Summary

Release Year: 2005
Genres: Sport
Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
Developers: Vicarious Visions
Publishers: Activision

Tony Hawk’s American Sk8land (2005)

Tony Hawk’s American Sk8land is the handheld version of American Wasteland, the seventh entry in the Tony Hawk’s series. It is the first entry in the series for the Nintendo DS, and the fifth to appear on Game Boy Advance.

American Sk8land uses cel shaded visuals and it was developed by Vicarious Visions, the developer of the Game Boy Advance Tony Hawk games. The game is based on its console counterpart, American Wasteland, featuring the same soundtrack, many of the same environments, characters.

The top screen is used to display the main gameplay, while the touch screen displays an overhead map of the area the player is currently skating, as well as icons for easily performing tricks. The touch screen is also used to create Skateboard art. Furthering the use of the DS’s functions is the ability to record, with the DS microphone, your own sound clips for use in the game.

American Sk8land was the first Nintendo DS game released by a third party to support the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the online service for the Nintendo DS. Players are able to play Trick Attack, Score Challenge, Combo Mambo and The Price is Wrong. Players are also able to upload or download graffiti, board art, highscores, and replays to one of the servers, and can periodically download new goals to complete.

In the DS version, the ability to get off the skateboard and walk around was removed; however, this was somewhat balanced by the ability to come to a complete stop and rotate the camera.

The name is shared by the Game Boy Advance version, also created by Vicarious Visions. The GBA version does not share the same graphics, however, having an isometric point of view, polygonal skaters and pre-rendered levels creating a 3D sensation.

Gameplay

American Sk8land is a skateboarding game in which the player controls a skater and performs tricks to earn points. The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique set of challenges. The player can also create their own custom skater and skateboard.

The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn. The player uses the D-pad to move the skater, and the A and B buttons to perform tricks. The touch screen can be used to perform certain tricks more easily, and it can also be used to create custom skateboard art.

American Sk8land features a variety of different game modes, including:

Story Mode: The player follows the story of Tony Hawk as he travels across the United States, completing goals and challenges.
Career Mode: The player creates their own custom skater and competes in a series of tournaments to earn money and unlock new gear.
Free Skate: The player can explore the game’s levels without any time limits or goals.
Multiplayer: The player can compete against other players online or via local wireless connection.

Reception

American Sk8land received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its cel-shaded graphics, innovative use of the DS’s features, and solid gameplay. However, some critics found the game to be too short and repetitive.

Overall, American Sk8land is a solid skateboarding game that takes advantage of the DS’s unique features. The game is fun to play, and it offers a variety of different game modes to keep players entertained.

Legacy

American Sk8land was the first Nintendo DS game released by a third party to support the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The game’s success helped to pave the way for other third-party developers to release online games for the DS.

American Sk8land is also notable for its innovative use of the DS’s touch screen. The game’s touch screen controls are simple and easy to use, and they allow players to perform tricks more easily. This innovation helped to make American Sk8land one of the most accessible skateboarding games on the market.

Trivia

American Sk8land was the first Tony Hawk game to feature cel-shaded graphics.
The game’s soundtrack features a mix of punk rock, hip hop, and electronic music.
American Sk8land was the first Nintendo DS game to support the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
The game’s touch screen controls were designed to be simple and easy to use, even for players who are new to skateboarding games.
American Sk8land is one of the best-selling skateboarding games on the Nintendo DS.