OlliOlli2: XL Edition (Xbox One) Review

By Sandy Kirchner-Wilson 30.05.2016

Review for OlliOlli2: XL Edition on Xbox One

Roll7's alternative side-scrolling take on skateboarding video games, OlliOlli, was an instant success, and quickly spawned a sequel. Following the release of OlliOlli2 on other platforms, this XL Edition for Xbox One includes a couple of new modes and the entire original game's content. Find out how this definitive version holds up, as Cubed3 reviews.

The goal of OlliOlli2 is to complete a variety of stages and challenges, while skating stylishly across various obstacles by grinding, tricking and generally being a badass skate master. This is in no way an easy feat to achieve. The game has a simple premise, but insanely difficult to master controls and timings. It requires ultimate precision, be it while landing a trick, going into a manual or starting a grind while trying to keep the score combo building. Gameplay runs well on Xbox One and, so long as the screen in use is low latency, is very responsive to controller input.

New to this version is a local multiplayer mode called Combo Rush in which up to four players can go head to head to see who the best "Olli-er" is. It offers up a variety of criteria to keep the game interesting, including a timed run to see who can get farthest into the level and the highest score, a score attack mode with a limit that is simply to see who can get there first with infinitely repeating courses, a mode that is won by racing to the end of the level, and a combo challenge to see who can run up the biggest combo. The latter mode is extremely fun, but has a shortfall in the non-dynamic screen layout, which forces two players to use only a quarter of the screen each.

Screenshot for OlliOlli2: XL Edition on Xbox One

There is one other new mode known as FreeSkate, where it is possible to practice combos on a large map, of which there are five to choose from. These can be utilised infinitely to improve skills needed for perfecting the pro levels, as well as the amateur ones. In terms of content, this is the most complete version of OlliOlli2, and with five worlds, 50 amateur and pro Levels, 250 challenges, and the local multiplayer split-screen and FreeSkate modes, it is real value for money.

One big issue, which is very much a subjective point, is that the music seems to grate. It is distracting to the point where it is best turned off entirely, so that all focus can be applied to playing the game well. Every other aspect of the presentation is great. Vibrant visuals, minimalistic UI and a great atmosphere all round.

Screenshot for OlliOlli2: XL Edition on Xbox One

Cubed3 Rating

7/10
Rated 7 out of 10

Very Good - Bronze Award

Rated 7 out of 10

The original version was fantastic, and the additional content in this new edition makes it a definitive purchase for skateboarding game fans that are up for a huge amount of challenge. With smooth, stylish graphics and gameplay, it may well attract people who are interested in small developments like this, even if they have no skateboarding game experience. Add in the ability to play with some friends, and OlliOlli2: XL Edition is an unmissable package.

Developer

Roll7

Publisher

Team17

Genre

Sport

Players

1

C3 Score

Rated $score out of 10  7/10

Reader Score

Rated $score out of 10  0 (0 Votes)

European release date Out now   North America release date Out now   Japan release date None   Australian release date Out now   

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