Tony Hawk: RIDE's skateboard peripheral details: it's not just for skateboard

Posted May 18, 2009 at 10:56PM by Mabie A. Listed in: PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 Tags: Activision, Tony Hawk
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Let's talk some more about this curious little peripheral for Tony Hawk: RIDE (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii), shall we? Yes, I am referring to the skateboard controller that you will use for the game. This motion-sensing controller allows for "unprecedented freedom and movement," so said Activision's press release. And what's this? You can actually use it for non-Skating games?

Tony Hawk: RIDE - Image 1 


It does look like everyone is excited about this peripheral. It's safe to say as much when Tony Hawk himself is hawking the product. "This is the game I've always wanted to make. 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."

See, there's that word again. Excited.

So what is this skateboarding controller? Well, it's designed using a combo of accelerometers and motion sensors. These are what would allow the players to physically control the action through various movements and gestures on the board, which would then translate into "amazing tricks" within the game.

It's simply a step up and play kinda thing, without needing the support of standard controllers. Said Josh Tsui, president of Robomodo, game dev studio:

I think it was always that if you're trying to design a game for a controller, you don't want to compromise by trying to design something for every type of controller, so the game is finely tuned specifically for the board itself.


Looking at the board, however, I would have to wonder how the use of those buttons would go. Would you have to squat on the skateboard so you can reach the buttons while you're playing? Cos I know they said "Without complex button combinations or analog sticks". But there will be buttons. Yes? Or am I just picturing this all wrong in my head?

Anyhow, the said peripheral may also be used for other sports games, like snowboarding, surfing, even exercises, said Tsui.


Additional source: G4TV



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Comments [refresh]

by Relys - 2009-05-18 17:22
» hummmm

Maybe you use the buttons for grab tricks or something?



But how the hell am I supposed to do say, a kick flip?

by Mabie A. - 2009-05-18 18:36
» exactly!

iknowright. o_O

by frank_the_bunny - 2009-05-18 23:48
» dude...

if you watch the videos on gametrailers where tony hawk talks about the board, it has motion sensors at the front and back, to do grabs you move your hand to the front or back of the board, and to do flip tricks you move your feet in certain directions off the board :)

You don't use any of the buttons on the side for actually playing the game, the board itself has buttons hidden under the surface of it, which you don't actually see.

I think it's a shame they didn't use this idea with skate or something, as it could be good, but I've had more than enough of Tony Hawk games.

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