Overview

720º is an arcade skateboarding game that offers players a thrilling experience of skateboarding through a vibrant and dynamic urban environment. As a pioneering skateboarding game, it quickly became a favorite among arcade-goers with its unique mechanics and challenging gameplay.

Gameplay

This game places players in the role of a skateboarder navigating through various environments while completing tricks and accumulating points. The game is famous for its innovative “spin jump” mechanic, allowing players to execute spins and maneuvers by leveraging a unique joystick controller.

Players must earn enough points through performing tricks and collecting medals to advance to more challenging levels. The game encompasses various terrains, including streets, parks, and ramps, each presenting distinct challenges and opportunities for high-scoring combos.

Challenges and Objectives

To prevent the game from becoming repetitive, it incorporates diverse challenges and time constraints. Players must efficiently utilize time to reach designated locations known as “Skate or Die” zones before the timer runs out.

As players advance, the difficulty increases, requiring a strategic approach to complete tricks efficiently within the given timeframe. The escalating challenge keeps players invested in improving their skills, mastering the game’s mechanics, and achieving top scores.

Historical Significance

With its release in the 1980s, this skateboarding game revolutionized how action sports were represented in video gaming. It was among the first games to offer a multifaceted environment instead of monotonous linear tracks, setting a standard for future sports titles. Its success is further evidenced by its popularity in the arcades and eventual ports to various home consoles.

Fun Facts

• The game was one of the first to introduce an isometric perspective, providing a pseudo-3D view to enhance player immersion.
• The unique cabinet design featured a “spinner” joystick, which enabled players to execute 720-degree spin jumps, a key element of the gameplay.
• The quirky “Skate or Die” warning has since become a memorable catchphrase among fans and has been referenced in pop culture numerous times.

This game remains a beloved title for retro gaming enthusiasts, celebrated for its inventive mechanics and lasting impact on the genre of sports and skateboarding games.