboarding mechanics, but it does so with a specific rhythm and intent. Building combos isn’t just about scoring; your trick lines feed into a “soul combo” system that allows you to STOMP and deal damage to demons and obstacles in key encounters. The trick controls emphasize timing and variation, where repeating the same move yields lesser combo growth compared to mixing techniques, adding a strategic layer.
While this arcade game’s plot involves a strong supernatural element, the core skating mechanics of the game are solid, meaning it should appeal to players who are more interested in the skating aspect of the game than the story. Players can perform a range of tricks, including grinding, ollies, kickflips, and more. Failing to land a trick causes the glass demon player to be smashed to pieces.
A unique but imperfect skate experience
Skate Story truly excels in its ambition and artistic voice, as it’s rare for a skateboarding game to feel like a meditation on struggle and transcendence as much as a platform for tricks. That said, its controls and pacing can be polarizing. Some players find the trick-based input system less fluid than analog stick skating found in other titles, and certain linear segments or level designs may feel punishing for those expecting more open, freer skateparks.
Since launch, this game has been widely discussed and celebrated for its visuals and soundtrack, though players indicate minor issues like bugs and optimization are being actively tracked and worked on by the developer and QA teams. Players have reported some bugs related to the camera and progression, with developers acknowledging reports on official channels and suggesting fixes in future patches. This ongoing attention hints at future refinements that could polish performance and quality-of-life features over time.
Skating toward the moon
Skate Story is a bold, atmospheric skateboarding experience that blends expressive trick-based gameplay with surreal storytelling and striking artistic vision. Its underworld setting, poetic themes, and inventive soul combo system make it stand out from traditional skate sims. While the controls and pacing may not appeal to everyone, its ambition, soundtrack, and ongoing developer support make it a memorable journey for players seeking something unconventional and emotionally resonant.
