The Basics of skate.
At A Glance
- Review these tips to get you started in EA's new and very realistic skating franchise.
Published October 8, 2007
It's been a while since we've had a new franchise in the skating genre, but EA Sports' skate. (yes, it's all lower case and with a period on purpose) makes a spectacular and realistic debut on Xbox 360™, offering a change of pace from the competition. Its realistic focus also requires a whole new skill set for thrashing success, so throw out everything you thought you knew before and review these tips to get started.
Ready your manual.
It's Real
First and foremost, you must understand that skate. represents a very real and very authentic version of the sport, so while previous entrants in the genre may have had you scoring obscene amounts of air, grinding over power lines on Alcatraz, and routinely racking up million-plus point combinations, don't expect the same here. It may seem a small thing, but if you can grasp this reality, you can more easily understand what is and isn't possible in skate.
Ah, Tutorials
While the very first "Flick-It" control tutorial is mandatory, you'll find the other instructions largely voluntary, but don't think that means you should skip them. Learning how to grind, push it, manual, and all the rest is absolutely critical for even modest success, so make tracking down each and every tutorial your first priority.
Crazy air? Yes. Impossible? No.
Miss a Grind, Manual
Other than hitting a kick-flip while cruising down the street, you'll probably attempt to grind more than any other trick. However, properly timing your ollie onto a rail, bench, ledge, or other grinding apparatus is no easy task.
If it's apparent that you've mistimed your grind attempt, switch your focus to landing a manual by tilting slightly up or down on the right control stick before you land. This way, you accrue points, and at the same time, increase your "line" (a long combination of tricks) as well.
No Rush
Unlike other skating games, it isn't necessary to immediately follow up one trick with another to continue a combination. skate. rewards a more natural flow, so when you sky off a ramp into a 720 front-side grab, gather your wits about you before attempting the next trick. Rushed tricks tend to end up with your skater sprawled unpleasantly across the pavement, so stay patient and reap the rewards.
Extend the Grab
If you have time to perform a grab, you almost certainly have time to tweak it for extra points by pressing in any direction on the right control stick. Because it requires a separate movement, it can be easy to forget, but make this a part of your routine during every grab-based trick and your scores will be much better.
Before the Grind
Avoid using a simple ollie or nollie to initiate a grind, especially if you're just beginning what will hopefully be a long and successful line. Instead, try to perform a 180 or 360 spin before landing the grind to boost your overall score and gain quicker access to the very necessary multipliers. Be wary of beginning a grind with a kick-flip, unless the object you're aiming at is relatively low to the ground.
Ollie off if you slow to a halt.
Book Consultation
Performing the same tired trick over and over again will earn you a fast track to ridicule, so make sure you're varying your lines with all manner of different moves. You don't have to discover them all on your own either, though it's fun. Crack open your backpack and consult your trickbook if you're in a rut. It's amazing how much you revert to old and comfortable tricks, so get used to consulting the trickbook throughout your entire skate. career.
Pick your Path
Every time you begin a new line of tricks, have a clear idea of where your combo is heading. Don't just kick-flip over a rail and hope you'll find an opportunity on the other side. Instead, try picking out your first three to four tricks before you even begin.
For example, if you see a raised curb leading to a ramp, try a 360 spin off an ollie onto the rail, ended by a pop shuv-it kick-flip into a manual with a nosebone grab off the ramp, and so on and so forth. The important thing is to see the opportunity for the next trick even before you attempt the first one.
These tips should help you to get focused and begin to enjoy the ultra-realistic game that is skate. Here's to you standing solidly on your board, and not pancaked on the pavement.
Article by Ryan Treit
