In a mesmerizing demo space at Summer Game Fest, I had the pleasure of playing "Skate Story" while its creator, Sam Eng, sketched a fiery skateboard on a business card. As I navigated through the game, Sam chuckled at my mishaps and shared his inspiration behind "Skate Story" - capturing the contrasting feelings of invincibility and vulnerability he experiences while skateboarding. "Skate Story" encapsulates this dichotomy perfectly. You embody the glass skater, a fragile yet fierce demon, on a quest to skate to the moon, devour it, and break free from the Underworld. The game unfolds in surreal playgrounds filled with obstacles and enemies, where your skateboarding skills are your only defense. Playing with a standard Xbox controller, I found myself engrossed in the mechanics of the game. From hopping on the board to executing tricks and maneuvers, every move felt fluid and intuitive. As I weaved through the Underworld, encountering friendly and hostile entities, I immersed myself in the world of "Skate Story." The game's mesmerizing visuals, accompanied by a VHS-filtered aesthetic and a dreamy soundtrack by Blood Cultures, create a hypnotic atmosphere. Every push of the glass skater's wheels resonates with a sense of urgency and determination, urging you to navigate the brutalist landscapes with precision and finesse. "Skate Story" offers a captivating gameplay loop, enticing you to chase that elusive state of flow throughout the game. With over 70 tricks to master, gear to unlock, and a leveling system to progress, the full game promises hours of immersive gameplay. Scheduled for release this year on Steam, "Skate Story" is a must-play for fans of skateboarding games and unique indie experiences. Dive into the mesmerizing world of "Skate Story" and discover the thrill of skating through the Underworld like never before.