SkateBIRD Preview: Flying High | Screen Rant
Glass Bottom Games has released the demo for SkateBIRD on Steam, ahead of its planned launch during PAX Online. Screen Rant had an early chance to try out the demo, to see if SkateBIRD has what it takes to keep up with the biggest Hawk in the skating genre.
SkateBIRD is, as the name implies, a skating game that features birds. The game was delayed from 2020 to 2021 in order to add a story mode. The demo doesn't get into the lore of the SkateBIRD, however. Like the original demo for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on the PS1, the SkateBIRD preview gives the player a single level to explore, so that they can perform tricks and complete some basic missions.
The only level in the SkateBIRD demo contains a group of small rooftops, which have their own air vents and electric wires, all of which can be used to facilitate tricks. There are, of course, ramps spread around the map as well. The gameplay style of SkateBIRD is more akin to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games than Skate, as it's relatively easy to pull off moves, slide along wires, and balance on the edge of ramps. Once the player has picked up the controls, they'll be performing sick flips with their avian avatars in short order.
The player has a ton of options for their playable avatar, with a number of different birds and accessories to choose from. This is an aesthetic choice and there is no difference in the skill level of the birds. There are also birds spread around each stage which act as quest-givers. The missions are standard skating game fare, as they involve collecting items within a short period of time or hitting a high score in a single combo. SkateBIRD also has a dedicated screeching button (titled "Screm"), for people who want to make random bird noises during their run.
SkateBIRD doesn't do anything new with the skating genre, but it's bursting with character. The birds are all adorable, and the low-fi soundtrack with its bird noises is a welcome change from the early '00s punk rock songs that often typify the genre. The finished game will include stages that are meant to reflect the small stature of the birds, in a similar manner to the old Micro Machines games, but the stage in the demo isn't particularly interesting, mostly existing to show off the mechanics of the game.
One issue with the SkateBIRD demo is a lack of polish, as there are some issues involving the camera accurately following the action. There are also a few collision bugs involving the ramps. SkateBIRD is set to launch in August, which means there isn't much time to iron out any remaining bugs. With that being said, SkateBIRD is a fun, light-hearted take on the skating genre, and it will be interesting to see what the developers have planned for the full version of the game, especially in its story mode.
SkateBIRD will be released for PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One on August 12, 2021. The demo is available now on Steam.