Tony Hawk: RIDE wireless skateboard controller

Mike Bantick
Tuesday, 19 May 2009 08:11

Your IT - Entertainment

The old man of video game skateboarding is attempting to get back on the board and take on the young guns.  Yep! The Tony Hawk skateboard franchise has arguably been taking a beating from EA rival Skate, but now the Hawk has a new weapon in his video game arsenal, a wireless peripheral which may give Skate’s Flick-it controls the flick.

Activision has announced details of the upcoming Tony Hawk: RIDE, a big push to revamp the series that used to hold the video-game skateboard crown.

One of the best ways to get people excited about a new Tony Hawk is to change the name, and throw in a new peripheral.  In this case, check out the video of the new wireless skateboard controller below.

Activision say:  This [southern] spring players will be able to experience skateboarding like never before in Tony Hawk: RIDE from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).  For the first time, players will have the ability to physically play the game using an innovative motion sensing skateboard controller, allowing for unprecedented freedom and movement. Tony Hawk: RIDE focuses on innovation and fun, bringing the #1 best-selling action-sports franchise to the forefront with cutting-edge technology for the hardcore fans and accessibility for the mass audience.

"Tony Hawk: RIDE is a massive step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc.  "The skateboard controller will redefine sports games by offering players a true skateboarding experience, hands-free, playing with friends and family at home or online in a variety of different locations."

"This is the game I've always wanted to make," said Tony Hawk, who has been directly involved with development of the project.  "Playing on the board is unlike any other game, and I'm excited for everyone to have the chance to feel what it's really like to experience the true feeling of skateboarding."

Tony Hawk: RIDE features a wireless skateboard controller designed in conjunction with the game to offer a dynamic gaming experience built from the ground up.  Using a combination of accelerometers and motion sensors, the intuitive controller allows players to physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game.  Without complex button combinations or analogue sticks, gamers of all skill levels can literally step on the board and play!

Tony Hawk: RIDE is in development by Robomodo for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.  Buzz Monkey is developing the Wii system version. The game is not yet rated by the Classification Board and is scheduled for release later this year.