Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

720º drops you into the sprawling Skate City, where every ramp, rail, and quarter pipe is your playground. As a skateboarder aiming to carve out a name for yourself, you’ll master basic moves like ollies and kickflips before stringing together high-flying combos. The game’s intuitive controls make it easy to pick up, but chaining tricks with perfect timing and balance will test even seasoned players.

Beyond the standard trick mechanics, Skate City is peppered with interactive elements. You’ll swerve past oblivious pedestrians, grind down lengthy rails, and use strategically placed ramps for air tricks. Each successful maneuver fills your combo meter, pushing you toward ever more ambitious stunts. A slight miscalculation or bumpy landing, however, can send you tumbling—a satisfying risk-reward balance that keeps every session tense and exciting.

Competitions add another layer of depth, tasking you with reaching event arenas before time runs out. Miss the deadline and the ominous “Skate Or Die” message flashes across the screen, demanding you hurry. Medals and cash await those who arrive on time and perform well, unlocking access to skate shops scattered throughout the park. There, you can upgrade your board, trucks, and wheels—enhancements that translate directly into better speed, control, and trick potential.

Graphics

Visually, 720º captures the vibrant spirit of street skating through bold pixel art and fluid animations. Skate City’s ramps and rails pop against a backdrop of stylized cityscapes, from graffiti-laden walls to neon-lit ramps. The variety of surfaces—concrete, metal, wood—each has its own distinct look, lending authenticity to every trick you pull off.

Character sprites are detailed enough to showcase the dynamic movement of kickflips, grabs, and grinds. Pedestrians scattered across the park react differently if you get too close, adding both charm and obstacles to your runs. While the color palette is undeniably retro, it remains bright and inviting, ensuring that long play sessions don’t strain the eyes.

Interface elements like the combo meter, time gauge, and cash counter are cleanly displayed, never intruding on the action. Menus for skate shops and competition entries are straightforward, letting you quickly navigate upgrades or sign up for the next event. Though hardware limitations of its era impose a certain simplicity, 720º’s visuals stand the test of time through effective design choices and smooth performance.

Story

While 720º isn’t driven by a deep narrative, it uses context and progression to keep you invested. You start as an unknown skater in Skate City, working your way through a series of increasingly challenging competitions. Each event feels like a milestone in your journey toward local fame.

The shops you visit serve as narrative anchors, showcasing your growth as you swap out starter boards for high-end decks. Every purchase—whether a beefier set of trucks or grippier wheels—reinforces the idea that you’re building your reputation piece by piece. It’s a simple but effective progression system that rewards both skill and exploration.

The looming “Skate Or Die” warning injects a sense of urgency rarely seen in arcade-style sports titles. It transforms a purely mechanical objective into a narrative moment: you’re not just late for a competition, you’re risking your career in Skate City. This bit of tension elevates the gameplay, turning routine errands into pulse-pounding races against the clock.

Overall Experience

720º strikes a compelling balance between arcade accessibility and depth. Newcomers will appreciate the straightforward controls and immediate gratification of pulling off tricks, while veterans will find plenty of room to refine combos and optimize routes through Skate City. The constant buzz of competing against the clock keeps each run fresh and challenging.

Replayability is high thanks to open exploration and the lure of upgrading gear. Scouring every corner of the park for hidden paths or item spawns can lead to better equipment and higher scores. Competitions also encourage repeat attempts, as achieving a Gold medal not only boosts your in-game cash but also serves as a badge of honor.

For potential buyers, 720º offers a taste of classic skateboarding action wrapped in vibrant retro aesthetics. Its blend of trick-based gameplay, exploration, and time-sensitive challenges provides a well-rounded package that still feels lively decades after its initial release. Whether you’re chasing high scores, mastering new combos, or simply enjoying the thrill of outrunning the “Skate Or Die” timer, this title remains a must-play for arcade sports enthusiasts.

Retro Replay Score

5.8/10