Session: Skate Sim – Schoolyard DLC Review (PS5)

Aside from the technical and realistic controls, the highlight of Session: Skate Sim are the iconic skate spots included in the game. Even non-Americans such as myself are able to recognise FDR skatepark, Blubba or Pier 7 thanks to the numerous clips from across the pond. Not yet satisfied with the selection of maps on offer, Session‘s most recent addition adds another to the list. Whereas previous DLCs have been of Crea-ture Studios own creation, the Schoolyard DLC is a return to the old ways and takes inspiration from the many school-based skatespots in California. 

Session: Skate Sim‘s Schoolyard DLC is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam for £6.49 ($7.99).

The Schoolyard

Firstly, it is important to note that there are currently no gameplay changes, as the Crea-ture team are currently moving Session: Skate Sim over to Unreal Engine 5. Secondly, I have not set foot on American soil, nor do I possess any prolific skill which would warrant a trip to the states to throw myself down massive sets of stairs. So while the Schoolyard map takes inspiration from numerous academic locations from the tiny state of California, I was unable to put a name to all of the spots featured in the game. That being said, I was still able to appreciate the layout of the Schoolyard. Bits and pieces of architecture have been strategically placed to connect one spot to the next, making it easy to find a flow and build up lines.

By condensing the schoolyard spots into one map, Session makes it possible to hit each iconic spot one after the other. A half hour session at Hollywood 16 can be quickly followed by another at Carlsbad, and a line beginning at Skittles ledges can end by flying down El Toro. The recreation of historical locations means demolished spots could be restored. However unfortunately for the skate nerds, there are no plans to add any more historical challenges to either the main game or DLC content, but through the help of Google, it is easy to create your own. Although I couldn’t name every set of stairs and hubba, I have compiled a short list of those I could to judge the comparisons. 

BS big spin to boardslide on the LA High rail.

Hollywood 16

The Hollywood High sibling sets lie adjacent to each other, and while it isn’t necessary to warm up your legs in Session, it is still fun to play on the 12 stair before moving over to the big 16. The Hollywood 16 has been a popular spot since the 90s, and is still going strong, possibly the most recognisable spot from social media. This is my personal favourite historical skate location as it is among the first (to my knowledge) to see women pros send it. Roos Zwetsloot was the first with a 50-50 down the Hollywood 16. Since then, pros Funa Nakayama and Rayssa Leal have also joined the ranks of women to conquer the rail, showcasing the strong trajectory taking place in women’s skateboarding. 

El Toro

Possibly the most famous stair set in the skateboarding world, it is impossible not to wince watching bails down the hefty 20 stair. Don Nguyen takes the title of first to ollie the concrete monster, and Heath Kirchart was the first to slide the center rail, which got removed roughly around 2010. However, the biggest changes came to El Toro in 2019, when the stair set was renovated, bringing about changes to make the spot nearly impossible to skate. Thankfully, Session removes the nuisances of corrugated paving slabs, awkward chunks of protruding metal and the locked security gate, leaving you to virtually skate El Toro in its glory days.

Carlsbad Gap

While the real world inspiration was demolished in 2012, Session restored Carlsbad gap and the slight uphill land that came with it. The grass gap is complete with the awkwardly positioned wall, which even in game catches your wheels every so often. Though the ability to respawn and not take damage in Session means unlimited tries no matter how hard you ragdoll. The gamified elements of Session also make it easier (and safer) to customise the gap, chucking down the beat-up car from the object dropper adding extra grit to an already gnarly spot. 

Hardflip down Carlsbad gap.

Lockwood 

Once an abandoned pool skated in the 80s, the building of Lockwood Elementary school in the 90s brought with it the mellow banks and faded paint of basketball courts we know today. This serves as the perfect playground for DIY experiments, both in Session and in the real world, a fact proven with Daewon’s Picnic contest in 2019. The contest celebrated the creative ways the spot had been skated over the years. And picnic tables.

Leap of Faith

Zero skateboards and Fallen footwear founder Jamie Thomas has come closest to conquering the Leap of Faith with the best trick never landed. His board snapping ollie melon grab featured in ‘Thrill of it All’, the first film from Zero skateboards in 1997. Although replaced with an elevator in 2005, Session‘s Schoolyard DLC restores the Leap of Faith. The advantage of taking on this gigantic drop in Session? You can send a basic ollie without breaking your ankles.

Object Dropper 

The Schoolyard map itself is bordered with a multitude of benches, the majority of which can be moved when using the object dropper. As well as benches never to be sat on, the DLC comes with new DIY objects. Two ramps (a quarter and roll in), a vending machine, tyres and a definitely second-hand sofa are available for purchase in the skateshop. Tyres can be stacked up and yes, you can land you skater inside. The battered sofa holds the most charm and is my personal favourite addition to the misc items, although the vending machine is definitely the better option for grinds. As usual, DIY objects can be used in any map.

Session: Skate Sim Schoolyard DLC was reviewed on PS5 with a key provided by Dead Good PR.