u/SunnyJuggs

why was the stylization choice used in the pre-pre-alpha scrapped? specifically the character design?

I know all the obvious surface level answers most people would say to this question, myself included, we've all heard the same comparisons/criticisms already but im not making this post to repeat the same endless debate or conversation of whether you love or hate it and why

Just hear me out

I think the one thing everyone (mostly) can agree even if you're not a fan of the game, is that the actual skating is good. the mechanics, the way your input directly translates in the game for the most part is very solid. it generally feels good, its smooth, the animations and even the sound design is crisp.

I agree that It is nice to turn off all the hud, to just cruise or skate around in whatever style you prefer, with or without music on, vibe however you like and get lost in the free skating aspect and just enjoy the skating. no points, no challenges, no compass, no trick display, just your individuality and imagination expressed on the board, just like in real life. Doing this showcases the skating gameplay by letting it stand on its own, giving it "space" from the noise to be highlighted.

I see that exact feedback from both sides all the time, this to me tells me that most people at the very least fundamentally enjoy being immersed in the game. whether its just for 5-30 minutes at time, its someone's after work/comfy game, or someone wants to drill out lines or trick for an hour plus, we all want to be immersed at some level.

that being said, since the pre-pre-alpha to the version and stylization of the character change we have now in early access, I’ve struggled with immersion. Again for the most part, the map, generally speaking from a visual perspective looks good, I can become immersed with the map. cars, pedestrians, a city, ambience, all contributing to that immersion.

[INSERT IMAGE 1]

the first image is from the official pre-pre-alpha. even with the quality, the character felt grounded and had a specific "weight" that fit the world. it felt like a skate game.

[INSERT IMAGE 2]

the second image is where we are now. for me, the change is a huge immersion breaker. when im trying to get into a flow state, the character design pulls me out of the experience. i know changing the whole art style isn't a simple ask, but im pleading for a middle ground.

would it be possible to implement an optional "Legacy" or "Grounded" character preset? maybe just one or two head models/textures that lean closer to that original vision for the players who want that immersion and realism, without taking away the new look for people who enjoy it?

im curious if other people who enjoy the gameplay still find the character models distracting? would having a more realistic option be something you would use if it was an available option?

Dude...

Decent find for the price?

Session - Free PC Steam Key Giveaway