QUEST FOR STOKEN: Review from a Non-Skater’s/Non-Gamer’s POV

about 1 year ago

I don’t know what made me think that this would be a walk in the park but I can promise you one thing, it was not. The experience felt like exploring an unfamiliar terrain. The game succeeds in being both engaging and challenging at the same time. It is meticulous in its attention to detail and has several items that allude to the theme.

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As a person who has never skated and/or has zero experience in video games, it’s no surprise that I felt immensely lost at the beginning. After finding out it was a PC game from unsuccessfully trying to play it on my phone 😏😄, I pressed play and fired away.

My initial reaction when the game started was “oh the visuals remind me of minecraft, but a bit more defined and sharper”. I explored the arrow and command buttons on my laptop and took note of their functions. After I got a hang of it, I proceeded to play.

I had difficulties navigating the surroundings and environment because there were so many isolated structures lying around. I attempted to examine whatever route I came across by going in the general direction. The fun part was in the exploration of the whole premises.

At first it was super difficult; I kept dying and failing. And I got frustrated but eventually I came back to play again at intervals, I noticed I got better each time I came back. I believe I played the game at least 10 different times, if not more, before writing this review. I felt a sense of fulfillment each time I passed a stage I couldn’t pass previously. And still I was unable to get to the ‘you win’ room.

Graphics

The graphics seem fair for a video game in my opinion. The color matching was excellent in some areas, but a total chaos in others. For instance, in one of the levels there was this huge block with a kaleidoscope of flashing and clashing colors. It was super distracting and I didn’t know if it was a platform or just a picture.

The characters all look great. I swear that damn pigeon saw me in a dream and just wanted to end my life haha. The blue monster was alright, I really wished I could kill him without him taking a swing or two at me.

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The shooting lasers were the bane of my existence. Just when you think you did a great job of preserving your life, those lasers choose to come out of nowhere and reduce you! I managed to avoid the UFOs so I didn’t really encounter their wrath. I didn’t get to have a chat with the squiggly aliens before I died and gave up but they look cool.

I’m pretty sure I pressed a button without knowing but there were moments where everything was in slow motion, then all of a sudden it would stop. Could be it lagging, I don’t know.

Sound/Music

Immediately I clicked the link, I was so not prepared for the loud metallic sound that invaded my ears. It reminded me of the olden days news channel theme sound. I didn’t mind it though. You couldn’t have chosen a better theme sound; it suits the game so well. The sounds gave off skater vibes. Then the sound effects are original, my favorite one is the weed sound.

Game-play

The game play is cool. There is so much to explore in each level and it adds to its replay value. I love it because you can get a variety of experiences from playing just one level. As you replay it you discover a lot of things that you missed the first time and it makes it all the more interesting.

You get three lives, and they increase as you enter each level. Another aspect that I love is the crypto concept. There’s the crypto wallet that gives you coins, then the hive sign representing the number of lives, it is like the ideal crypto themed game.

There is no given duration for each level, which was fantastic for me because I needed a lot of time to learn how to navigate and explore.

Notes

It might be easier if basic instructions on command buttons are included.
Some skating lingoes used are not understood by others.
When you lose a life and have to repeat a level, I really like how the coins don't change.