Although the last few weeks of the year are usually reserved for minor releases in the video game sector, there is always room for surprises. And when it comes to surprises, one publisher has quite the track record. Devolver Digital are experts at releasing irreverent gems that attempt to break away from the conventions established to date in the different genres they explore. To end a year that has been crucial for them, they have saved one last ace up their sleeve that has surprised everyone who has played it.

Enter Skate Story, a unique title in which the player takes on the role of a glass demon who receives a gift from the Devil to carry out his mischief: a skateboard with which to glide through a multitude of environments with an intriguing objective. Of course, the premise alone is already very appealing, but what makes it one of the big surprises of the year is its gameplay, as it is a fun title that is different from practically everything else we have seen to date.

In addition, its arrival in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogue also opens the door to more players who want to discover this title. This partnership between the publisher and the Japanese company has already delivered plenty of hits to PS5 and PS4 players.

A different approach to skateboarding in video games

Skate Story is not your typical skateboarding game, nor does it aim to compete with the hardcore simulation of Skate or the arcade style of Tony Hawk. Its approach is completely different, as it is based on a control system that prioritises immersion and flow over the complexity of commands. Instead of executing complex button combinations for each trick, the game uses a very minimalist input mechanic that focuses on timing and analogue stick movement, emulating the feeling of weight and balance required in real skating.

The basis of the gameplay lies in the feeling of gliding through the levels. The glass demon moves with a fragile elegance, and every ollie, grind or flip feels organic and satisfying. The key is that the game forces you to understand the terrain and momentum, not just memorise tricks. The stages are designed as complex puzzles of slopes, rails, and jumps where the perfect line is as much a matter of skill as it is of observation. Building and maintaining speed on slopes is vital, and it is executed with a simplicity that quickly becomes instinctive.

The main objective of the game goes beyond accumulating points. As the glass demon advances, it performs tasks assigned by the Devil, which often involve reaching inaccessible places, exorcising spirits, or performing rituals using specific combos. Success is measured not only by score, but by the consistency of the player's flow and skill. Failing a trick or falling is punished dramatically, shattering the demon's glass and forcing a restart that underscores the precarious nature of your existence in this underworld. This combination of minimalist yet demanding gameplay, coupled with its narrative objectives, makes it a surprisingly addictive and hard-to-put-down title.

A silent narrative through memorable artistic design

If the gameplay is a pleasant surprise, Skate Story's visuals and sound are what seal it as a Devolver Digital work. The style is minimalist and cryptic. The protagonist is a humanoid figure made entirely of translucent, dark glass, whose cracks light up with every impact or trick performed. The environments, though often desolate and dreamlike, are bathed in neon colour palettes and dense shadows, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that is hypnotic. The demon's glass also visibly shatters when damaged, acting as a very elegant and disturbing life indicator.

The setting is a masterful blend of the urban and the infernal. Skating across drawbridges into the void, over handrails that cross lava lakes, and through streets that seem to have been designed by a cosmic architect is nothing short of magical. This art direction, reminiscent of a mix between industrial design and demonic imagery, makes each level feel unique.

On a narrative level, the game is a triumph of environmental and silent storytelling. There is little explicit dialogue. The story of why the devil has given you this board and what the true purpose of your 'mischief' is is revealed through cryptic text fragments, the symbolism of the settings, and interaction with NPCs who seem to be stuck in an existential loop. This narrative ambiguity encourages the player to interpret and immerse themselves in the strange mythology surrounding the glass demon, making it one of those video games that leaves a lasting impression.