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Preview  ESPN X Games Skateboarding
- By Travis Coats


Well, it was bound to happen.

Thanks to the success of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater line of games, skateboarding has become the video game sport to beat. In what is sure to be the first of a wave of imitations, Konami and ESPN The Games are releasing ESPN X Games Skateboarding for Game Boy Advance.

Based on the real ESPN X Games event, players will be able to pull off tricks and grind the rails just like the pros.

ESPN X Games skateboarding is packed full of features including...

Three tournament stages based on recreations of the actual areas in the ESPN 2000 X Games in San Francisco.

Three urban action stages in locations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.

Three fantasy stages that include such bizarre areas like an ocean liner, museum, and the site of some ancient ruins.

A detailed practice mode that includes advice from real life skating professionals.

Eight different riders based on their real life counterparts such as Bob Burnquist and Colin McKay.

Sixty-four different boards each with different handling and speed attributes.

In addition, there will also be a detailed multiplayer mode for extended replay value.

Overall, this is not too shabby for a game that is going up against one of the most established franchises in recent gaming history. While ESPN X Games Skateboarding may not make you want to sell your copy of Tony Hawk, it may very well end up being an excellent companion to it.

This title is set for a September release.

- 7.30.2001