14 DAY TRIAL // 
Challenging side-scrolling platformers are quite popular nowadays, ranging from scripted ones like Super Meat Boy, to procedurally-generated experiences, like Spelunky.
OlliOlli is a new side-scrolling platformer that adds a special twist to the recipe – a skateboarding one. Players control a boarder who needs to pull off tricks and grinds in various levels by using a variety of button and analog stick combos.
Developer Roll7 promises to deliver an addictive experience that keeps players hooked and motivates them to pull off better and better scores.
Does OlliOlli deliver on its goals or does it wipe out? Let's find out.
OlliOlli is built around three basic steps: executing a trick, pulling off a grind, and – most importantly – landing on the ground.
Unlike in regular skateboarding games, where you pull off a jump and then input different button combinations to execute tricks, in OlliOlli you must first execute the combo, usually using the left thumbstick on the PS Vita, and then you launch into the air and your character pulls off the trick.
But while keeping your stunts as varied as possible is important, the most vital component is the landing. You need to hit the X button as your character gets as close to the ground as possible. If you miss, you lose the combo score, and if you score a perfect landing you get bonus points.
Grinding is also an important factor, as a similar mechanic to the landing one is also used. You need to push the thumbstick into one of several directions in order to pull a different sort of grinding. Nailing a perfect grinding gives you a speed boost, meaning you can keep going at the fastest speed possible.
The game includes over 50 different levels in its regular campaign, split between the Amateur and Pro categories. Each level has different goals that can be completed by players, usually ranging from score and combo benchmarks, to nailing certain moves or other such things.
Progressing to the next level, fortunately, isn't tied to hitting all or some of these goals. You just need to not crash until you reach the finish line. At the end, your score is also compared to your previous performances and the global leaderboards, so the game certainly cultivates your competitive nature.
If you complete all the goals in a level, you unlock the Pro version of that sequence, which will really try out your skills. There are also some smaller challenges, in the form of Spots, that can be completed in a variety of great combos.
Another great aspect of this skateboarding platformer is the Daily Grind one. Every day a new level gets highlighted and you can train on it for as long as you want in that day. Bear in mind, however, that you can officially attempt to record a score just once. If you stumble on the first jump, then you have lost your chance.
For the those who want real challenges there's a special RAD mode that only allows perfect landings and perfect grinds, so try it out only after extensive practice in the regular campaign.
While the game certainly handles really well, there are still a few issues with the detection of left stick movements. Sometimes the game doesn't detect some quarter or half turns of the stick, meaning the character will just pull off some traditional tricks.
Speaking of tricks, in case you can't handle the huge amount of skateboarding terms, there's a special Tricktionary that's easily available and highlights the different stunts and the combos required to pull them off.
In terms of visuals, OlliOlli is looking pretty good, rocking a pixelated style that has a high quality. The framerate is top-notch and the whole experience certainly impresses on the PS Vita's gorgeous OLED screen.
Sound-wise, the game is pretty good but the soundtrack doesn't really stand out, letting you focus just on the gameplay.
Conclusion
OlliOlli is a fun side-scrolling skateboarding platformer that's quite challenging but still accessible for those who aren't as skilled in pulling off sick tricks, grinds, and, most importantly, landings. There are some issues with the detection of certain button combos but, overall, you'll have a great time with it.
