Kick-flipping into retail stores nationwide, Activision, Inc.’s Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land for the Nintendo DS introduces a brand new way to play a Tony Hawk game on a handheld system.  Designed to take full advantage of the Nintendo DS, the game is the first third-party title to utilize the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allowing fans to create a community where they can skate head-to-head against other DS players online worldwide.  Players can post and download high scores and statistics, as well as view replays to see amazing skate runs, combos and other tricks completed by community members.  In addition, Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land includes exclusive features such as voice in-game and touch-screen capabilities.

“Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land illustrates how the brand is continuing to grow and innovate,” said Will Kassoy, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc.  “In addition to incredible gameplay, for the first time ever, fans will be able to create and become part of a handheld wireless Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land community that spans the globe.”

Built from the ground up, Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land features a unique cell-shaded art style and challenges players to prove themselves to Tony Hawk and other legendary pros as they undertake hundreds of skating goals set in seven popular areas of Los Angeles and restore the ultimate skatepark to its former glory.  Along the way, gamers can complete signature skate tricks, including bert slides and Natas spins that have been made popular by the Tony Hawk franchise.  Fans will also experience Nintendo DS specific features, such as drawing with the DS stylus to customize deck art and graffiti tags, performing special moves by touching “trick slots” that appear on the bottom screen, and recording voices that replay in the game when a player bails or performs a special gap.

Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land wireless multiplayer options allow two players to go head-to-head via the local wireless gameplay feature as well as the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and battle through several modes, including “Trick Attack,” “Score Challenge,” “Combo Mambo,” “The Price is Wrong” and more.

Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land was developed by Vicarious Visions and is currently available at retail stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and has been rated “E” (Everyone – mild lyrics) by the ESRB.

The Game Boy� Advance version of Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99 and has been rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB.