Tony Hawk: RIDE has caused a lot of controversy so far. Like most of Activision's new games it sports an extra plastic peripheral, but of course with the special controller, comes a higher price tag. After getting to demo Tony Hawk: RIDE with the new "skateboard" controller, it's hard to decide if it is worth the extra investment.

When I was trying out the game, Activision's Kelvin Liu, told me that RIDE is "the game that Tony Hawk has always wanted to make." The controller itself has two accelerometers inside, as well as four motion sensors on the sides. The accelerometers are used to detect the direction you are going in, and the motion sensors can tell when you are performing tricks, or giving yourself a speed boost. For instance, you have to to actually kickback your leg next to the skateboard in order to start moving -- just like in real life. You have to lean to the left or right in order to stay on track, but luckily for all us beginner's out there, the game features three difficulty settings. 

If you've never skateboarded before, or are just terrible at it, then the "Casual" setting is meant for you. There is virtually no steering due to the fact that your character is on rails. All you have to worry about is trying to perform tricks and jumps, and just have a good time. Once you are feeling more confident in your skills, there is of course, the "Confident" setting. Here there is some steering assist, but you have to rely more on your own balance, and skill to get the hang of things. And for all the pros, there is the "Hardcore" setting. At this level there is no steering assist; you must fully rely on your skills. In fact, playing at this level is what it is like to actually skateboard. Needless to say, if you are already great at skateboarding, you should be able to jump right into the "Hardcore" setting, and start grinding through the levels.

To avoid repetition of objectives, the game mixes things up by adding five different play modes: Challenge, Trick, Vert, Speed, and Free. Most of which are fairly self explanatory, but I'll still go into detail. Challenge is kind of like your basic objective-completion mode where you are assigned tasks, and only get your reward once they are done. Trick mode is all about racking up the highest amount of points. However, Vert is something completely new to the Tony Hawk series. You turn the skateboard controller sideways, and then spend your time in a half pipe, trying your best to get the biggest air, and the most points possible. Speed is all about going through the set course/level as fast as you can, and Free combines all of the modes, allowing you to do whatever you'd like.

Since I had never really skateboarded before I wasn't even sure what my proper footing was. After figuring out that I was regular (not Goofy Footed), I stepped on the controller, and braced myself for something completely new. I only tried out the Casual mode, since I have no skill whatsoever, but actually found that I enjoyed playing the game. I had been a big fan of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, but hadn't touched the series since. 

The game mimics most movements you do while on the board.Overall, the game is pretty fun, but it does take some time to get used to. You have to lean back on the board to perform a jump, and then move left or right from this stance to perform tricks. You can also reach down and grab the board (that is what the motion sensors are for) to add some extra variety. 

Using the board controller makes Tony Hawk: RIDE different from every other game I've played. You really do feel like you're in the game and on a skateboard, but there are times where the controller does feel a little slippery under your feet, and you could possibly loose your footing. 

Activision actually hasn't announced the price for RIDE, despite what Gamestop has projected the price to be; although you can expect it to be in the general area of $120. Before trying out the game hands on (more like feet on, pardon the bad joke), I had absolutely no interest in RIDE  whatsoever, but even now I am still not sure I would fork out that much cash. It provides a great experience that I suggest everyone tries at least once, but even after trying it out, Tony Hawk: RIDE seems like the type of game that is best if you can try it at your friend's house.

Tony Hawk: RIDE will be available for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii on November 17.