VR Skater Critic Reviews

A blistering challenge and a steep learning curve await but if you persevere through the difficulties there is a great feeling VR game and an impressive skating game too. Deficit Games have done an exceptional job to feel authentic whilst remaining arcadey and fun. Outside of the great gameplay and entertaining levels is a flawed sense of progression but it’s a great first attempt.

Challenging without being unfair, accessible without being patronising. It might be the VR skating experience you’ve dreamed of (if you dreamed of using your hands).

The probably most realistic skateboard simulation convinces in terms of handling and gameplay, but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of scope. Due to the relatively expensive price, it is not an unqualified purchase recommendation for the time being.

Overall, VR Skater offers a unique skateboard experience, despite not taking full advantage of the power of the PSVR 2 and the PS5. If you are a big fan of Tony Hawk Skateboard videogames, VR Skater is definitely worth checking out.

In the canon of skateboarding games, I consider the gold standard to be held by Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, which remains a dazzling treat on the latest-gen consoles and PC. But for those seeking to break free from the familiar button-mashing choreography of the past twenty-five years and venture into a realm of deep immersion and virtual reality thrills, VR Skater shows the ambition to be a serious contender. While it might not boast perfection, and its gameplay might be somewhat limited, VR Skater on PSVR2 is your ticket to a brief yet absolutely exhilarating escape. If you're hungry for a skateboarding experience that feels like the future while cherishing the sport's essence, give VR Skater a whirl. You won't be disappointed.

Seven levels provide ample opportunities for neat lines. These include a street, school, shipyard, and so on, each more challenging than the last. Each map features spot challenges and other simple score attack modes, and you'll slowly level up as you progress, unlocking later stages and more customisation options for your skateboard. While they're nicely designed with multiple paths, they can feel quite empty, not helped by the so-so visuals. We could've also gone for a few more maps and modes, but there are plans for post-launch updates. Ultimately, when you're in the zone, pulling off sick combos while the THPS-inspired soundtrack blares, it feels great. Once you wrap your head around the gameplay and it all clicks, it works very well indeed.

VR Skater is not a bad game, but it could have been better and more varied. More maps, more modes, more songs in the soundtrack, and perhaps more attention to detail in the design of the game itself. All of this would have added to the game and made for a more enjoyable experience.

VR Skater is an enjoyable skateboarding sim that may frustrate anyone seeking quick gratification. Memorizing new tricks is tough, making it challenging to master and a steep learning curve means basic controls only go so far. If you're willing to invest time into learning advanced moves, earning gold medals across maps feels rewarding but rough edges make it difficult to outright recommend.