While everyone has undoubtedly fell in love with a Tony Hawk Pro Skater game over the last ten years, the Birdman’s video game series has hit a few speed bumps, most notably his most recent project – Ride. Despite not even being released within South African territories, the game received overwhelmingly negative reviews, although the board peripheral itself impressed critics alike. Now it’s time for Shred, Hawk’s latest title that promises to utilise the board to its fullest potential.  We got some hands feet on time with Shred and happy to say things are looking promising.

Players will instantly notice the slight visual changes from Ride. Characters, although still stylized, are less cartoony and appear a lot more realistic than before. The environments are vivid and colourful, creating an exciting and unique world to skate in. There were no real glitches or outrageous bugs that were evident in Ride, so Shred is already on the front foot.

Players are now also able to choose snowboarding events. While this discipline was inevitable due to the release of the board, Robomodo have done a great job in translating the sport  using the peripheral. The movements are silky smooth and the entire snowboard segment doesn’t feel like an afterthought, but an integral part of the game.

Gameplay wise, Shred seems to have tweaked sensitivity and responsiveness in correspondence with the board, making the entire experience much more enjoyable. Turning is more accurate and a lean to the left and a lean to the right results in a heelflip and kickflip respectively, after an Ollie in goofy stance of course (go lefties!).

There are also a wealth of new flip and grab tricks, and although we weren’t able to see too many of them, Shred is looking to be the title Ride hoped to be. It’s not trying to compete with EA’s realistic Skate franchise, it’s trying to be something different, and we’re glad.