The true-to-art-and-craft Skater XL which takes most of its cues from EA's celebrated Skate series and expands upon the concept of "skateboarding as expression" (ie creating your own lines and landing everything no matter how long it takes), is out now in the wild, having hibernated most of its life in PC Early Access. We've been playing it and had a chance to chat with the devs and one of the game's pros, but as this is an in-depth near-simulation experience, we're taking the time to properly craft an in-depth review, especially because these types of game are my jam.

That doesn't mean you can't go out and grab it now, but if you like sitting on fences, our full verdict will be with you this week.

Dive into skateboarding paradise with levels that feature famous skate landmarks and environmental elements, including Downtown LA, the ginormous Big Ramp, Easy Day High, and community created maps like Grant Park, Hudland and Streets. Play as skateboarding pros Tiago Lemos, Evan Smith, Tom Asta and Brandon Westgate, or customise and create your own skateboarding legend with gear from more than 30 real skate brands. Explore digital skate zines, personal highlight replays and more from the Skater XL community that celebrates this new era of digital skateboarding.Features:

• Freedom of Expression - Skater XL’s physics-based controls don’t have any pre-programmed tricks - only the movement through the thumbsticks. Each thumbstick is connected to the corresponding foot of the skater and as the player moves the stick, the board instantly responds. Much like a musical instrument, the player has complete freedom, whether it be pushing to nail a line or skating free form.
  
• Real Life Iconic Locations - Skater XL levels are all inspired by real-world skate areas and designed to ensure a constant flow of skate lines. From the DTLA Map with skateboarding landmarks around the Staples Center and LA Convention Center to Easy Day High School’s sprawling campus of iconic skate spots like the Wallenberg Big 4 and the ‘Leap of Faith’, to the humongous ‘Big Ramp,’ where skaters can soar higher than a hawk.
  
• Play As Real-Life Skate Pros - Select from renowned pros Tiago Lemos, Brandon Westgate, Evan Smith, and Tom Asta, all with their own distinct gear that fits their style.
  
• Customisable Characters - The possibilities are endless to personalise the Skater XL experience. Players can customise their entire look, including their skater’s gear with different tees, hoodies, hats and shoes from over 30 of the most recognised skate brands like Vans, Santa Cruz, DC Shoes, Independent, Lakai and many more.
  
• Thriving Community - Dive into a passionate community with more than 100,000 members in Discord (the biggest Discord in the World for reference is Fortnite at 500k, amazing given that Skater XL was in Early Access!) who create online zines, video parts, fake skate brands, and hundreds of mods.
  
• Legit Soundtrack - Modest Mouse, Getter, Interpol, Animal Collective and Band Of Horses headline the distinctive music that blends well with the Skater XL’s West Coast vibe and fluid physics-based control mechanics.

Check out the game's launch trailer embedded below.