Check out our brand new review of the PS3 game and hardware bundle Tony Hawk: Ride.
Review Format: PS3 UK Release Date: Out Now Genre: Skate, X-Sport Other Formats: Xbox 360, Wii 
Experience the true thrill of skateboarding as never before through the revolutionary new skateboard controller in Tony Hawk: Ride. Bundled with the Ride game, the unique motion-sensitive board controller redefines the action-sports genre by translating your body motions into the game. No buttons, no thumbs, no analogue sticks—just you on the board. For the first time in video game history, anyone can jump on a skateboard and feel the freedom, creativity, and accomplishment of skateboarding. Using full motion sensing technology, the intuitive skateboard controller allows players to physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks seen in the game. Closely resembling a “deck”–a board without wheels or trucks, which allows actual skateboarders to manoeuvre their boards–the Ride controller is built around a combination of flat and rounded surfaces. Along the majority of the board’s upper surface, as well as the middle center portion of its bottom, players will find flat, level surfaces that provide for players’ balance. This is countered by the rounded edges along the top at either ends, as well as the bottom outer edges. These allow for true to life trick performance mechanics which allows gamers to experience a full range of movement as they rotate, tilt and lift the board in a variety of ways to discover every trick in the game. In addition, the Ride board comes with features designed to maximise ease and continuity of play. These include an upper surface texture similar to the grip tape used on real boards to help maintain player contact with and control of the board, and a full set of traditional navigational buttons that allow the player to interact with the game between levels and online when it is more convenient to do so. Graphics: 
/ 5 Gameplay: / 5 Longevity: / 5 Value: / 5 Verdict: / 5 It’s quite a challenge to review this package, as there are a quite few factors involved that will certainly affect your enjoyment of this game - the first being fitness. I would consider myself fit, and after a good hour long session of this game, even on the casual setting, I was tired. It’s surprisingly physical, and if you really want to dive head first (hopefully not into your TV) into really taking advantage of the fantastic skateboard peripheral then you will find yourself in constant movement in a workout type style - which personally, I loved. Wii Fit could never be as fun as the potential this game has. The problem is that not all people will enjoy the physical aspect. I wouldn’t either if I spent a whole day at work before deciding to have relax and a gaming session in the evening. Space is also a consideration, and you really do need a decent amount of room to get into the game and play safely. All in all, this game still remains a fantastic idea and prospect, especially for skate fans. If you’re willing to put in the time required (I’d say at least 5 hours of gameplay to really start to appreciate the potential) then you’ll really enjoy it and won;t come away feeling like it’s a game that was made to distract kids for 20 minutes at a time. Definitely think very hard about your circumstances and setup before you take the plunge.
