The Ramp Review: A Chill Appeal for Skateboarding Lovers
A relaxing skateboarding experience that captures the joy of flow without the frills.
last updated Aug 15, 2024
The Ramp serves as a calming escape for any indie lover looking to skate without the worries of competition.
Gameplay: The Zen of Skating
The Ramp presents itself as a virtual toy more than a traditional game, allowing players to indulge in the pure joy of skating without the stress of objectives or competition. The controls are simplistic yet surprisingly effective; with one button for pumping and an intuitive stick layout for tricks, it’s all about finding that flow. Players can expect to tackle four different ramps, mastering their moves in a laid-back skating experience. The focus is on relaxation rather than achievement, making it perfect for short bursts of casual gaming. However, the lack of variety in maps and tricks can make it feel repetitive, leaving hardcore skaters hungry for more depth.
Audio: Lo-Fi Vibes That Keep You Chill
The soundtrack of The Ramp leans into a chill, lo-fi vibe that complements the gameplay seamlessly. It avoids the trap of overwhelming the player, creating a soothing backdrop that enhances the meditative quality of skating. Unfortunately, as delightful as the tunes are, they do lack variety, cycling through a limited selection that can grow tiresome over extended sessions. Yet, for a brief skate session designed to relieve stress, this minimalist soundscape generally serves its purpose. Players might find themselves nodding along, but they may wish for more musical diversity to keep things engaging.
Graphics: Minimalist Yet Gracious
Visuals in The Ramp embrace simplicity with a charming minimalistic art style that avoids visual clutter, allowing players to focus on the skating action. The design is clean and aesthetically pleasing, perfectly channeling the laid-back spirit of skating. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on various systems, making it accessible even on low-spec machines, adding to the casual appeal. However, while the graphics don’t delve into realism, the straightforward design encapsulates the essence of what a skateboarding sandbox should look like. This stripped-back aesthetic may not suit everyone, but for many, it fosters an inviting atmosphere.
Replayability: The Dance of Drift and Drop
In terms of replayability, The Ramp dances a fine line between a delightful diversion and a potentially fleeting experience. With no pressures of leaderboards or progression systems, players are left to their own devices, exploring the limited ramps and discovering what tricks they can conjure. While this hands-off approach appeals to those seeking a casual playground, it can leave enthusiasts yearning for more depth and content. Once you've skated every inch of the four maps, the allure may diminish unless you’re a completionist chasing achievements. The potential for community-created content and additional maps could seriously enhance the replayability factor down the line.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Paul Schnepf
Publisher
hyperparadise
Release Date
August 03, 2021
A Delightful Skateboarding Escape
The Ramp serves as a calming escape for any indie lover looking to skate without the worries of competition or objectives. With its minimalistic charm, floating soundtrack, and accessible controls, it captures the essence of a casual skating experience. However, its repetitiveness and lack of varied content may leave some wanting more, keeping it firmly in 'session-based fun' territory rather than as an adventure worth hours of dedication.
