After a year in Early Access, Phantom Coast’s Helskate has officially launched its 1.0 version, bringing new features, bug fixes, and a fully fleshed-out main story. This skateboarding action roguelite blends classic arcade skating with high-octane combat, tasking players with performing tricks and chaining combos to power up their attacks and take down monsters in the dark and surreal world of Vertheim.
With its unique premise and a wealth of updates, Helskate is an exciting addition to the roguelite genre, appealing to fans of skateboarding, action-packed gameplay, and replayable challenges. Let’s dive into what makes Helskate stand out and what’s new in its full release.
What Is Helskate?
Helskate is an innovative skateboarding action roguelite where players traverse the hellish landscapes of Vertheim, fighting monsters and taking on the Gods of Skating. The gameplay seamlessly blends skateboarding mechanics with fast-paced combat, requiring players to perform tricks, grind rails, and chain combos to power up their attacks. Each run allows for new builds, gear combinations, and permanent upgrades, ensuring that no two sessions are alike.
The game’s stylish, arcade-like skating mechanics are enhanced by the roguelite progression system, encouraging players to die, upgrade, and try again. With its 1.0 release, Helskate delivers its full narrative experience, adding new areas, bosses, and features that elevate its gameplay.
New Features in the 1.0 Release
The transition from Early Access to the full version has brought significant updates and improvements, including:
1. Complete Main Quest
The full release introduces a complete main story with playable Memory Tapes that expand on the world of Helskate. These Memory Tapes provide context and lore for Vertheim and its inhabitants, giving players a more immersive experience.
2. Explore Grindgard
Grindgard, a brand-new set of tiles unlocked after escaping Vertheim, adds fresh challenges, enemies, and environments to conquer. The inclusion of a second world enhances the game’s replayability, offering a variety of settings and new ways to test your skating skills.
3. New World 2 Enemies
The new enemies in Grindgard bring unique mechanics and challenges, requiring players to adapt their strategies as they venture deeper into the game’s labyrinthine world.
4. The Beach
This new area introduces a refreshing visual and gameplay twist, allowing players to shred across sandy shores while facing off against formidable foes.
5. A New Boss Fight
The 1.0 version features an exciting new boss encounter with a unique skating twist. Expect a blend of high-speed action and tactical combat that will push your skills to the limit.
6. The Vault of Wishes
Fans can look forward to uncovering the mysterious [REDACTED] in the Vault of Wishes, adding a layer of intrigue to the game’s expansive world.
7. Bug Fixes and Steam Deck Optimization
The full release addresses many of the bugs reported during Early Access, ensuring a smoother experience. Additionally, the game now runs better on the Steam Deck, making it more accessible for players who prefer handheld gaming.
Gameplay Highlights
1. Skateboarding Combat
The core of Helskate’s gameplay lies in its innovative skateboarding combat mechanics. Players perform tricks like ollies, kickflips, and grinds to build up combo meters, which power their attacks and grant unique buffs. The fluidity of movement and the adrenaline rush of chaining tricks make every battle an exhilarating experience.
2. Customization and Progression
Helskate allows players to tailor their playstyle with a variety of weapons, gear, and tapes. By experimenting with different builds, players can create powerful synergies that suit their preferred strategies. Permanent upgrades, earned through tattoos, provide lasting benefits, making each run feel like progress.
3. Challenge the Gods of Skating
One of the game’s standout features is its boss encounters, where players face off against the Gods of Skating. These battles combine high-octane skating mechanics with intense combat challenges, pushing players to master their skills.
Phantom Coast: The Team Behind Helskate
Helskate is the brainchild of Phantom Coast, an indie studio founded by media personality Jordi van den Bussche (Kwebbelkop) and led by veteran game designer Steve Swink. The team operates remotely from across the globe, with their headquarters in Amsterdam.
Phantom Coast’s mission is to deliver memorable and innovative experiences, and Helskate is a testament to their passion and creativity. By blending skateboarding, roguelite progression, and action-packed combat, the team has created a game that stands out in both style and substance.
Is Helskate Worth Playing?
For fans of roguelites and action games, Helskate offers a fresh and thrilling experience. Its unique blend of skateboarding mechanics and combat, combined with a distinctive visual style and atmospheric soundtrack, makes it a standout title in a crowded genre. The 1.0 release addresses many of the issues present in Early Access, ensuring a more polished and complete experience.
Whether you’re drawn to its arcade-style skating or its roguelite progression, Helskate delivers an engaging and replayable adventure that’s worth your time.
Final Thoughts
Helskate is a testament to the creativity and ambition of indie game development. With its innovative mechanics, rich lore, and exciting updates in the 1.0 release, the game has cemented itself as a must-play for fans of action and roguelite games. Whether you’re grinding rails in Vertheim or battling the Gods of Skating, Helskate offers a unique and unforgettable ride.
Ready to shred through the underworld? Check out the game on Steam, and don’t miss the launch trailer here. For more updates, follow Helskate on Twitter or TikTok.
Our full review of Helskate is available here.
