Session: Skate Sim Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-05-26
  • Best realistic skate sim
  • Engaging and addictive gameplay
  • Authentic physics and intuitive controls
  • Game suffers from bugs and lacks features
  • Difficult learning curve and lacks vert skating
  • Poor graphics and camera issues
Session: Skate Sim header

Emotions

Archetypes

Hardware

Windows <8GB VRAMpositive

What players like:

Common complaints:

Gameplay feedback:

Performance notes:

Recommendations:

Other player notes:

Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Best realistic skate sim: The game is widely praised for its realism and authenticity, making it the best skateboarding simulator available. Players appreciate the detailed and realistic skateboarding experience it offers.

Rewarding gameplay experience: The game is described as very rewarding, especially once players have mastered the controls and tricks. The challenging nature of the game adds to its rewarding feel.

Superior to other skate games: Many players believe this game surpasses other popular skate games like EA's Skate and SkaterXL. It captures the authentic feel of skating better than its competitors.

Engaging and addictive gameplay: The gameplay is described as fun, rewarding, and addictive. Players enjoy the immersive and satisfying nature of the game.

Best skateboarding game ever: Players consider this game to be one of the best, if not the best, skateboarding games ever made. It is praised for its incredible gameplay and simulation.

Common complaints

Game suffers from bugs: The game is frequently described as buggy, with various issues ranging from mission bugs to unresolved and annoying bugs that detract from the gameplay experience.

Lacks features and improvements: Players feel the game needs more features, better UI, and multiplayer options. It is also criticized for lacking polish and having poor explanations of existing features.

Game feels incomplete: Many reviews mention that the game feels unfinished or incomplete, with glitches and crashes. It is often described as not a complete product.

Difficult learning curve: The game is noted for being difficult to get started with, having a steep learning curve, and controls that are hard to master initially.

Lacks vert skating and tricks: Players feel the game lacks vert skating modes and a variety of skate tricks, making it less appealing to those who enjoy vert-style skateboarding.

Gameplay and performance

Realistic skateboarding simulation: The game is praised for its realistic skateboarding mechanics and simulation style, offering a detailed and authentic street skating experience. Players appreciate the realistic movements and physics-based gameplay.

Complex and challenging controls: The game features a complex control scheme with a steep learning curve. Players find the controls difficult to master, which adds to the overall challenge of the game.

Trick mechanics and customization: The game offers a variety of skateboarding tricks and mechanics, with options for customization. Players can practice and master different tricks, and there are settings to adjust the difficulty and gameplay experience.

Replay editor and camera customization: The game features a detailed replay editor for analyzing and creating skate clips. Players can also customize the camera settings to enhance their gameplay and recording experience.

Mission-based tutorials: The game includes tutorial missions that help players learn the mechanics and controls. These missions are part of a larger mission-based campaign and story mode.

120 FPS support: There are mixed reports about the 120 FPS support. Some players mention its return, while others note its removal.

Optimization issues: Players have varying opinions on the game's optimization. Some praise it, while others report problems.

Graphical and performance issues: There are reports of poor graphics, unplayable performance, and various graphical issues.

Runs well on Steam Deck: Several players have reported that the game runs well on the Steam Deck, especially with specific settings.

Lag and stuttering issues: Some players have experienced lag and stuttering issues while playing the game.

Recommendations

Highly recommended for realism: The game is frequently praised for its realistic skateboarding experience, making it a top choice for fans of the sport and simulation enthusiasts.

Worth buying on sale: Many reviews suggest purchasing the game during a sale to get the best value for money.

Add more content and features: Suggestions for additional content include more skate brands, missions, NPCs, and specific locations like an abandoned mall and schoolyard.

Try the game: Many reviews simply recommend trying the game, indicating a general satisfaction among players.

Add multiplayer modes: Players express a strong desire for multiplayer features, both local and online, including classic game modes like S.K.A.T.E. and Spot Battle.

Buying context

Community fair range: $12.00 - $25.00.

Game completion: 200.0h.

The game has a steep initial learning curve that can be frustrating, but once players get past this phase, it becomes highly enjoyable and addictive.

Reported time to anchor: 20h.

Friction: Steep learning curve; Unintuitive controls; Poor tutorial design; Lack of multiplayer.

Unlock drivers: Practice and persistence; Customizable controls; Progression system; Realistic and satisfying trick mechanics.

Player profiles

Realism Seeker: Focused on mastering the game's realistic controls and physics to achieve a sense of authenticity and accomplishment. Motivation: Authentic skateboarding experience and mastery of realistic controls. Stance: buy.

Social Skater: Enjoys cruising and performing tricks with others in a multiplayer setting. Motivation: Social interaction and shared skateboarding experiences. Stance: sale.

Creative Chiller: Enjoys creating and editing skate clips, customizing their experience, and chilling to music. Motivation: Creative expression and relaxation. Stance: sale.

Platform notes

The game generally performs well across different hardware configurations, with most users reporting smooth gameplay and good optimization, though there are some issues noted with specific hardware setups.

Windows <8GB VRAM: positive. Runs smoothly on lower-end hardware with high settings.

Steam Deck: The game has significant issues with resolution and camera settings on the Steam Deck, which can make it unplayable without extensive tweaking. Additionally, the lack of cloud save support and a challenging control scheme are notable barriers. However, many users report that the game runs well and is enjoyable once these issues are addressed.

Linux and Proton: The game generally receives positive feedback for its Linux and Steam Deck compatibility. However, there are isolated reports of compatibility issues on Linux and performance issues on Steam Deck. Overall, the game seems to run well on Linux and Steam Deck with some minor tweaks and performance considerations.

Extra review signals

Monetization: The game has received significant criticism for its monetization practices, particularly the release of paid DLC that includes content originally part of the game. The developers are perceived as prioritizing profit over game quality, with numerous reviews mentioning the lack of updates and improvements to the core gameplay. Additionally, the game and its DLC are considered overpriced, further exacerbating player dissatisfaction.

External guides: The primary issues highlighted by users revolve around insufficient mission guidance and persistent game-breaking bugs. These problems significantly impact the user experience, requiring external resources to navigate missions and resolve bugs.

Other review notes

Influence from Garrett Ginner: The game has noticeable influences or contributions from a skater named Garrett Ginner.