Skateboarding has always been a passion of mine. While I haven’t skated in years, and at my peak, I wasn’t very good, it still holds some incredibly fond memories. So by default, skating games are always something I want to check out. The first two OlliOlli titles were a total blast to play, and OlliOlli World seems to be the next evolution in the series. But does this new step for the series land perfectly, or does it push mongo?
OlliOlli World brings the series into the 3D realm for the first time. Filled to the brim with vibrant, cute, and cartoon-y visuals, the game feels like you’re inside of a skateboarding-themed Adventure Time episode. The world bleeds charm, as do the characters you meet along the way. And with an insane amount of customization available, the player themselves can be as over the top or bland as they choose.
Sticking to the formula of the original games, you’ll find yourself speeding down a 2.5D plane. On this plane, you’ll be doing flip tricks, grabs, and of course, grinds as you avoid hazards and other items to complete challenges and the level itself. Using the thumbtack to jump and flip your board, mixing in grabs and spins with the left and right triggers, it’ll take a few moments to get into the flow of things, but once you nail a run, it’s incredibly satisfying. Beating each level and its challenges to progress throughout the game’s five different locales and even unlock a load of items to customize your character with.
The game features asynchronous multiplayer, which is a nice addition, but I would still have loved some sort of full-on multiplayer mode. Granted, with the way the game is presented, I’m not even sure how that would work. But with that said, the layer of multiplayer included in the game works fine, and it adds a fun level of competition.
The sound design is absolutely lovely. Musical tracks fit not only the theme of the game, but the gameplay itself. If this soundtrack isn’t released on vinyl, I plan to protest outside of the Roll7 studios.
Overall, OlliOlli World takes everything from the previous two titles and improves on it tenfold. The new additions, art style, and overall design of the game is fantastic. I find myself going back for more and more. I can’t wait to see what content they have planned for the future. If you enjoyed the first two OlliOlli games, you’re sure to fall head over heels for OlliOlli World.
OlliOlli World
$29.99
Pros
- Lovely visuals
- Great gameplay
- Loads of charm
Cons
- Controls take a bit to grasp
- No proper multiplayer
