Electronic Arts(tm) (Nasdaq:ERTS), the world's largest interactive entertainment
software company, announces the release of ESPN Digital Games' X Games(R) Pro Boarder(tm)
on the PlayStation(R).
The PC version will be released shortly thereafter. X Games Pro Boarder
is the only game in which players can ride as their favorite professional
snowboarder, compete against the world's best professionals for X Games medals
and ride down a full 3-D mountain with no boundaries.
In addition, the game's soundtrack -- which is also CD Direct --
features tracks from several well-known alternative bands: the Foo Fighters,
Lunatic Calm, Rancid, Pennywise, NoFX, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Millencolin, Bouncing Souls,
Pulley and Chixdiggit.
X Games Pro Boarder features nine intense levels that mirror the broadcast presentation
of the Winter X Games, ESPN's signature winter alternative sports competition. Unlike any
other snowboarding game, X Games Pro Boarder allows the player to ride as the top boarding
pros, including five-time World Champion Terje Haakonsen, X Games gold medalists Tina Basich,
Peter Line and Todd Richards, Olympic medalists Shannon Dunn and Daniel Franck or freeriding
champions Morgan Lafonte and Jamie Lynn.
Adding to the game's realistic feel, players can create their own style and technique as
well as pull off signature moves of the professionals -- from huge 1440 degrees to Judo 720
degrees.
"I am totally stoked to be involved with the only game that truly reflects the snowboarding
lifestyle and experience," said Tina Basich, X Games gold medallist. "X Games Pro Boarder is as
close to the 'real thing' as you can get without getting powder in your face."
X Games Pro Boarder delivers a multi-layer snowboarding experience that unfolds as the player
gets better. The game starts off with five Winter X Games events -- Halfpipe, Stadium,
Mt. Baker Gap, Midnight Express and SlopeStyle -- that players compete. After winning the gold
medal in each of these events, a "circuit" mode is unlocked.
In circuit mode, the player must only ride as one snowboarder using one snowboard and win the gold medal in each of these events again. Upon winning circuit mode, four additional levels are unlocked
-- Superpipe, I-70, Boarder-X and Freeride (full 3-D mountain without boundary constraints) -- where they can pull off the challenging tricks and 'big air' maneuvers mastered during the previous round of events.
From novice to expert players, X Games Pro Boarder caters to individuals of all skill levels. There are two distinct modes of gameplay, both of which require different skill sets alongside techniques. In "amateur" mode, players can stage over 500 complex moves via a simple two-button control, while in "pro" mode there are more than 2,000 "stylie" tricks and moves to learn and ultimately master.
The PlayStation version can be played by one or two-players (via split screen) and features Dual Shock support. The PC version, which ships in mid-November, will support up to eight players via LAN or the Internet.
X Games Pro Boarder carries an ESRB rating of "E" and is available for MSRP US$49.95 for the PlayStation and US$44.95 for the PC. Developed by Radical Entertainment of Vancouver, British Columbia, EA is distributing the PC version worldwide and distributing the PlayStation version worldwide (except in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, parts of Africa and the former Soviet Union).
