Skate 1 nails the presentation and atmosphere but is held back by a handful of gameplay annoyances.

The Skate series is known for having a learning curve, and the first game is no exception. Beyond some basic tutorials, the game doesn't do a good job of teaching the nuances of the game, and there were a few times where I had to look up videos on how to complete a challenge because I wasn't sure what I was doing wrong. The various flip trick inputs feel finicky in this entry. Even after finishing the game, there are certain tricks I still struggle to pull off consistently.

A big reason I stuck with the game was the city. This is one of the best designed cities in a skateboarding game. The graphics hold up well and the different areas are varied and interesting. Not being able to get off your board and the fixed low camera angle can make it tricky to navigate at times. Pedestrians, cars, and other skaters make the world feel alive, but they often get in the way leading to too many bails.

I still had a decent time with Skate 1, but it can be tough on new players, making it difficult to recommend unless you are a big fan of the series or genre.