The mobile version of "Skate" features two game modes: Thrasher Mode (the main game mode, in which the player completes goals to make the cover of skateboarding magazine "Thrasher") and Free Skate (where the player can play on levels previously unlocked in Thrasher Mode). The player plays as a customized skater, who receives tips from pro skaters Chris Cole and Rob Dyrdek, among others, through twelve missions divided in four goals each. Though the game is still set in San Vanelona, there are only three explorable areas: Plaza, Halfpipe and Downtown, aside from linear levels only playable in Thrasher Mode. The mobile version of "Skate" later won "Cellular Game of the Year" award at the 2008 Interactive Achievement Awards. "Skate" received "generally favorable" reviews from critics on both platforms according to review aggregator Metacritic. Praise was given to the environments, control scheme, and soundtrack. Criticisms included latency issues with the online multiplayer, odd physics glitches, and the lack of freestyle tricks in both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game (although it is possible to do lip tricks because of the unique grind engine built into the game). The reviews praised the game for a good start and innovation, but the game was criticized for the in-game advertising and product placement. GameSpy praised the Xbox 360 version for the control scheme, presentation, expansive environments, audio, and amount of content. It was criticized for the learning curve, frustrating camera, and the slowdown in online game modes. In Japan, where the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions were ported for release on March 19, 2008, "Famitsu" gave both console versions each a score of two eights, one seven, and one eight for a total of 31 out of 40. "The New York Times" gave the game universal acclaim, saying that "While "Skate" has some small flaws (it would have been a good idea to make your skater translucent whenever he blocks something important on screen), it is rare to find a game that comes so close to doing everything right." "Digital Spy" gave the Xbox 360 version four stars out of five and called it "a superb example of how an extreme sports game should be done." However, "The A.V. Club" gave the game a C+, saying: "A technically strong game tailored to hardcore skaters (and people up for a really serious challenge), this one will alienate casual gamers, as the learning curve can be excruciating."