John Lund

Growing up on THPS was cool. But after beating those games, I'd end up trying simple, realistic lines and that's just not possible in a THPS game. This is where Skater XL shines. It really captures the essence of real skateboarding; all the way down to the foot controls. The learning curve is relatively steep if you come from the days of Neversoft and Skate Heaven but landing a simple flip trick with a grab over a gap with style and grace is far more rewarding than landing a 75+ chain combo. I'm not saying this game is better than THPS. It's completely different and offers a part of skateboarding realism the gaming industry has needed for a long time. I definitely recommend giving it a try. Executing the "challenges" is the best way to learn the controls. The bails are hilarious and keep frustration pretty light.

This is my first Metal Gear game, ever. I don't have anything negative to say other than the characters (Snake and the horse) move as though they are properly chonky and slow. Makes me giggle watching them run because the rest of the game is an over-the-moon masterpiece. Ya don't need any prior metal gear knowledge to love this game. Kojima at his finest. Incredibly immersive and deep. The game evokes a lot of feels while delivering tactical adrenochrome. Do. Play. This. Game.