“Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam” Ready for Wii Launch
October 17, 2006
//
//
// 
//
// 
For Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam, Activision called upon developer Toys for Bob to work its magic for the Wii-exclusive installment of the popular Tony Hawk series. According to Toys for Bob producer Alex Ness, the developers have “kept the best parts of the Tony Hawk games, the core mechanics and the trick system, and given the audience a new way to play with them.”
The tracks include urban settings, outdoor environments, and “everything in between.” As you play through different events, you will unlock certain goodies, some of which are clothing and skateboards. The skateboards enhance player stats, and each board unlocked is better than the one previously used. The clothing? Just for looks.
The game features three types of main events: races, slalom, and tricks. The racing is pretty straightforward: make it down the course before the other guy. The slalom requires hitting the gates with precise skating, and the trick events are scored based on your downhill trickery prowess. There are also special task-specific events, such as tricks, knocking people down, and destroying things, all of which fill up the “boost meter,” which is similar to a power-up. Collecting the letters S,K,A,T, and E will double your total score.
”I think combat is another cool aspect of our game,” said Ness. To win races, skaters can knock other skaters off of their boards. For the game’s “ghost feature,” Toys for Bob has saved ghost runs down each of the events. “You can actually see our skater on their run while you play. People can compete directly against our ghosts and if they win, they unlock what we call the super jewel ghost. The super jewel ghost is basically the best anyone here can do. Beat the super jewel ghost and it means you’re better than we are. Suffice to say, this is ridiculously difficult. I’d be amazed if anyone can do it.”
Ness says that the Wii remote, unlike conventional wireless remote, enables players to steer, tilt, and turn to control the skater. Shaking the Wiimote activates a speed boost and allows the skater to get up after a spill. Front and back flips (in the air) are completed by tilting the remote forward or backward.
Downhill Jam also has a split-screen mode for 2-4 players. Ness believes the development team is on its final version of the game and says the game will be ready for the Wii launch.
