OlliOlli World, it’s been clear since we first laid eyes on roll7’s skateboard sequel, is going to be a bit different from its predecessors. Bigger and bolder, yes – as is the wont of video game sequels – but so much broader too, and with that a new level of inclusivity. In short, OlliOlli World is getting an in-depth character creator, and it looks pretty damn splendid too.
Before getting into any details, though, it’s worth remembering why character creators matter. “I did an interview recently,” says creative director John Ribbins, “and the person who’s doing the interview was so hyped and they were like, one of the characters actually looks like me! There’s just no skateboarding games where the characters look like me! They were so excited about it.”
A character editor is something that roll7 has toyed with before – as far back as 2011 a rudimentary one was cobbled together for the very first OlliOlli before finding its way onto the cutting room floor – but the switch to 3D for OlliOlli World made it that much more palatable. There are other reasons, too, why it’s something of a core part of this new OlliOlli’s make-up.
