Info about Session: Skate Sim:

Official game description:
EDITIONS
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Roadmap
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About the Game
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With the dual stick controls, each stick represents one of your feet. You will need to learn how to control them and transfer weight, just like on a real skateboard. The physics have been developed with a focus on realism, smoothness and immersion. Just like in real life for a new skateboarder, the first hours can seem challenging, but once you have mastered the technique, you will feel the unrivalled thrill of pulling off your very first kickflip! Session: Skate Sim also includes full options customisation, so you can enjoy the perfect experience tailored to you. A full tutorial provides all the help you need to get started, and you can choose from four difficulty levels!
Inspired by the golden age of street skating – the 1990s – Session: Skate Sim lets you experience true skateboarding and its culture: no scoring system; just you, your spot and your imagination! There's no need for judges to tell you that your noseslide or varial heelflip are perfect for this spot. And because certain locations are iconic, the developers have added several of them to the game for you to skate in and express your creativity, including Black Hubbas (New York City), Brooklyn banks (New York City), FDR Park (Philadelphia) and many other spots.
Skating and pulling off the best lines in the best spots is one thing, but if no one is there to film it, it didn't really happen… In Session: Skate Sim, you can film with a 1990s filter or fisheye lens, and you can use the video editor to create your clips and share them. You can play with multiple options, including changing the field of view, time of day, filters, and different camera views (tripod, orbit, etc.). Session: Skate Sim also offers the chance to go from skater to filmmaker: pull off your moves then go into film mode to experience the action from the point of view of your camera operator and create the best clip.
Show off your style with an extensive customisation system for your skater and skateboard. By completing challenges, you earn money to spend in skate shops. You can find nearly 200 items (hoodies, shoes, caps, T-shirts, trousers, etc.) from top brands, such as Fallen, Zero, GrindKing, Thankyou, HIJINX Net, Antilanta, Roger Skate CO, No-Comply, iDabble and others. You can also customise your skateboard with over 250 parts, such as wheels, trucks and many other components from famous brands like, No-Comply, GindKing, Thankyou and many others. In addition to the design aspect, the components (trucks, riser pads, wheels…) impact the way you skate. Find the right ones for your style and shred the most iconic spots!

Release date: Sep 22, 2022

Categories: Skateboarding Game, Realistic Physics Simulation, Customization, Trick-based Gameplay, Skill-based Mastery, Open-World Exploration, Video Editing, Controller Support

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 85; verdict: Predatory Monetization; summary: 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.
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: 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.
- Proton/Linux: score 25; verdict: Works Well with Minor Tweaks; summary: 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.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: 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.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: 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.
  - Sample size: 31 (2% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample spans multiple hardware setups, but not evenly.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 13 reports): Runs smoothly on lower-end hardware with high settings.
  - Caveats: 31 of 1671 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample spans multiple hardware setups, but not evenly.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $12.00 - $25.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that users consistently mention the game being worth it when purchased on sale, with specific mentions of prices around $12 to $25. Many users express that the full price of $40 is too high given the game's current state and content. The general sentiment is that the game is enjoyable and worth the money when discounted, but not at its full price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 200.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence shows that players have spent significant amounts of time playing Session: Skate Sim, with mentions of 200, 400, and 500 hours of playtime. These quotes indicate a high level of engagement and suggest that the game offers substantial content to keep players invested for extended periods. The playtime metrics are derived from these direct references to total playtime and engagement duration.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: 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.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Mastering the controls and tricks.
  - Time to anchor: 20h 0m
  - 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
  - Conditions: Solo play; Custom soundtrack; Creative freedom; Realistic skateboarding experience
- Player Archetypes:
  - Realism Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Authentic skateboarding experience and mastery of realistic controls.
    - Playstyle: Focused on mastering the game's realistic controls and physics to achieve a sense of authenticity and accomplishment.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: skateboarding enthusiasts; simulation fans
    - Reference games: Skater XL; EA Skate; Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
  - Social Skater (sale)
    - Motivation: Social interaction and shared skateboarding experiences.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys cruising and performing tricks with others in a multiplayer setting.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: social gamers; community players
    - Reference games: Skate 3; Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
  - Creative Chiller (sale)
    - Motivation: Creative expression and relaxation.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys creating and editing skate clips, customizing their experience, and chilling to music.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: creative gamers; chill players
    - Reference games: Skate 3; Tony Hawk's Pro Skater


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Best realistic skate sim (weight 0.44): 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 (weight 0.23): 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 (weight 0.22): 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 (weight 0.2): The gameplay is described as fun, rewarding, and addictive. Players enjoy the immersive and satisfying nature of the game.
- Best skateboarding game ever (weight 0.2): 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.
- Intuitive and customizable controls (weight 0.19): The game offers intuitive and precise controls, with extensive customization options. Players appreciate the feel and convenience of the controls.
- Satisfying trick system (weight 0.19): Landing tricks in the game is highly satisfying and rewarding. Players enjoy the sense of achievement when they successfully execute difficult tricks.
- Fun and enjoyable (weight 0.12): Players find the game fun and enjoyable. It is praised for its enjoyable gameplay and the overall fun experience it provides.
- Authentic physics (weight 0.11): The game features good movement physics that feel authentic. Players appreciate the realistic movements and physics-based gameplay.
- Impressive map selection (weight 0.11): The game offers a variety of large and impressive maps. Players enjoy the different maps and spots available for skating.
- High replay value (weight 0.11): The game has high replay value, offering hours of gameplay. Players find it addictive and enjoyable to play repeatedly.
- Favorite and unique game (weight 0.11): Many players love the game and consider it one of their favorites. It is praised for its unique and great simulation gameplay.
- Challenging and enjoyable (weight 0.1): The game is described as incredibly challenging but enjoyable. Players appreciate the difficult learning curve and the sense of accomplishment it provides.
- Excellent replay editor (weight 0.1): The game features a detailed and excellent replay editor. Players appreciate the ability to edit and review their replays.

Common complaints:
- Game suffers from bugs (weight 0.18): 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 (weight 0.18): 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 (weight 0.17): 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 (weight 0.13): 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 (weight 0.12): 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.
- Poor graphics and camera (weight 0.11): The graphics are considered poor or average, and the camera system is criticized for being subpar, affecting the overall visual experience.
- No multiplayer mode (weight 0.1): The absence of a multiplayer or cooperative mode is a significant drawback for many players.
- Limited customization options (weight 0.1): The game offers limited customization options for characters and progression, which players find restrictive.
- Not worth the price (weight 0.09): Many reviews state that the game is not worth its current price, especially considering the amount of DLCs and the overall quality.
- Tricks registration issues (weight 0.09): Players report that the game occasionally fails to register tricks correctly, leading to frustration during missions.
- Unclear mission objectives (weight 0.08): Mission objectives are often unclear or inconsistent, making it difficult for players to understand what is required to succeed.
- Focus on paid DLCs (weight 0.07): Developers are criticized for focusing on paid DLCs instead of improving the core gameplay and addressing existing issues.
- Lack of promised features (weight 0.07): Features and updates promised by the developers have not been delivered, leading to player frustration.
- Slow update frequency (weight 0.07): The game has a slow update frequency, with updates taking several months, leading to player dissatisfaction.
- Cities feel empty (weight 0.07): The cities in the game feel empty and lack NPCs, leading to an overall empty feeling.
- Inconsistent physics (weight 0.07): The game's physics are noted as being inconsistent and weird, particularly with ramp physics.
- Lacks variety and personality (weight 0.07): The game is criticized for lacking variety in scenery, personality in visuals, and a compelling story.
- Stiff animations (weight 0.07): Animations in the game are described as stiff, rigid, and unnatural, affecting the overall gameplay experience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Realistic skateboarding simulation (weight 0.41): 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 (weight 0.31): 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 (weight 0.24): 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 (weight 0.13): 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 (weight 0.11): 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.
- Free skate and sandbox gameplay (weight 0.11): The game offers a free skate mode and sandbox gameplay, allowing players to skate freely and practice their skills without the constraints of missions or challenges.
- Board and wheel wear (weight 0.07): The game includes realistic details such as board and wheel wear, which accumulate over time and affect gameplay. This adds a layer of realism to the skateboarding experience.
- Manual catch feature (weight 0.06): The game includes a manual catch feature, which adds a layer of complexity and realism to the trick mechanics. Players need to time their catches manually.
- Limited customization options (weight 0.05): While the game offers some customization tools, players have noted that the customization options are somewhat limited, affecting the overall personalization of the gameplay experience.

Performance notes:
- 120 FPS support (weight 0.12): There are mixed reports about the 120 FPS support. Some players mention its return, while others note its removal.
- Optimization issues (weight 0.08): Players have varying opinions on the game's optimization. Some praise it, while others report problems.
- Graphical and performance issues (weight 0.08): There are reports of poor graphics, unplayable performance, and various graphical issues.
- Runs well on Steam Deck (weight 0.07): Several players have reported that the game runs well on the Steam Deck, especially with specific settings.
- Lag and stuttering issues (weight 0.04): Some players have experienced lag and stuttering issues while playing the game.
- Fluidity problems (weight 0.04): There are mentions of fluidity problems in the game, though some players have noted improvements.
- Fatal crashes (weight 0.04): Some players have experienced fatal crashes while playing the game.
- Decent PC requirements (weight 0.04): Players have mentioned that the game has decent PC requirements and runs above 60 FPS on medium settings.
- Resolution and scaling (weight 0.04): Players have mentioned specific resolutions and scaling options, such as 960p and lossless scaling.
- Frame rate and latency issues (weight 0.02): Players have mentioned issues related to frame rate and latency.
- Performance degradation (weight 0.02): Some players have noted that updates have made the game run noticeably worse.
- Camera clunkiness (weight 0.02): Some players have mentioned that the camera feels clunky.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for realism (weight 0.23): 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 (weight 0.13): Many reviews suggest purchasing the game during a sale to get the best value for money.
- Add more content and features (weight 0.09): Suggestions for additional content include more skate brands, missions, NPCs, and specific locations like an abandoned mall and schoolyard.
- Try the game (weight 0.08): Many reviews simply recommend trying the game, indicating a general satisfaction among players.
- Add multiplayer modes (weight 0.08): 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.
- Future updates anticipated (weight 0.07): Players are looking forward to future updates and hope they will be free and available across all platforms, including PC.
- Enhance gameplay with mods (weight 0.04): The game benefits significantly from mods, which enhance the overall experience and add value.
- Best current skate game (weight 0.04): The game is considered the best skateboarding game available at the moment, providing great value for its price.
- Remove phishing UI (weight 0.02): Players have noted an issue with the UI that resembles email phishing, which should be addressed.
- Casual alternative available (weight 0.02): For those seeking a more casual skateboarding experience, Skater XL is suggested as an alternative.

Other player notes:
- Influence from Garrett Ginner (weight 0.02): The game has noticeable influences or contributions from a skater named Garrett Ginner.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.27): Players are frustrated due to a variety of issues, including the difficulty of mastering controls and tricks, numerous bugs, and problematic game mechanics. Specific complaints include camera issues, mission design flaws, ragdoll physics problems, and the lack of NPCs and customization options. Additionally, performance issues such as FPS caps and game crashes contribute to the frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.17): Players find satisfaction in the game's realistic and challenging gameplay, particularly in landing tricks after multiple attempts. The replay editor and the depth of customization options are also highly praised. The game's mechanical quality and the rewarding nature of mastering its controls and mechanics contribute to a satisfying experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.12): Players express disappointment due to the game's lack of features, high price, and unfinished state. Issues such as the removal of the 120fps option, lack of multiplayer mode, and the focus on paid DLCs instead of improving core gameplay mechanics are major points of contention. The game's performance issues and the feeling of abandonment by developers also contribute to this disappointment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the game's realistic skateboarding experience and the depth of its gameplay mechanics. The challenge and reward system, along with the fun of mastering controls and landing tricks, contribute to an enjoyable experience. The game's customization options and the feeling of actual skating also enhance the enjoyment.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Players are excited about the game's realistic and immersive skateboarding experience. The potential for future updates and improvements, along with the game's addictive and rewarding gameplay, generate excitement. The variety of clothing brands, real skateboarders featured, and the game's potential to become the best skateboarding simulation also contribute to this excitement.
- Joy (weight 0.04): Players experience joy from the game's realistic mechanics and the satisfaction of mastering tricks. The extensive customization options and the immersive experience of skating lines contribute to a joyful experience. The game's ability to simulate real-life skating and the personal revelations it brings also add to the joy.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Players feel nostalgia as the game brings back memories of playing classic skateboarding games and reliving skateboarding days. The homage to legendary spots from the 90s/00s and the story mode missions with pros evoke a sense of nostalgia. The music choice and overall mood also contribute to this feeling.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Players are angry due to the lack of updates and response to feedback, as well as the removal of favorite features. The forced 60 FPS cap, developers focusing on paid DLCs instead of fixing the game, and the introduction of more bugs through updates contribute to this anger. Losing progress and the game's performance issues also fuel this emotion.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players are enthusiastic about the game's realism and authenticity, as well as its potential with mods and community support. The positive comparison to other games and the enjoyment of the game's animations and feel contribute to this enthusiasm. The game's realistic and fun gameplay also adds to this excitement.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players are hopeful about the game's potential for improvement and future updates. The expectation for future developments and the potential for Session to dominate the skate sim market contribute to this hope. The desire for game continuation and the anticipation of new features also fuel this emotion.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Players are satisfied with the game's authentic feel and mechanical depth. The perfect difficulty and the worth of buying DLC maps contribute to this satisfaction. The game's advanced controls and customizable camera options also add to this feeling.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Players feel gratitude for the existence of a realistic skateboarding game and the work put into it by the developers. The game's impact on personal life and the detailed and realistic skateboarding experience contribute to this gratitude. Finding a realistic skate game also adds to this emotion.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the latest updates that make the game feel more natural. The video editor being a masterpiece and the improved feeling of skating contribute to this happiness. The re-added old FPS modes and the hilarious ragdoll physics also add to this emotion.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate the detailed and realistic skateboarding experience and the work put into the game by the developers. Community modding and the game's realistic mechanics contribute to this appreciation. The game's depth and customization options also add to this feeling.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game despite its flaws and enjoy mastering its mechanics. The game's ability to provide a fun and immersive skateboarding experience contributes to this love. Personal enjoyment and the game's unique features also add to this emotion.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players are anticipating future updates and the exploration of DLC or mods. The looking forward to more maps and major updates contribute to this anticipation. The potential for new features and improvements also fuel this emotion.
- Hopeful (weight 0.01): Players are hopeful that the game will become a 10/10 with the addition of missing tricks. The anticipation that controls will become more natural over time and the hope that developers will fix issues contribute to this hope. The potential for multiplayer mode also adds to this emotion.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players are disappointed due to the game's potential not being fully realized and the removal of the 120fps option. The lack of updates and the game's unfinished state contribute to this disappointment. The feeling that the game is lacking in certain areas also adds to this emotion.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players are frustrated with the update that capped FPS and ruined animations. The inconsistent camera changes and the forced limitations contribute to this frustration. The lack of response to feedback and the introduction of more bugs also add to this emotion.
- Hopefulness (weight 0): Players are hopeful about the potential for a multiplayer mode and the anticipation that controls will become more natural over time. The game's potential for improvement and the expectation for future updates contribute to this hopefulness. The desire for the game to become better also fuels this emotion.}