Super Mario 64 received a lot of attention last month after dataminers found Luigi in a pre-launch version of Mario 64, validating rumors and jokes that have existed since the title released 24 years ago. Discoveries such as L being real have breathed new life into the game, but the classic Mario title has remained in the forefront of people's minds for pioneering game design in 3D with maps that have stood the test of time. Now, those maps are being added into the extreme sports game Skater XL.
Reddit user llbsidezll uploaded a clip of Mario 64's opening stage Bob-Omb Battlefield as a skatepark to the r/SkaterXL subreddit yesterday, having converted core level geometry into a rideable surface with further plans to add grindbars and ledges. They showcase the grassy hill where Mario can obtain a Koopa Shell in the original game and said, "This is what it looked like in my mind every time I hopped on that shell."
According to llbsidezll's post, they are interested in converting multiple Super Mario 64 levels, and in the comments they say other N64 games like GoldenEye 007 are possible too. The creator is "shocked" at the lack of older Tony Hawk's Pro Skater maps in the game and says they may develop levels such as Pro Skater 2's Warehouse, though one fan has previously modded a Tony Hawk's Underground map into Skater XL.
After two years in Steam early access, Skater XL released last month with a host of community content available through mods, such as new deck patterns and clothing. However, there is a lack of mod support on consoles, and Skater XL reviews also take issue with its steep learning curve and technical problems.
While llbsidezll only just began working on their Mario 64 map, meaning it likely won't be released in a playable state for some time, it is a shame that not all players will be able to access the Bob-Omb Battlefield skatepark. Developer Easy Day Studios has added community-created maps into Skater XL for its official release, but it's unreasonable to assume every single mod will get the same treatment.
That being said, even those who have not gotten into this newly-released skateboarding title can appreciate clever ideas like fleshing out Mario 64's shell surfing mechanic. Upcoming games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remaster will also be releasing soon, so Skater XL is just a taste of what is to come.
Skater XL is now available for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and is coming soon to the Nintendo Switch.
