Select the Story Mode, then choose your difficulty level, and it’s on! You’ll watch a short, comic panel-style introduction that will transition to a character select screen. Go ahead and pick the character you want to play as, and he’ll get on the bus and head for Los Angeles.
You’ll engage in a short cut scene where you meet a slightly ditzy blonde and flash back to the unfortunate life you’re leaving behind. And then you’re in L.A., the city of angels. You’ll endure a brief ass kicking in Hollywood and then you’ll meet Mindy, who will serve as a helpful guide for you as you make your way through the game.
American Wasteland is a completely open-ended experience, so if you want to, feel free to skate around the environment as much as you like right now. You don’t have to engage the story until and unless you want to.
But it’s probably a good idea to take Mindy’s advice for now and get your clothes changed so that you, um, “fit in” a little better. Scattered throughout the various neighborhoods in the game are a number of shops—barbers, clothing stores, skateboard stores, and even tattoo shops.
First change your hair (and your hair color if you wish) by entering the shop and walking up the barber. Then change your clothes—the game features a huge variety of real-life shirts and hoodies, and even allows you to add your own logo.
