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Skate Crazy was one of those games that brought great music and stunning graphics into an otherwise very frustrating game.
The game play consisted of two modes, chosen when starting the game. The "challenge" mode offered an aerial view of the skater as he performed tricks in a closed circuit, jumping off ramps and generally avoiding obstacles in a bid to reach the finish line somewhere on the course. Not only are you tasked with completing the park, you must also pass a minimum score given by four judges based on your collecting, avoidance, and ability to perform tricks while you navigate the course.
The second mode was side-scrolling, following the skater as he ducked under or jumped over obstacles along the path. This usually involved coming across scaffolding with paint cans, large barrels, and rough patches of dirt. Along the way, the skater could pick up soda cans ("litter") that could be used as projectiles against the occasional wandering rodent, or the construction workers who mysteriously poke their heads through the brick walls.
While the concept, art, and music were great for a C64 game, the controls were horrendous and leave you frustrated. In both modes, forward momentum is built by continuously alternating the joystick left and right -- the direction you head in is determined by the first movement. Think Track 'N' Field, but without an ability to stop. This is especially frustrating in the side-scrolling mode because many objects are walls and pylons which require stopping, maneuvering your skater between the two obstacles, and jumping over both of them with correct speed and precision without touching either obstacle. Pressing 'left' to move backwards, then 'right' to scroll to the right can instead activate the momentum, rocketing the skater further to the left.
To be honest, I could never really get into this game no matter how many times I'd boot it up. The first two levels in both modes are enough to make you scream and boot up something mellow like Time Tunnel instead. Perhaps others have had a more pleasant experience with this game, in which case I'd love to hear about it, but unfortunately this is not a game I have many fond memories of.
Downloads: Music, Advert
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| GRAPHICS - 8/10 |
Characters and levels are beautifully drawn, though there is an abundance of neon flashing (good or bad, your decision).
| | SOUND - 8/10 |
Great theme music.
| | PLAYABILITY - 5/10 |
Frustrating, controls are sloppy and you will end up spending more time fighting the joystick than navigating the skating parks.
| | OVERALL - 6/10 |
Overall this was not a game for a lazy Sunday afternoon, prepare to put in hours of practice understanding the momentum system before reaching further levels.
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