Skate slaps Tony Hawk, demands satisfaction
When you talk about EA's upcoming Skate, it's inevitable that you will compare it to Tony Hawk. There's just no way around it. EA knows this (they have to, they're EA). We've asked the Tony Hawk question repeatedly when discussing Skate. Is there any it can topple the Hawk? With their latest video, it looks like EA is giving us their own answer. Skate looks to completely change the traditional control method of Skating games. There are no button holds and direction presses here. No, tricks (at least the ones without grabs) are controlled entirely with the right stick, EA calls these Flickit controls. Check out the video and weigh in one more time: does Skate stand a chance against Tony?
[Via Joystiq]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-07-2007 @ 6:33PM
Kieron said...
Skate should beat out Hawk simply BECAUSE it's a new spin on skateboarding game controls. If the controls are even slightly good, Skate will be a breath of fresh air for skateboard game fans everywhere. The last few Tony Hawk games have been less than stellar, and it's about time it had some competition.
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5-07-2007 @ 6:53PM
DeadPlasmaCell said...
I would hope all skating game fans would want this to succeed.. Then the Tony Hawk games would have to answer, in turn, with a way to 1 up them.. Competition forces everyone to stay creative.
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5-07-2007 @ 6:55PM
Don Wilson said...
Yes.
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5-07-2007 @ 7:00PM
Ninegauger said...
I'm curious, but from what I've seen it seems to be more about skateboarding and less about being a videogame. That may be good for people who skateboard, but I liked Tony Hawk because of its unrealistic character. As has been said though, competition is always good and Tony Hawk could sure use a kick in the pants.
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5-07-2007 @ 7:28PM
MightyTACO said...
Would have liked to see in game footage, rather than video with the controls explained ... but still a very awesome sounding control scheme.
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5-07-2007 @ 8:36PM
Dave M said...
YES! I've been wanting this exact type of control setup but didn't exactly want to change the tony hawk franchise...Best of both worlds...I am definately buying this game.
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5-07-2007 @ 8:54PM
derek said...
I have to admit that I think Hawk is a fun arcade style game but as I get older I've gotten really tired of having to remember 9,000 different button presses, taps and directional movies. I go through the tutorials and at the end of it I'm struggling to get a few combos strung together. I've played Hawk since the first game but I've grown really tired of it. Skate seems like the kind of game that I can pick up, skate around and do some fun stuff. People who want to get even deeper into it probably can. If this has an online multiplayer it will be even better.
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5-07-2007 @ 9:33PM
Murc said...
hmmmmm, interesting.
Looks like it could be hard to memorize...but then again...so are Hawk's...
I'll download the demo (if there is one) when it comes out...and judge if I will get if based on that.
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5-07-2007 @ 10:05PM
John said...
I have been WAITING for a game like this to come out. I've never been a skater (I suck at it) but I've always loved the videogames based on it, and the culture. I never liked the button presses to get things done. Using analog seems much more intuitive for something that is as flowing as good skating. Can't wait to try this, might even just by it without looking.
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5-07-2007 @ 11:11PM
Randall Brown said...
I don't think I like this. Its somewhat similar to the "Nail The Trick" controls in Project 8. Those are kinda cool but fairly difficult to put into combos. Analog trickery worked really well in Amped 2 so hopefully it translates to skateboarding too. Based on the end of the video it looks like the grinding is automatic. This is AWFUL and if its the case I will not play the game. Seriously its TERRIBLE. Hopefully that isn't the case.
You people really think tony hawk controls are difficult? I've always thought they were perfect. There are essentially 4 types of maneuvers in skateboarding, flip tricks, grab tricks, jumping and grinding. There are 4 buttons to control each of these maneuvers. Pressing a different direction while you press the button makes you do a different trick. I can't think of any time where you need to memorize anything. The only time you need to do specific tricks the buttons are shown on the screen.
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5-08-2007 @ 12:46AM
Jared said...
I still think this is like putting a Free-Throw simulator out and calling it *Free Throw Hero* and saying that it's "so much closer to the real act of shooting a basketball". If you want an ultra-realistic skateboarding game work on a better "Downhill Jam" for Wii. I'll stick to something that's fun, thank you.
(although I'll halt all 100% final Judgements after I've played the demo)
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5-08-2007 @ 9:55AM
DjDATZ said...
Its interesting to see the innovation EA can actually come up with when they have to create a new franchise that they will be able to milk later when it is established...
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5-08-2007 @ 12:55PM
slestak said...
Project 8 was the kick in the butt the Hawk games needed. I love the Hawk games, but I'm not too excited for Skate. Yes, grinding is automatic, for one thing.
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