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Rumor: Skate 3 in the works
Apparently EA is working on a sequel to Skate 2, if the Epicly Trife twitter is to be believed. Epicly Trife (NSFW) is a site dedicated to skating, and its twitter account said the following: "I just got told 'tonight we gotta celebrate,' one of the bro's got offered to be in SKATE 3." By no means a confirmation, we're still excited, as Skate 2 was not only a great sequel, but pretty much the best skating sim around. Plus, it's much easier to get up after falling down four flights of stairs in a video game, as gravity is a much more harsh mistress in real life.We've put in word to EA for comment, but with almost everyone taking the day off today, don't hold your breath for a response. We sure aren't.[Via Kotaku]
Skate 2 getting custom soundtracks today
Skate 2 may offer some excellent variety with its 50+ song soundtrack, but sometimes you just feel like skating to your own tunes. Developer EA Black Box knows this and has announced that it is finally patching custom soundtracks into the PS3 version of the game.The update, which releases today, will include some minor bug fixes, removal of exploits and other adjustments. You can check out the full list of fixes after the break. Also, for the first song on your custom soundtrack ... go with some real hardcore thrash metal.
Skate 2's new 'Classic San Van' DLC is old hat
Those of you who find yourself reminiscing about the "good ole days" of the first Skate game, we've got something you'll likely be interested in: EA has unleashed a new DLC pack for Skate 2 called "Classic San Van." Featuring a variety of locales from the first game, Skate 2 players will now be able to shred it up in classic spots such as the Parkade (yes!), the School (italicized yes!), and the Community Center (bold yes!), all while utilizing the new tricks found in the sequel. The DLC even places some objects for you to move around in each area, as you can see in the video above. Skate 2's "Classic San Van" DLC pack is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace and PSN for 400 and $4.99, respectively. %Gallery-23257%
Take a video tour of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza in Skate 2
EA was kind enough to send over this trailer for the new Skate 2 DLC, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza. As you can see in the video above, it provides plenty of areas to get your shred on. One of the things we like about this DLC is its lack of vert areas. We're street skaters here at The Stiq.%Gallery-45370%
Skate 2 introduces 'Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza' DLC [update]
Update: EA has dished out some screens for the DLC. Hit up the gallery below to check them out.Unless you wanted to unlock everything the easy way or cut some awesome videos, there hasn't been much support in the way of DLC for us Skate 2 fans. That is, until now, as EA has unveiled Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Plaza for the game.The new bit of DLC is available today on PSN and XBLM for $5.00 and 400, respectively, and allows skaters to blunt slide and manual around the centerpiece of Rob's MTV show, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, as well as the surrounding downtown Los Angeles area. Rob was pretty impressed with Black Box's job of recreating the space in the game, as he comments it has all of "the ledges, gaps and rails" of his showpiece, and "more surprises outside the park that both gamers and skaters will enjoy."So who's going to shred up Rob's Fantasy Plaza?%Gallery-45370%
Metareview -- Skate 2 (360, PS3)
True story: We were going to review Skate 2 ourselves, but we ... no, not we ... I, I Justin McElroy sucked too bad at it to review it. I don't know if my thumbs are just too stupid or what, but as a long-time Tony Hawk fan, I found it hard not to pine for a game that let me press one button and automagically grind on a space dinosaur's boner. Here's what more qualified people had to say: GamePlayer (95/100):"Skate 2 is a brilliant game. For the most part it takes the fantastic template laid down in the original and injects it with a smartly integrated new move-set, an exciting world to rip to shreds, and the same addictive, unquestionably stylish gameplay which saw the Tony Hawk series bolt for the hills." Totally 360 (90/100): "Overall the development team should be commended for making another excellent skating title. Everything runs really smoothly and it seems to have come together really well. The new features add on to what was already a fun experience with the original." IGN (83/100): "Technically an improvement over the first title, and anyone who hadn't yet played the original should skip it and go right to the second. It's a really fun game that allows you to play it the way you want with a control scheme that is second-to-none at the moment. However, it's far from perfect. GamePro (80/100): "The first Skate was a refreshing take on virtual skateboarding, so expectations were high for this one. Maybe they were a little too high: Skate 2 doesn't quite deliver the revolutionary skating experience that we were all hoping it would be." Source -- Metacritic: Skate 2 (Xbox 360) Source -- Metacritic: Skate 2 (PS3)
Underachievement: EA selling 'unlock everything' DLC for Skate 2
It won't instill gamers with the same red-faced anger as EA's fizzled plan to offer for-pay weapons in Battlefield: Bad Company; instead, the newly released "Time is Money Pack" for Skate 2 will simply make those who buy it feel varying degrees of guilt, regret and perhaps even fear. That's because, for 400 ($5) on XBLM or $4.99 on the PlayStation Store, owners of the game can literally pay their way past the effort it would take to unlock everything in the game. The "everything" in question includes "all locations, skaters and gear that can be earned by playing through Skate 2's career and online modes," according to the DLC's description. So, basically, you're paying for access to content that's already in the game. Or, to put it another way, you're paying five bucks for a cheat code. A downloadable code, if you will. Next thing you know, people will be paying for good grades and -- who knows -- even Senate seats. Oh, wait ... [Via X3F]
Skate 2 demo arrives on PlayStation Store next week
EA's Skate 2 will be arriving on the PlayStation Store next week. Strange, considering the demo is available on Xbox Live this week. Maybe EA is playing console favorites again? (PSN has been home to demos of Lord of the Rings Conquest, The Simpsons Game and others earlier than on Xbox Live.) Regardless of the one week delay, PS3 fans can expect a lot to do in the demo, especially as it includes access to two online "Party Play" modes: Thrasher's Hall of Meat and Spot Battle.
Trophies: Skate 2
Get ready to revisit the world of skate. Make sure you get some post-op sex surgery in order to get a Platinum. Confused? Read on. View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal
Skate devs have a plan to not be like Tony Hawk
In the digital world of skating video games, there are two contenders. EA's Skate franchise which has a sequel coming out next year and Tony Hawk, a franchise that has kinda lost its luster over the years. Recognizing this, the Skate 2 devs are adamant about not being like Mr. Hawk.Talking with MTV Multiplayer, Skate 2 associate producer Shaun Laker made it clear that they aren't going down the same path that the Tony Hawk franchise did, avoiding such fate by simply listening to their community. "As long as we keep putting out great games and don't rush it out and polish it and make sure we're listening to the community and hearing what they're having to say [we will avoid that]," explained Laker, adding "we listen to the community and know what they're asking for and respond to that."Keeping a franchise fresh by listening to a game's passionate community, implementing changes and serving up a polished product. Who would have thought something like that would work?
Joystiq hands-on: Skate 2
After years of tired Tony Hawk sequels, 2007's Skate was a refreshing change of pace. Black Box's interpretation of the sport was a far more realistic one. The innovative "flick" control scheme better emulated the experience of performing ollies, nollies, grabs and assorted flip tricks. Players were dropped into the fictional city of San Vanelona, a massive virtual playground where anything and everything could become the starting point of a skating line. So how will Black Box attempt to improve the experience in its follow-up, Skate 2? By giving you new things to do without your skateboard. Skate 2 no longer glues your character to the board. With a simple press of a button, you can get off your board and start exploring the environment. New San Vanelona is a mix of old and new, and the city begs to be explored. No longer will you have to attempt to "glitch" the system to get to interesting skate points. You'll be able to walk up a set of stairs, for example. You'll be able to jump on top of a ledge. It's a simple addition, but it allows the world to be explored in far greater depth than before. %Gallery-23257%
Skate 2 lands a January release date
Remember not to spend all your money during Black Friday -- a good number of games are scheduled to release in the first part of 2009. Skate 2, EA's follow-up to 2007's innovative skateboarding game, is making a return to the PS3 on January 21st (23rd in Europe).There are a couple of big new features in Skate 2, like the ability to get off one's board and traverse to areas previous inaccessible. Skaters can grab objects and set up new, crazy lines down their favorite routes. In addition, an online graphics creator gives you the ability to add your own custom textures to your boards. Pre-order the game to get access to the "Throwback Pack," a collection of retro accessories and clothing.%Gallery-37919%
Skate 2 to grind North American retail shelves January 21
Just as your head begins to clear from downing your seventh pitcher of holiday eggnog, Electronic Arts announced plans to push off and catch a mad vert when Skate 2 nails its retail landing in January. The sequel will do a frontside 360 in North America on January 21, while skateboarders elsewhere will be able to get their trick on two days later on January 23. Next month EA will also launch a Skate 2 web application, creatively titled "Graphics Creator," which will let players create customized graphics for their in-game decks and clothing. Additionally, would-be shredders in North America who pre-order Skate 2 will grab a code to unlock a "Throwback Pack" that will allow access to retro accessories, gestures and clothing. When you bail from a botched nosegrind, at least you'll look good in your Skate or Die shirt.
Skate It on November 19
Those looking to roll down the streets of San Vanelona and perform some flips, ollies and [error: skateboarding lexicon gap] via nontraditional controllers should be pleased to note the release date of EA's Skate It for Wii and DS. Both versions are slated to arrive on November 19th in North America and November 20th in Europe.Skate It, which offers optional Balance Board control on the Wii, allows players to "make skate spots their own by moving objects like ramps, rails, and benches to fit their individual skating styles" and partake in several multiplayer challenges, including Best Trick and Best Line. There's also the ominous-sounding chance of "getting worked in Hall of Meat." Pennywise, are you in this after all?%Gallery-22651%
Skate 2's lead platform will be the PS3
Unhappy with the quality of Skate for the PS3? The producers apparently felt the same way -- developer Black Box has stated Skate 2's lead platform will be the PS3 -- this is due to the inferior version of Skate PS3 owners received when the Xbox 360 was the lead platform. For Skate 2, producer Jason DeLong and his team are aiming for the following: "The goal is that if you put both versions side-by-side, you will not be able to tell the difference." Are Scott Steinberg's words from back in July coming true? Hopefully more third-party developers will choose the PS3 as the lead platform from now on to ensure both versions are on par with one another.[Via MaxConsole]
More of It gets Skated in new trailer
We've taken two things away from this Skate It trailer: first, that EA is quite proud of their EA Trax. Second, that the choice to wreck San Vanelona for the game was an inspired one. The environments on display in this trailer are insane. Black Box has pulled off a bit of a magic trick here; because of all the rubble, the Skate It courses look kind of like they used to be a real city, but they can be laid out with skateboarding in mind. Our opinion might change for the worse if there are too many mysteriously banked sections of road and random short lengths of railing in any one location. %Gallery-22799%
Born for Wii: Jet Set Radio
Even though it's been eight years since Jet Set Radio was released for the Dreamcast, few games are its equal when it comes to style -- and even fewer have surpassed it. Jet Set Radio pioneered cel-shading in 2000, and just about every entry on the short list of games that out-cool it also followed in its footsteps. While Okami, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and No More Heroes all feature gorgeous toon-shading to the same effect, they also owe their beauty to the original, which brought the wild streets of Tokyo-to to life in an exciting new way. It's so stylish, it even gives 80's Prince a run for his money.Jet Set Radio is a game of mad beats, madder cops and rad moves. You take on the role of the aptly-named Beat, the leader of an up-and-coming street gang in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo-to. Your gangs of Rudies, skate punks out to make their mark on the world, are the GG's. Your task? Usurp the territory of rival gangs, avoid the police, and tag your way to the top. And don't forget to jam out to some righteous tunes while you're at it. As developer Smilebit's first release, Jet Set Radio is a landmark title for the Sega Dreamcast, and it's their second game that's Born for Wii. #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } NEXT >> %Gallery-31384% Every week, Born for Wii digs into gaming's sordid past to unearth a new treasure fit for revival on the Nintendo Wii. Be sure to check out last week's entry in the series, Sam & Max Hit the Road, and for more great titles that deserve your attention, take a look at Virtually Overlooked.
Skate It: read a preview of it
IGN's Daemon Hatfield spent some time with EA's Skate It, playing with both the Wiimote control scheme and the more novel Balance Board-based scheme. Getting real (non-demo/tutorial) gameplay for the first time, Hatfield described the setup that motivates your character to find things and skate them. The character Reda from Skate returns with a camera to document all your tricks, promising a shot at a skating career outside of the destroyed San Vanelona if you have the goods. To this end, the game contains "photo" and "film" challenges in which you must pull off specific tricks for the camera after finding a location appropriate for the prescribed chains of tricks. Other challenges specify the location as well. You can earn enough points in a challenge to "own it" or exceed that minimum to "kill it," which earns you more gear, game modes, and other bonuses.Check out the new screens that IGN obtained along with this preview, as well as (obviously) a new trailer.
Video: You too can skate 2 too
Behold the first in-game footage of EA Sports' sequel to skate, a chronologically numbered sequel appropriately titled skate 2. Set to the music of Public Enemy's "Harder Than You Think", this skate 2 debut trailer shows off some of the new skating moves, new environments and the new tricks. It looks like skate and it feels like skate, so it must be skate just with a number 2 attached. Anyway, give the trailer a watch and tell us what your early skate 2 impressions are.[Via Game Stooge]
Skate 2 interview talks about keeping skateboarding games realistic
If you played the first Skate title, you're probably familiar with how they attempted to switch up the control scheme that was standard in most skateboarding games. You used the analog sticks to pull off tricks -- it worked fairly well. It wasn't a blockbuster or a perfect title, but it did what it set out to do and now it's planning to do it again. This time, it might correct all the little flaws and become that great title. That said, this interview explains how Skate 2 plans to keep the skateboarding as realistic as possible, along with some footage. It's nice.
