Helskate: Review

This game was reviewed on PC.

Reviewed by:  David Cameron

When Helskate was first revealed, it seemed like an ambitious, almost chaotic blend of genres. A game that mixes high-speed skateboarding tricks with intense demon-slaying combat? It sounded like something straight out of a fever dream, yet Infernal Deck Studios has managed to craft an experience that is as exhilarating as it is unique. While it isn't without its flaws, Helskate delivers a thrilling gameplay loop, stylish visuals, and a soundtrack that will keep your adrenaline pumping.

An Unholy Union of Skate and Slay

At its core, Helskate is a roguelike action game that places you in the shoes of Axel, a rebellious skater trapped in a hellish realm where monstrous entities rule. The only way out? String together sick tricks and obliterate demons in style. The game takes inspiration from titles like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Hades, blending fluid movement with fast-paced combat.

From the very first level, the game makes it clear that style is just as important as survival. Your skateboard isn't just for movement—it's your weapon. You can perform kickflips, grinds, and aerial tricks to charge up special abilities, unleashing devastating attacks against hordes of nightmarish creatures. The better your tricks, the more powerful your attacks become. It's an engaging risk-reward system that constantly pushes you to stay on the move and pull off daring combos.

A World That Feels Like a Skater's Inferno

Visually, Helskate is an absolute treat. The game's art direction blends neon-soaked streets with gothic architecture, creating a setting that feels like a rebellious skater's vision of the underworld. The level design encourages exploration, with halfpipes, grind rails, and ramps seamlessly integrated into twisted landscapes.

Each region in Helskate is uniquely designed, from the crumbling towers of the Forsaken Plaza to the eerie, graffiti-laden corridors of the Void Skatepark. The environments not only look stunning but also serve as playgrounds for movement and combat. The developers clearly understand how to make verticality and momentum essential parts of gameplay, rewarding players who master their surroundings.

Combat That's as Stylish as It Is Satisfying

The combat in Helskate is where the game truly shines. Rather than traditional hack-and-slash mechanics, battles are tied directly to your trick system. Land a complex combo, and you'll unleash powerful special moves. Slam down with a perfectly timed trick, and you'll crush enemies beneath your board. It's an intuitive yet challenging system that keeps fights dynamic and rewarding.

Weapons in Helskate are also unique, offering a mix of melee and ranged options that complement the trick-based combat. Whether you prefer a flaming skateboard that leaves a trail of destruction or a pair of razor-sharp wheels that double as throwing weapons, there's a playstyle for everyone. Upgrades and power-ups further enhance your abilities, allowing you to customize Axel's skills to match your preferred approach.

However, the combat system isn't without its drawbacks. At times, enemies can feel a bit too aggressive, making it difficult to chain together tricks without interruption. Additionally, some boss fights, while visually spectacular, can feel a bit overwhelming due to the sheer number of attacks you have to dodge while maintaining momentum. Despite these hiccups, the combat remains one of the game's strongest aspects.

A Soundtrack That Fuels the Chaos

No skateboarding game is complete without a killer soundtrack, and Helskate delivers in spades. The music blends high-energy punk rock with heavy metal riffs, perfectly capturing the rebellious, high-octane energy of the game. Each track fuels the action, making every trick and takedown feel even more exhilarating.

Sound design is equally impressive. The roar of grinding rails, the satisfying snap of a well-executed kickflip, and the visceral impact of landing a perfect attack all contribute to the game's immersive audio experience. Even the demonic growls and ambient sounds help create a world that feels alive and dangerous.

Progression That Keeps You Hooked

As a roguelike, Helskate features a progression system that encourages players to keep coming back for more. Each run allows you to unlock new tricks, weapons, and abilities, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel the same. The game does a great job of rewarding players for experimentation, offering different playstyles based on the skills you choose to upgrade.

However, progression can feel a bit grindy at times. Some upgrades take longer to unlock than they should, leading to moments where progression feels slower than it should be. A more balanced reward system could make the experience even more satisfying.

A Few Wipeouts Along the Way

Despite its many strengths, Helskate isn't without its shortcomings. The difficulty curve can be unforgiving, particularly for players who struggle with mastering the trick system early on. While the game does offer a tutorial, it doesn't fully prepare you for some of the later challenges, leading to a steep learning curve.

There are also occasional performance hiccups. While the game runs smoothly for the most part, I did encounter a few frame rate drops during intense combat sequences. Additionally, some animations could use a bit more polish, particularly when transitioning between tricks and attacks. These issues don't ruin the experience, but they are noticeable enough to be worth mentioning.

Final Verdict: A Wild Ride Worth Taking

Helskate is an electrifying blend of skateboarding and demon-slaying that offers something truly unique. Its stylish visuals, engaging combat, and pulse-pounding soundtrack make it a thrilling experience, even if it has a few bumps in the road. The trick-based combat system is a standout feature that rewards creativity and skill, and the world is a joy to explore.

That said, the game's difficulty spikes, occasional performance issues, and slightly grindy progression hold it back from being an instant classic. However, for those willing to push through its challenges, Helskate offers a wildly entertaining and rewarding experience that is well worth your time.

Reviewed by: David Cameron