Skate City: New York has just landed on Apple Arcade, and with its arrival, Snowman proves once again that it continues to raise the bar for skateboarding games. This title, the sequel to the successful Skate City from 2019, ventures into new horizons. A combination of improved gameplay, customization, and an iconic setting that we at Hanaringo had the chance to try before its launch, completely reshaping what this game has to offer.
New York as the skateboarding epicenter
What defines this title is its setting: New York. This city is not just a place; it’s a skateboarding emblem. The streets, parks, and skyscrapers of the Big Apple are much more than just a backdrop. Every corner tells a story within the game.
The team at Snowman has managed to recreate New York in a way that feels alive. Thanks to a procedural generation system, each run is unique, and while we’re always in New York, we never see the same setting twice. This approach, familiar from games like Alto's Adventure or Alto's Odyssey, ensures that every session feels fresh, keeping our sense of exploration and discovery alive.
More tricks, more options, more life
One of the most notable improvements in this installment is the depth of the gameplay mechanics. Snowman has listened to our feedback and worked to deliver a much richer experience. Now we have a significantly wider variety of tricks, allowing us to combine moves in unexpected ways (or meticulously planned ones if we aim to rack up points) and constantly test our skills.
Customization has taken center stage like never before. For the first time, we can create avatars that reflect our personal style, from physical traits to clothing and accessories. This not only adds an interesting layer to the character but also captures the diversity that defines the skateboarding world.
The music, already iconic in the first installment, has been adapted to a more dynamic format in every sense. In addition to being faster in tempo and style, the rhythms change and sync with our actions and progress. Subtle? After hours with the game, I can assure you it makes a difference.
Designed to shine in Apple’s ecosystem
Designed from the ground up to take full advantage of devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, the game demonstrates that Apple devices are on par with traditional consoles. The level of detail achieved is impressive. From touch controls that allow nearly infinite combinations to the fluidity of the graphics, everything has been fine-tuned to stand out.
Although Skate City: New York is already impressive at launch, the developers made it clear in a previous interview that this is just the beginning. The game will continue to expand with new areas, challenges, and mechanics, broadening the possibilities over time. This strategy ensures that there’s always something new to discover.
With its attention to detail and love for skateboarding, Skate City: New York is much more than just a game. It’s an experience that captures the essence of the sport and invites us to enjoy it in a unique way. An experience we can now download on Apple Arcade, and a title that will undoubtedly surprise us.
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