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No, that is not a typo. There is an Atari 2600 game called Skateboardin’ without the G. Why? Because the Atari 2600 existed during the 80s, and near the end of its lifespan, 80s culture began to be entwined with the games that were coming out. And one thing that was cool back in the 80s was skateboarding, and the only thing cooler was to spell words wrong intentionally.
Before the gazillion Tony Hawk video games, there was Skateboardin’. Skateboardin’ is a game like you would expect. You ride a skateboard and get to do tricks. Ride walls, go through pipes, do jumps, etc. The game is timed, and you have to make it to school or something. There is a lot of scenery like bushes, roads, and so forth. But the most appealing aspect is this cute jingle that plays as you are riding the skateboard. Once you get off the skateboard, the character is holding the skateboard under his arm.
For those of you who have not lived through the 80s, just taking one look at the box art for this game will bring you up to speed. A person is riding a skateboard designed in neon colors, wearing shorts and sunglasses. If there were an award for “Most 80s Box Art”, this would be it.
Skateboardin’ is a very charming game. Beside its obvious entertainment appeal, it is also one that makes you smile. It is not like other Atari 2600 games, with spaceships and stuff. There is also a sequel called Super Skateboardin’ for the Atari 7800. So if you are into the Tony Hawk games or kickflipping boards or doing a bunch of crap with a skateboard, get this
Skateboarding may have been cool in the 80s, but falling off one certainly was not. Unfortunately, Skateboardin’ for the Atari 2600 does not allow you to escape the risk of injury. In fact, it’s almost as if the game was designed to mimic the painful experience of learning how to skateboard. You’ll find yourself wiping out frequently, and the sound effects accompanying each crash make it sound like bones are breaking. But hey, at least you don’t have to worry about wearing a helmet or knee pads while playing this game – unless, of course, you’re playing it while riding an actual skateboard. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall off your real skateboard and become paralyzed, making you a perfect candidate for playing Skateboardin’ on the Atari 2600. Just don’t expect the game to help you cope with the newfound challenges of living life as a paraplegic. Skateboardin’ provides a fun and entertaining experience that will transport you back to the 80s, even if it means experiencing the agony of a few (virtual) broken bones.