About this time last month the internet was rife with
rumours EA was bringing
Skate, its PS3 and Xbox 360
Tony Hawk rival, to DS.
And now it's a rumour no longer. The publisher has confirmed to
IGN that
Skate It (as the game will be known) will be coming to the handheld this year and plans an official unveilling at a press event in San Fransisco next week.
For those yet to carry out some kickflips on last year's home console versions,
Skate is a skateboarding affair similar to
Tony Hawk's, but one designed to be far more realistic compared to the Hawkster's button-mashing frenzy of arcade stunts. Instead of button combos, it relies on more subtle tweaks of the controller's analogue sticks, which can be used by the player to create unique tricks. (For many, it's emerged as a considerably better game.)
And this approach will be replicated on DS, according to the game's executive producer Scott Blackwood, who says players should expect the same revolutionary, intuitive and fun gameplay to be applied to the strengths of the DS.
He went on to reveal the DS game's developer Exient, which is based in England, is pulling out all the stops with the game.
"When I saw the very first build up and running months ago I was floored that a DS could look that good. More importantly, the feel is definitely there, just as it was on
Skate – it's a totally new way of controlling your skater yet somehow very familiar... it feels right."
Skate's Instant Replay mode, which was a big part of the game's success on the home consoles, will also return in
Skate It so you'll be able to replay tricks, lines and bails over again. Gameplay options include a new Career mode, as well as wi-fi and single- and multi-cart multiplayer created uniquely for DS. Blackwood also mentions "a few unique online sharing components" for the handheld which EA will apparently be revealing at a later date.
Another bit of information also yet to be mentioned is the game's release date, although the publisher says it will be coming out this year. Which means it'll be competing with Activision's
just-announced new DS exclusive Tony Hawk game. Let the battle of the skaters commence.
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