Support us on Patreon to keep GamingOnLinux alive. This ensures all of our main content remains free for everyone. Just good, fresh content! Alternatively, you can donate through PayPal. You can also buy games using our partner links for GOG and Humble Store.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

SkateBIRD does a fancy kickflip onto Steam and itch.io as it's out now

By - | Views: 14,378

Combining tiny little fancy birds with skateboarding is highly unusual but it continues to show how indie developers will try things AAA won't. SkateBIRD is exactly that and it's out now.

Of course since you're only tiny, so are the skateparks which are all made from random everyday objects. You get to customize your bird too, as the developer points out that "Skateboarding is all about self-expression, and style is important no matter how small the skater. From cowboy hats, to colorful scarves and backpacks, SkateBIRD’s accessories let each skater’s personality shine. Look fresh while tracking down hidden mixtapes to unlock new songs or have a solo session with low-fi bird-hop beats in the background".

Check out the release trailer:

YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link

Developed by Glass Bottom Games, an independent game developer based in Seattle USA. Glass Bottom previously developed titles including Hot Tin Roof, Spartan Fist, and Jones on Fire. SkateBIRD was crowdfunded on Kickstarter back in 2019 where it managed to raise $67,220.

“As a small indie studio, the journey to launching on multiple platforms isn’t always the easiest one, but our community and fans have been instrumental in supporting us every step of the way,” said Megan Fox, founder, Glass Bottom Games. “ We are thrilled the console and PC communities finally get the chance to drop in and get skating!”

As a game, it's ridiculously cute. The little birds are wonderful and it looks pretty good overall but the most important part, the actual skating, it doesn't do particularly well. It's not especially bad it's just not exactly great either. The camera and the controls are more of a nuisance than anything. I particularly strongly dislike the depth of field effect which feels too strong for how small the areas are - which is not currently possible to turn off which seems like a big release oversight to me. Playing for a while gives quite the headache thanks to that.

For how tight and small the areas are the speed, controls and physics just seem all out of balance. I can't put my finger on exactly what but I didn't get along with this one which is a shame.

You can buy it on itch.io and Steam.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
10 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
11 comments
Page: 1/2»
  Go to:

CatKiller Sep 16, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
QuoteFor how tight and small the areas are the speed, controls and physics just seem all out of balance. I can't put my finger on exactly what but I didn't get along with this one which is a shame.
Have you played THPS? If this game has the same slightly floaty physics and slightly stiff camera as that, that would be a good thing; if it's weird in a different way, that would be a bad thing.
Liam Dawe Sep 16, 2021
Quoting: CatKillerHave you played THPS? If this game has the same slightly floaty physics and slightly stiff camera as that, that would be a good thing; if it's weird in a different way, that would be a bad thing.
It feels nothing like THPS.
CatKiller Sep 16, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Quoting: Liam Dawe
Quoting: CatKillerHave you played THPS? If this game has the same slightly floaty physics and slightly stiff camera as that, that would be a good thing; if it's weird in a different way, that would be a bad thing.
It feels nothing like THPS.
Ah. That's a shame.
Purple Library Guy Sep 16, 2021
Aw, that's a pity. I mean, this isn't the kind of game I'd play, but it seemed like such a nice idea and like it has a lot of heart, so I've been hoping for it to do well. But while style is great, it has to be fun to like, play the game. It'll be sad if it gets dragged down by skimping the basics.
CatKiller Sep 16, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
The reviews haven't been terribly kind, highlighting the same issues as Liam, but they've apparently sold enough copies that they have a plan for future development. DoF is specifically mentioned as something that they're going to let you turn off soon. Hopefully they'll manage to get the feel of the physics more comfortable before they switch tracks to new content.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/971030/discussions/1/5487063042643740899/
CatKiller Sep 16, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
OK, so I bought it, and I think it is quite similar in feel to THPS. Using a PS3 controller it's got the same button bindings even if it's showing Xbox button names. The DoF is horrible, and it could do with a visible marker to find your mission-giving chum. You can liptrick and manual, but you can't pick which trick you're doing with the d-pad. No reverts, either, although IIRC those came in with THPS3. I don't like that you need to fill your Tricky meter before you can make jumps rather than just building up speed from the ramps. You can't hop onto some rails till you've filled up your meter. Level design so far isn't as good as THPS, with lots of rails into walls rather than flowing lines.


Last edited by CatKiller on 16 September 2021 at 10:16 pm UTC
Eniko Sep 17, 2021
Quoting: CatKillerit could do with a visible marker to find your mission-giving chum.
The game doesn't make this clear but the level image you see when you open the pause menu has little blue and yellow pips on it that tell you where missions can be had.
CatKiller Sep 17, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Quoting: EnikoThe game doesn't make this clear but the level image you see when you open the pause menu has little blue and yellow pips on it that tell you where missions can be had.
Ah, cool, thanks.

I'll likely wait till they've fixed the blur before I go back to it; it really makes me feel like I've forgotten to put my glasses on, which is really distracting.
14 Sep 18, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
This reminds me that THPS remakes are on the Switch. Hmm....

I think I will wait for things to improve with Skate Bird before jumping in. It looks pretty cool though.
CatKiller Sep 18, 2021
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Blur toggle is apparently due next week.

Quote1.0.2 will probably hit next week on around the 21st, and that'll include an accessibility toggle to disable the blur, along with the next sweep of high-priority quick fixes I can stuff in. This will likely also include more camera angles for create-a-birb (so you can clearly see all the clothes/decks).

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/971030/view/4746220900731493492
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.