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Review of OlliOlli on PlayStation 3

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Aug 2014
Cover image of OlliOlli on PS3
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS3 PS3 logo
Released: 26 Aug 2014
Genre: Sports
Developer: Roll7
Publisher: Roll7

Introduction

Ever wanted to be Tony Hawk, but also wanted to skip the expensive skateboard and hallucinogenic-induced injuries? Enter OlliOlli, a side-scrolling skateboarding game that takes you back to the glory days of pixelated skateboards and over-simplified controls. This pun-derful masterpiece makes you wish you could grind rails in real life without having to visit an orthopedic surgeon. Let's dive into this retro ride and see if it sticks the landing or eats pavement!

Gameplay

OlliOlli uses a two-dimensional approach, reminiscent of the good old days of gaming when pixels ruled the Earth. The control scheme is about as complicated as tying your shoes, using only the 'X' button, the shoulder buttons, and your trusty left analog stick. You'll perform a wide array of tricks, and landing them perfectly is where the magic lies. Think of it as trying to impress your crush with your sick moves at the skatepark, where failing means only delivering a half-hearted backflip that garners pity instead of applause. The levels are designed with a basic layout in mind, but the real challenge comes from the perfect landing system. Mess that up, and you're about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Each level has five achievements waiting for you, kind of like a scavenger hunt that's just burning your pride instead of calories. Once you've outskated the basic hurdles, hard mode levels unlock like a secret doorway to the land of minor frustration...but that's where the real fun begins! Be warned-there are no checkpoints. Yes, you heard that correctly! A single falter in your journey will catapult you back to the start, reminiscent of your relationship with your Wi-Fi connection-the one time it's not your fault, yet you still get sent back to square one. This might make seasoned gamers feel nostalgic; it's a journey where only the strong survive! But if you're up for a challenge, each level represents a chance to rise from the ashes like a phoenix or dance the walk of shame back to the beginning. The game can turn from frustrating to truly rewarding when you finally master all its intricacies. This isn't just a game; it's a rite of passage for aspiring skaters! You'll channel your inner skateboarding pro, even if in reality, you're falling off your kitchen table instead of performing a 360 shove-it. Let's face it: OlliOlli loves to test your patience, but isn't that a large part of the skate culture? Moreover, the game features the elusive RAD mode when you collect enough tricks in a level-unlocking it almost feels like winning a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's skate park. It adds an extra layer of tracks to keep you grinding away for hours, which is probably longer than you've ever spent attempting to do an actual ollie in real life.

Graphics

Visually, OlliOlli is a charming slice of retro heaven, with a delightful 2D art style that harkens back to the days of pixelated dreams (and night terrors) we all know and love. The colors pop like your grandma's favorite sofa, and the characters have an adorable cartoony aesthetic that feels welcoming rather than daunting. The animations are smoother than your aunt's voice after a few too many cocktails. The backgrounds are stylish yet unobtrusive, allowing you focus on your skateboarder and the world of tricks you're trying to conquer. The attention to detail in the skateboarding physics makes the game feel satisfying, almost as if you can feel the ground rumbling beneath your feet while you perform an imaginary trick. This isn't Call of Duty; it's a trip down memory lane where graphics are not just pretty but also create an experience that draws you into the vibe of skate culture. Trust me, your eyes won't roll out of their sockets from boredom-it's all about the nostalgia buzz. In short, visually, it's a party for your eyes, and you're invited to the fun-but don't wear white; you may just bust your butt!

Conclusion

If you're searching for a title that challenges your indomitable spirit while wrapping you in a blanket of nostalgia, OlliOlli for PS3 might just be your new best friend-in a non-creepy way, of course. The addictiveness of mastering tricks and replaying levels screams replay value, and the joyful, cartoonish graphics help mask the headache that comes with those crashes and embarrassingly poor landings. In a world packed with high-tech graphics and the hyper-realistic 3D worlds of today's games, OlliOlli reminds you that sometimes, less is more. So, if you have the heart of a skater and the determination of a tortoise in a race against a hare, OlliOlli will get you on board, wheeling to victory-albeit after numerous epic fails. This game earns a solid 8.5 out of 10. Now, if only I could actually pull off those tricks in real life without risking my precious bones!

See Latest Prices for OlliOlli on PS3 on Amazon

See Prices for OlliOlli on PS3 on Ebay

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