Tony Hawk DS Skates Online
A new name and a new look to go along with the online multiplayer.
While Nintendo has been keen to point out that it has its first online DS games coming out later this year, it's not the only publisher with networked DS games in the works. Activision has broken its silence, revealing more about Tony Hawk's debut DS game to IGN.
Tony Hawk's American Sk8land, as the game will be known, uses a vastly different visual style to what series fans are used to, with the as-real-as-possible graphics replaced with a new style closer to the cel-shading seen in games such as Jet Set Radio and Viewtiful Joe.
But the real draw of the game is the shift online. You'll be able to play through all the usual 2-player modes over the Internet and you'll also be able to download high-scoring runs from expert players, so that you can see how to go about improving your skills.
Activision has made sure to use the unique features of the DS wherever possible. Using the microphone, you can record sound bites that you can then include in custom clips that play during crashes or when pulling off special moves.
A big part of the experience will be what you make of it though, as the game lets you use the touch-screen to create your own board graphics and skate parks.
Tony Hawk's American Sk8land will be out for DS later this year.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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