Preview
Tony Hawk: RIDE Preview (Xbox360)
Tony Hawk skateboarding games were the first, and until recently, were the best. Then EA released the surprise hit Skate, using innovative controls that made it easier to perform daring tricks and just have a good time. Tony Hawk, on the other hand, was becoming more and more difficult, with complex commands making it harder than most people cared to try, let alone play.
So now, the Tony Hawk franchise is taking a whole new approach to skateboard gaming, using the model Activision has for Guitar Hero: bring a proper controller for the game. Thus, we have Tony Hawk: Ride.
Ride is like any other skating game. There are a slew of new levels and places, tons of different boarders to ride with and against, and all the familiar things. The difference is how you play. Ride uses a distinct skateboard controller that has accelerometers and motion controls built in so the movements you make on it show on-screen. It gives new meaning to skating.
How it works is fairly simple, and pretty close to the real thing. Ollie by quickly hitting the back of the board, lifting the front, manual by slowly tilting the back or nose into the air, and turn by leaning left or right. Getting used to it is going to be more of a hassle than anything, but even without any practice and minimal boarding experience, it is fun.
The obvious question then is how do you move? Players don’t hold anything in their hands, just the board under them. Well, the board also features four sensors, one on each side, to help perform various tricks and maneuvers, including movement. Just swipe your feet as if you were pushing off the ground, and you’re on your way.
The prototype board we played around with was surprisingly comfortable to stand on. It feels like a real skateboard, perhaps a bit firmer. Leaning left or right won’t make you feel like falling off, and it responds decently to slight movements. The actions you perform on the board aren’t always identical to what happens on screen, but like I said, it’s a prototype.
What’s important is that it’s fun. It’s hard; moving the board to make an Ollie, then to do a trick in any way takes practice. While I was fortunate enough to have practice with both snowboarding and skateboarding, some who enjoy skateboarding games may not have. Then again, it's never too late to learn. Unless you're old and fragile or have poor balance, I suppose.
The board works in several ways. Accelerometers determine the move you make and it's position, and the four sensors on each side are for grabs and movement. Otherwise, it's all about timing and precision with your legs, not your fingers. We expect learning to play Ride well will be like learning to play Mario for the first time. Possibly with your elbows.
Tony Hawk: Ride is set for release later this year for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii, and will retail for $120.
So now, the Tony Hawk franchise is taking a whole new approach to skateboard gaming, using the model Activision has for Guitar Hero: bring a proper controller for the game. Thus, we have Tony Hawk: Ride.
Ride is like any other skating game. There are a slew of new levels and places, tons of different boarders to ride with and against, and all the familiar things. The difference is how you play. Ride uses a distinct skateboard controller that has accelerometers and motion controls built in so the movements you make on it show on-screen. It gives new meaning to skating.
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How it works is fairly simple, and pretty close to the real thing. Ollie by quickly hitting the back of the board, lifting the front, manual by slowly tilting the back or nose into the air, and turn by leaning left or right. Getting used to it is going to be more of a hassle than anything, but even without any practice and minimal boarding experience, it is fun.
The obvious question then is how do you move? Players don’t hold anything in their hands, just the board under them. Well, the board also features four sensors, one on each side, to help perform various tricks and maneuvers, including movement. Just swipe your feet as if you were pushing off the ground, and you’re on your way.
The prototype board we played around with was surprisingly comfortable to stand on. It feels like a real skateboard, perhaps a bit firmer. Leaning left or right won’t make you feel like falling off, and it responds decently to slight movements. The actions you perform on the board aren’t always identical to what happens on screen, but like I said, it’s a prototype.
What’s important is that it’s fun. It’s hard; moving the board to make an Ollie, then to do a trick in any way takes practice. While I was fortunate enough to have practice with both snowboarding and skateboarding, some who enjoy skateboarding games may not have. Then again, it's never too late to learn. Unless you're old and fragile or have poor balance, I suppose.
The board works in several ways. Accelerometers determine the move you make and it's position, and the four sensors on each side are for grabs and movement. Otherwise, it's all about timing and precision with your legs, not your fingers. We expect learning to play Ride well will be like learning to play Mario for the first time. Possibly with your elbows.
Tony Hawk: Ride is set for release later this year for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii, and will retail for $120.
