Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Arcade, Racing, Sport
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Top Skater (1997): The Arcade Classic That Defined Extreme Sports Gaming
Released in 1997 by Sega, Top Skater was one of the first arcade games to feature a skateboard controller interface. Players stood on a skateboard-like platform which swung side-to-side or tilted, manipulating the actions of the avatars in the game. Similar games were made for skiing, snowboarding and other sports of this nature.
Top Skater was an instant hit, thanks to its innovative gameplay, catchy soundtrack, and vibrant graphics. The game consisted of various ramps, rails and other skating objects from which the player could do tricks to gain points. The main sponsor of the game was Coca-Cola, and the soundtrack of the game consisted entirely of songs by the punk rock band Pennywise.
The game’s style is like that of the later and more known Sega game Crazy Taxi, noticeably the character art design and music type. Top Skater was also directed by Kenji Kanno, who would go on to direct Crazy Taxi. A lesser known sequel called Air Trix was made in 2001.
Gameplay
Top Skater is played from a third-person perspective. The player controls the skater by standing on the skateboard-like platform and shifting their weight. The platform can be tilted left or right to turn, and the player can also jump by pressing a button.
The game’s objective is to score as many points as possible by performing tricks. Tricks are performed by combining different movements of the platform and the buttons. For example, the player can perform a kickflip by tilting the platform up and then down, and pressing the jump button.
The game features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique set of obstacles and challenges. The player must navigate through the levels, performing tricks and avoiding obstacles, in order to reach the finish line.
Reception
Top Skater was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, catchy soundtrack, and vibrant graphics. It was also a financial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.
Top Skater has been cited as one of the most influential arcade games of all time. It helped to popularize the extreme sports genre, and its innovative gameplay has been imitated by many other games.
Legacy
Top Skater has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay has been imitated by many other games, and its style has been influential in the development of other extreme sports games.
The game’s soundtrack, which consists entirely of songs by the punk rock band Pennywise, has also been praised. The soundtrack has been credited with helping to popularize the band, and it is still considered one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
Top Skater is a classic arcade game that helped to define the extreme sports genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, catchy soundtrack, and vibrant graphics have made it a favorite of gamers for over two decades.
Here are some of the reasons why Top Skater is such a great game:
- Innovative gameplay: Top Skater’s skateboard controller interface was a revolutionary concept at the time, and it still provides a unique and immersive gaming experience today.
- Catchy soundtrack: The game’s soundtrack, which consists entirely of songs by the punk rock band Pennywise, is one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
- Vibrant graphics: The game’s graphics are bright and colorful, and they create a lively and energetic atmosphere.
- Replay value: Top Skater is a game that you can play over and over again without getting bored. There are always new challenges toに挑戦, and there are always new tricks to learn.
If you’re a fan of extreme sports games, or if you’re just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, then you should definitely check out Top Skater. It’s a classic arcade game that still holds up today.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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