The Ramp was released in 2021 for Steam/PC and is now available on the Nintendo Switch eShop. This game was created by a single developer for a very specific reason. Paul Schnepf is a skater who wanted to make a video game that recreated the feel and flow of actual skateboarding. He didn’t want to focus on scores, combos, or any of the other fluff, just pure, simple, skate, and chill.
The Ramp is probably the most minimalistic game I’ve ever played. I would call it “pocket-sized” just because it reminds me of a toy. Or one of those battery-powered games I used to play as a kid. So if you’re looking for something like Tony Hawk or SKATE, you’re in the wrong place. But that’s the point… There is no point. The Ramp is solely there to play in small bursts. Maybe 15-20 minutes at a time, tops.
From the title screen, you can choose the area you want to skate in, pull up the menu, or change what your skater looks like. Everything is super “to the point.” The skaters you can choose from are all faceless, a couple of men and women. Once again, proving this game is here to skate, and that’s it:no customization, no goals, no achievements, nothing to unlock. Just skate.
The controls are also very simple. The left joystick steers. The right joystick is how you do tricks, and the A button is used to jump/gain speed. It really does feel like you’re skating. The way the little skater moves and the sounds are really satisfying. The tricks, spins, and speed all feel right. I just wish there was more to it. I like how it feels and how easy it is to pick up and play. But if I had to describe it quickly, I would say, “it feels like I’m playing practice mode in an actual skateboarding game.” After playing and mastering it, I want a challenge—something to verify my awesome skills.
There are four areas you can skate around. A basic wooden half-pipe, an in-ground pool, a rooftop-looking area with two connecting bowls, and a giant vert ramp where you can mess around with a lot of distance and air. The backgrounds are solid colors, which is fine. But it wouldn’t have hurt to add a little pizazz. Maybe even a simple background with a day/night transition or something. The music is very chill, it’s repetitive after a while, but it’s not annoying. You have the option of turning it off in the menu.
From the menu, you can also choose Hardcore Mode. This makes it a lot more difficult to be precise and land your tricks, but it also kind of takes away from the chill aspect because it’s SO precise.
Overall, The Ramp was made for a specific purpose, and it serves that purpose. I just wish I had more fun doing it. However, if you’re into skateboarding and don’t care about unlockables, customization, or storyline, definitely check this one out. At only $6, it won’t hurt your wallet. Otherwise, wait for the next Tony Hawk Remaster ;D
