The camera is a key departure. In Tony Hawk, you fly through the world at high-speed, so it's a relief that the camera hangs back. Problem is, it makes landing a jump down a small set of stairs feels detached and dull. SKATE aims to make simple tricks feel satisfying via a closer-in, skate video-style camera, which follows the player's line. Expect to see plenty of real-life follow-cam techniques - tracking things up close and low, with the odd bit of sexy slow-mo to showboat any sickness.
Imagine an enhanced version of "Nail the Trick" mode in Tony Hawk's Project 8 to grasp its impact. And, when that's done, you can save and edit any in-game footage to concoct your very own demo reel to share with the world - a neat parallel of the booming DIY real-life skate video scene on YouTube, and perfect for the PS3 Network.
If you roughhouse with the sticks, then you'll have a ham-fisted, aggressive kind-of style. If you're smooth, then you'll be flowing and fluid. The key word is expression rather than high score chains. Other aspects are more familiar, though - you'll have a "Spot Bible" that marks out the key landmarks across the city that'll reap you respect, and each is accompanied by a short trick list of increasingly difficult maneuvers you can choose to perform.
