Nintendo DS Impressions
By Aaaron Linde

Though not quite as easy to pick up and play as its Wii cousin, the Nintendo DS version of Skate

It carries on with EA Black Box's commitment to sensible control metaphors, though in a somewhat more indirect way than with the Wii Remote.

Utilizing the touch screen, the player need only draw a line or shape across or around the surface of the skateboard as represented on the screen to perform a variety of moves. For the most part, these motions make sense in context of the tricks -- an ollie is as simple as a straight line along the length of the board, while nollies work by going in the opposite direction. Registered users can use the HD Stream.

In the brief demonstration we were shown how to work kickflips, manuals, and a slew of other tricks, but true to the nature of Skate, it's not something that can be mastered in a matter of minutes, no matter how intuitive the controls are.

It will likely take players time to become accustomed with keeping an eye on the DS's top screen while churning out tricks below, without losing track of direction or missing a grind rail by a good stretch of distance. But it definitely hints at one of the most fluid skating experiences on the DS yet, and should be watched closely by those players who prefer to do their shredding on the go.

While you're here, don't forget to check out the whole of Shacknews' EA Spring Break coverage.