GENRE
	Racing
	DEVELOPER
	Toys for Bob
	PUBLISHER
	Activision
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-4
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	No
	DS COMPATIBLE
	No
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The Wii launch was filled with ports and reworkings. Many developers were quick to port existing multiplatform games with tacked-on controls for a quick buck. From a business standpoint, going with established franchises is probably understandable, as Konami's brand-new Elebits didn't exactly set the sales charts aflame. At the same time, it doesn't exactly put faith in those looking for quality third-party titles on the market's most unique console. Activision sought a compromise with Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam, a new take on the skateboarding franchise made especially for Wii. While not a complete success, it's certainly a solid step towards quality, original Wii software.

visuals

Like even the very best of the Wii launch, Downhill Jam doesn't seem like anything the GameCube couldn't handle. Design seems to be more important to the visual success of a Wii title, and the slightly wacky characters along with the various worldly locales do a good job of retaining a consistent, cartoony feel. Muddy textures and half-baked architecture plague pretty much every level, but the speed which players whiz through them helps dull the sting to a tolerable level. Downhill Jam just looks so busy that the eye won't focus on one thing for long, steering the player away from scrutinizing any flaws in graphical fidelity. It won't fool hardcore gamers, but those who like cereal with their sugar won't bat an eye.

audio

Tony Hawk has been known for its eclectic but fitting music tracks since the series began. Nothing's different here, but that's not to say that it shouldn't be. Everything's kept rated E10+, but are the younger set really into White Zombie and Iron Maiden? It's admirable that the game seems to want to introduce the kiddos to Public Enemy, but a soundtrack leaning closer to pop music might have been more accurate.

The other sounds and effects seem to be straight out of older Hawk games. A notable exception would be the voicework for the selectable characters. Each has an interview-style intro at the beginning of each match that appears in the corner of the screen. They more or less fit their stereotypes -- ranging from an airheaded rich girl to a guy who looks like he has the munchies -- but it's interesting to hear their remarks about the other players. It's handled pretty well, and lends a snarky, almost satirical tone to the game.

gameplay

At E3, most everyone who played the show-floor build of Downhill Jam(including the Dojo) drew comparsions to SSX. Playing the finished title, that still isn't very far removed from the truth. Indeed, developer Toys for Bob made good on the titular Downhill, as the open, free-roaming levels have been swapped out for a one way trip down a jump-prone, rail-filled track. Tricks are still a focus, but they now share priority with getting to the bottom first. It's definitely a departure, but that's a good thing -- though anyone longing for a more traditional Tony Hawk will have to look on a more expensive console.

The Wii controls end up being a mixed bag. At least steering was nailed down, as players will hold the remote sideways and tilt it to carve up the pavement accordingly. Doing various tricks builds up your turbo meter, and shaking the controller exerts your corresponding boost of speed. Because the remote's position also controls the character's designated direction, using a boost doesn't always help during a race. Coincidentally, if a player crashes, shaking the remote also helps to get the player back on the board.

The single-player portion of the game is rather traditional. Players pick a character and go through a few different game types for each level. Racing, slalom and score attack are present, along with an odd version of capture the flag, which has players scrambling to win back their own heads. Progression is made by earning medals in each gametype in each level, which unlock new levels in which to wash, rinse and repeat. It's decent fun for a while, but things get tiring after playing the same modes a few times each.

multiplayer

Most games in the franchise are more fun with a buddy, and Downhill Jam doesn't break the trend. All of the various modes, levels and characters are available to play through with up to three friends via splitscreen. The added replay value here helps when the initial single-player fun wears thin.

overall

Since Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam is tailored for the Saturday morning crowd, the appeal of this title is already weakened to an average Hawk fan. But with the older demographic went the intangible addictive nature of the series. It's not likely we'll see players months from now still trying to best their own scores or combos. Activision and Toys for Bob seem to have a good concept for a new Wii franchise, but didn't follow through with this edition. Downhill Jam ends up being a lot like its courses; a good time for a while, but the fun has a definite end.

6.5/10