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Griptape Backbone

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2017

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Quick resume

A relaxing meditative and Zen like first person vaporwave skateboarding game. An interactive mixtape.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Indie, Sport

Pros

  • Unique vaporwave aesthetic and soundtrack
  • Relaxing and hypnotic atmosphere
  • Large open world with secrets to explore
  • Free to play
  • Philosophical and artistic expression

Cons

  • Clunky and glitchy controls
  • Lack of save function
  • Camera issues and occasional motion sickness
  • Short gameplay with limited progression
  • Some dated or overused meme humor

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players freely explore an open world with no fixed objectives or pressure, choosing their own pace and goals."

  • Competence
    1

    "Some skill involved in controlling the skateboard and collecting cups, but controls are often described as clunky or glitchy, reducing the sense of mastery."

  • Competition
    -4

    "No competitive elements or comparison to others; focus is on personal exploration and relaxation."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players report habitual return to the game for relaxation and exploration despite its short length."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative features."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players explore a unique, surreal environment with many secrets and easter eggs; the game is an artistic expression with creative world design."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; purely personal experience."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strongly used as a relaxing, hypnotic escape with vaporwave aesthetics and existential themes."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and intrinsic motivation, no obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try to master unusual controls and explore the environment, discovering secrets and new areas."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core motivation is exploring a large, surreal open world filled with hidden details and collectibles."

  • Expression
    2

    "Limited character customization, but strong self-expression through exploration and interpretation of artistic environment."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Surreal, vaporwave-inspired world with abstract and imaginative elements, not realistic skateboarding."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    1

    "Some learning curve with controls and exploration, but limited skill development overall."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    3

    "Can be played casually in short sessions for relaxation and background enjoyment."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional connection features."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    3

    "Collecting up to 1000 cups to reach enlightenment provides a sense of accumulation and goal progression."

  • Relaxation
    5

    "Widely described as a relaxing, hypnotic experience with chill music and soothing atmosphere."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyment of vaporwave music and unique visual aesthetics provides sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    2

    "Subtle, interpretive narrative elements and philosophical themes present but not strongly immersive or explicit."

  • Strategy
    -2

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving demands; gameplay is mostly exploratory and experiential."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Low risk and tension; experience is calm and relaxing rather than suspenseful."

  • Value
    5

    "Free to play with high artistic and experiential value for many players."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive elements; focus on exploration and aesthetics."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No threats or survival mechanics; stable, low-risk environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026