Session: Skate Sim is a skateboarding simulator with more than meets the eye as far as gameplay goes. It is known for being notoriously tricky with its game physics, but it offers skaters a memorable playing experience and a couple of surprises. Session has managed to make a name for itself in good ways and bad, with many comparisons being drawn to other popular titles like Skate and Tony Hawk Pro Skater series.

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Some things are universal regarding skateboarding simulators, but Session has fresh inputs and techniques for tricks and brings new meaning to realism for a simulator. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely forthcoming with some of its features and often leaves it up to players to figure out all its quirks. As a result, there are a few awesome things that players can do in Session: Skate Sim that may not be obvious right away.

1 Create the Perfect Skate Spot

Session Skate Sim Obstacle Placing Mode

Session doesn’t limit players to only skating the pre-designed rails and ramps. There is the option to place obstacles anywhere on the map. Obstacle Placing mode opens up a limited editor that lets skaters set down ramps and other obstacles they can skate on so they aren’t reliant on the “natural” world to perform tricks. This mode can also be used to get a specific photo for aesthetic purposes. Players simply need to step off the board to access Obstacle Placing mode and click the left trigger.

A somewhat obscure perk of Obstacle Placing mode is player character placement. For example, if players get curious about jumping off a building or a high ledge just out of jumping distance, they can go into Obstacle Placing mode and lay down a piece of plywood or ramp. Then, get back to play mode and walk the character onto the obstacle. Finally, return to Obstacle Placing mode and move the object up into that ledge or building that has been out of reach, and the character will stay on the obstacle.

2 Experiment with Video and Camera Editor

Session Skate Sim Video Editor

A massive part of skateboarding is filming. Consequently, there are skaters whose whole job is to master skating while simultaneously capturing the best skate clip. This concept carries through with Session's video and camera editor mode, allowing players to record and review their videos from any angle or layout from the Replay Editor.

The Replay Editor can be accessed by pressing the PlayStation touchpad or Xbox options button. Alternatively, players can get there from the pause menu. The editing screen has directions on how to zoom, change the viewing angle, flip the camera, and more. Video can be played back and paused, and players can take photos from any direction to get the perfect shot or create the best clip.

3 Visit Real Life Skate Spots

Session Skate Sim Famous Skate Locations

Another exciting feature of Session is that players can visit areas modeled after real-life skate spots. There are iconic spots where skaters have landed crazy tricks all over the US that are known in the skate community. Places like Love Park, China Banks, Pier Seven, Embarcadero, and more are all found in the game. Players can enjoy visiting these spots at any time.

Early on, players are able to travel to various locations right across the US. The storyline will also organically take them to known skate locations through missions and side quests. Historical Challenges are small missions that replicate tricks done by pros at specific locations. So, while seeing these spots in real life isn’t feasible for everyone, skaters can get a taste of what it might be like virtually.

4 Compete Against Pros

Session Skate Sim Contest

Pro skaters mean a lot to the skate community. They often exemplify all the best parts of skateboarding, from technical skills to innovative ideas. Session includes them in a big way by having many pros lead the missions and challenges that players face. Skaters will recognize big names, including but not limited to Daewon Song, Torey Pudill, and Nora Vasconcellos.

Missions aren’t the only place that players will interact with pro skaters. They can also compete against them in contests. Skate shops typically invite the player character to skate contests at certain points in the main storyline. They consist of solo runs and a small montage of the other contestants and finish by presenting the scores and winners. Many pros are found at these events, so beating them is a fun milestone.

5 Change the Game Physics

Session Skate Sim Advanced Settings

One thing that Session prides itself on is its level of realism - even at the expense of player enjoyment in some cases. However, this can be decreased or increased if seeking a true challenge by changing the game world’s physics. The standard gameplay options cover board control, input modes, and wear and tear. Players can dive deeper into this by using the Advanced settings.

Advanced settings include gravity, drop heights, flip friction and speed, or push force. These settings are on a sliding scale so players can find their preferred level for each choice. Some options have drastic changes, so experimenting with different ones can yield interesting results. Players have almost complete control of their play through experience with Advanced settings, and should they want to undo anything, they can always reset to the default and recommend settings.

Session: Skate Sim is available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

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