Developer: Phantom Coast
Platforms: macOS, PC (Reviewed)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sports
Publisher: Phantom Coast
Helskate is a skateboard action roguelite. This game was developed and published by Phantom Coast. There are not a lot of games similar to the gameplay of Helskate, which makes for an interesting play. This review was done on Windows, but the game is also available for macOS.
Helskate is a single-player game where you play as a one-winged demon named Anton Falcon, who starts off by putting up posters on his skateboard. As he goes around the skate ramp putting up flyers for his job, he gets fired and gets occupied with another mission. Anton wants to escape from Vertheim (an underworld) and reach the beach. As he goes out in search of the beach, he performs several tricks, carries out quests and fights all sorts of evils in Vertheim.
The tutorial for the game is well made, where you are given instructions and a guide on how to perform tricks with their keybinds. The game itself has several keybind patterns that players need to understand to perform parries, ollies, and other skateboarding moves. One of the main issues I had with this game when playing with a keyboard and mouse was that the controls seemed delayed, and it was difficult to perform tricks that required holding down the space bar and simultaneously pressing another button. The game itself did seem to be a bit buggy, but I believe it’s due to the fast-paced nature of the game.
Helskate showcases a unique art style that merges classic skate culture with a sinister, demonic theme. The combination of the graffiti-inspired setting with the demonic, eerie landscapes blends perfectly and creates an immersive atmosphere for the player. The game’s character designs have exaggerated features and dynamic movements that emphasize both speed and combat. The colour palette for the game is bold and gives the game an energetic aesthetic. I love how the animations and the visuals complement one another and have such detailed artwork that brings the game to life. The visuals resemble a graphic novel. Overall, Helskate’s visual style seamlessly blends skate culture with dark fantasy, resulting in a bold and captivating experience that enhances its innovative gameplay.
Helskate allows players to skate across the map to complete objectives, upgrade their items, and take on intriguing boss battles. What I quite enjoyed about the game was being able to perform arcade-style levels that would get you to progress onwards to the next area. The game is perfect in the sense that you do not have to spend so much time completing certain levels. Progression is made by completing challenges and enemies, which become more and more difficult. As the game is a rougelite, each time you fail a mission, the map randomizer can keep you from continuing a bad run.
Like most skateboarding games, this game consists of performing tricks that will allow you to earn points and multipliers by being able to pull off extreme moves. I do have to say that the game works so much better with a controller than using a keyboard and mouse, where being able to grind on metal rails and flip on your skateboard is performed quite easily. Unlike other skateboarding games, Helskate introduces the concept of combat, which was so fun to encounter. Groups of enemies will come into combat, and you can perform tricks that subdue strong or light attacks whilst riding your skateboard. The combat itself is very dependent on pulling a few attacks and then dodging and repeating a similar pattern. Once you’re able to get a grip on the controls for this game, it makes the combat ten times more fun.
The game plays out nicely for a roguelite. You are able to return back to the hub in between the run and upgrade your items and weapons accordingly. The upgrades were well-balanced and did not overpower throughout the progression, making some battles more challenging than others. I do have to say that some of the missions were quite similar, but after some playtime, the game did seem repetitive, though its indifferent side makes it much fun.
If you are looking to play a fun skateboarding game where you get to do much more than perform simple tricks, then Helskate is the game for you. You are able to complete missions, fight enemies, not just enemies, but take on bosses whilst riding your skateboard. A nicely made roguelike game with creative gameplay that is captivated through its visuals. Be sure to check out Helskate!
Overall: 7/10
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