Activision has revealed some 'concept art' and new gameplay 'details' from its Tony Hawk's Project 8 title. Due out on PS3 this Autumn, the skating sim promises, "ultra-realistic graphics, enhanced physics and extremely responsive controls" - publishers of next-gen games are really going to have to find new and interesting ways of saying this stuff.
Anyway, once you wade through the generic hype slime you get to some chat about '3D body scans of pro athletes' and 'motion captured skateboard tricks'. After that, actual information about some of the game's new modes and features:
- Filmer and Photo Goals - On the way to #1 pro-skater status, players must trick through photo shoot locations, or follow a filmer with a video camera and complete his instructions while keeping up with him.
- "Picture-in-a-Picture" - Player can watch gameplay unfold on the main screen while observing the action on film in a superimposed video box.
- "Movable Ramps and Rails throughout the city" - Place ramps and rails to set up amazing lines and/or gain access to secret spots.
- "Impress the Locals" - For the first time ever, players must impress in-game citizens and pedestrians to build up respect. The pedestrians watch players perform tricks, laugh at brutal bails and punch players in the gut for knocking into them.
Hmm, so it's pretty much Tony Hawk's Pro Skating business as usual - i.e. free-roaming vert fun with sub-quest extras - but now souped-up with better graphics and physics. There's mention of a 'ragdoll bail mode' which allows you to minimise or maximise damage from failed tricks - that could be fun. The ability to place ramps sounds interesting, too, but the whole 'respect' thing is getting tired - I thought last year's wretched posse of gangsta shooters/racers killed that whole concept off.
It's early days yet, but there's no mention of support for the PS3 controller's tilt mechanism or online gaming.
