The popular sports of skateboarding and snowboarding have been well received in the video games industry in the form of Tony Hawks and SSX. Now, in-line skating is to join them, courtesy of Microids, with the release of X-Treme Roller for PlayStation.
X-Treme Roller is set in a slightly futuristic environment and subjects the player to some extremely fast skating, not to mention some terrifying acrobatics and air stunts. Whats more, the player can interact with a series of objects located in these environments.
The game plays host to some 33 intense stages of play. These levels are spread across a variety of game modes, including Time Trial, Stunt Competition and Career mode. There are six tracks, 2 stunt parks and a training hall for those of you lacking in experience.
There are 12 true-to-life stunts for players to perform that include Backsides, Cowboy grinds and even the Halley Hoop. And if you can pull off crowd pleasers, the players speed will increase, allowing them perform even more aerial stunts. Interestingly, each of the eight available characters is able to customise his/her skates, right down to wheels, roll bearings and fixations.
Ultimately, your goal within the game is to defeat the aggressive Big Buzz and steal his world championship title from him.
X-Treme Roller is one of only a few games of its kind. Its surprisingly comprehensive and the developers effort is shown clearly in the final product lovely.