Skateboard Party 3 is the latest installment in the Windows 10 game series and features professional skater Greg Lutzka. The game delivers all the thrills of skateboarding to your Windows 10 PC and Mobile device without the dangers of skinning up your knees.
Graphics are full of detail, controls simple and there are over 40 unique tricks to learn and master. Skateboard Party 3 includes two single player modes and a multiplayer mode (when upgraded to the pro version) where you can challenge friends to skateboard battles.
Skateboard Party 3 may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is a great gaming option when you have a little down time to waste.
Skateboard Party 3's main menu offers up the typical options, online leaderboards, achievements, and an in-game shop. This Windows 10 game offers two game modes with the free version: Career and Free Skate. If you upgrade to the full version, a multiplayer mode ($1.99) becomes available.
Settings allow you to control the game's audio settings, tweak the gameplay controls, set your default leaderboard, view the trick list and launch the tutorial. The tutorial includes both information screens and a practice session that guides you through the basics of play. Just tap the Play Arrow in the bottom right corner of the tutorial screen to launch the practice session.
Control options include using your device's tilt sensors or an on-screen joystick to guide your skater and truck settings. I tried both, and found the joystick to be slightly better than the tilt option.
Career mode is a timed game where you try to perform as many tricks as possible for points. The more points, the more experience you earn to upgrade skills and unlock gear. Free Skate is where you go to practice your skills on the skateboard. There is no time limit and experience points are earned with all the tricks you perform.
The Multiplayer mode is unlocked with the full version of the game (a $1.99 in-app purchase) and allows you to challenge other players online to skateboard duels. Select the skate park and battle to see who can earn the most points.
Prior to jumping into gameplay, you get to select a skater and board, and tweak the board's wheels and trucks. Skateboard locations include Venice Beach, OC Ramps Park, Chinatown, a Nature Museum and more.
Regardless of the mode, gameplay is universal. Trick controls include an ollie, grab, grind and kick button. Combinations of tapping these buttons generate the tricks. Across the top of the display is your score, hidden letter progress, timer and stance.
In a nutshell, you skate around the park performing tricks and searching for hidden letters that spell out "PARTY". Each skate park has a vast selection of ramps, jumps and rails. While it is tough to crash your skater, it isn't impossible. When you do eat the pavement, points are deducted from your score.
Controls were responsive and tricks were a nice test of concentration and timing. Graphics are good, as are Skateboard Party's animations. My only reservation with Skateboard Party 3 is that it may not have across-the-board appeal. I can see it being a favorite of those who enjoy skateboarding, but others may not enjoy it that much. Overall, Skateboard Party 3 is a fun game — it just might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Skateboard Party 3 is a free, ad-supported game that is available for Windows 10 PC and Mobile. The full version removes the ad support, unlocks the multiplayer mode and a few more parks and gear choices. The full version is running $1.99 and can be picked up here in the Windows Store or through an in-app purchase from the free version.
