OlliOlli2: Welcome To Olliwood XL Edition Review – Cult Hit Puts Many Tony Hawk Games To Shame

OlliOlli2: Welcome To Olliwood XL Edition Review

Growing up on skateboarding games like Tony Hawk and the Skate series, admittedly, I walked into OlliOlli2 confident beyond my abilities thinking I will bust some serious combos and breeze through the 2D simplistic skateboarding game unscathed — what I learned is that I know nothing. OlliOlli2 is one of those games that can be picked up in a span of five minutes but requires cat-like reflex and the patience of a monk to master. Addicted doesn’t even begin to describe what you feel after realizing you’ve been attempting the same level for about an hour.

Skate, flip and grind your way through mini-level obstacle courses. Each level offers a variety of challenges ranging from grinding markers, achieving a high score or completing the course without bailing. Completing the full list of challenges on a level unlocks a pro version which is for those who are veterans of the game. OlliOlli 2 drives home the punishment with its unforgiving mechanics, often you’ll forget to press a button to complete a land because you’re focused on so many things happening around you, this can result into some frustrating moments of rage but it pays off in spades when you finally land that massive combo.

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“OlliOlli2 is one of those games that can be picked up in a span of five minutes but requires cat-like reflex and the patience of a monk to master.”

OlliOlli 2 has a plethora of different game modes ranging from a one time trick run until you land, free skating, four player local multiplayer and competing for high score on the Daily Grind. The local multiplayer is disappointing and would be much better off with some form of online matchmaking but otherwise the variety will keep you skating long after career mode is completed.

Navigating levels require precision on the controls, flick the thumb stick in different directions to perform tricks while pressing ‘A’ at the right moment to land. What OlliOlli 2 introduces is the manual which can extend the life of your combo through the entire level. While many courses demand a full combo throughout, even when it wasn’t needed my body still demanded it.

The art direction is colourful and easy on the eyes, it’s got a retro look but the animations and frame-rate are smooth as butter. The environments vary based on level set so you’ll go from skating movie sets in ‘Olliwood’ to grinding Aztec structures in the jungle, it’s wacky but fits right in with the theme of the game.

OlliOlli 2 delivers a stellar soundtrack, it fits perfectly with the art style and the intensity of the game. The variety in music helps make the constant retries of the level feel almost less painful. There’s been several times where I completely forget to complete a trick combo because I get so caught up in the melody.

Overall, OlliOlli 2 is a blast, a simplistic time waster that will have you addicted for hours trying to complete challenges (especially if you’re a completionist like me) with the kick-ass soundtrack and gorgeous art style, it really drives home the point that you don’t need to have AAA production value to make a stand-out game. I would even say that I’d choose this over some high production skateboarding titles that have recently come out (ahem, Tony Hawk 5). If you have any shred of human decency and self-respect you will grab this game.

***An Xbox One review code was provided by the publisher***