Tony Hawk's Project 8 unveiled

New details have been revealed of Tony Hawk's Project 8, which is being billed as "the most unique, robust and realistic skateboarding game experience ever." Gosh.

The game is in development for PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, Xbox and PSP and apparently there are more goals, side missions, secret areas and mini-games than in any other Tony Hawk title.

New gameplay features include Filmer and Photo Goals, where you must perform loads of tricks for a photo shoot, or follow the instructions of a cameraman. A Picture-in-Picture feature lets you watch the gameplay on the main screen whilst observing how you're film's shaping up in a little box.

You can place rails and ramps around the city to get access to secret areas and pull off tip top combos - which is essential, because you must build up "respect" by impressing the local citizens. They'll watch your tricks and, rather unpleasantly, will laugh when you fall over and punch you if you knock them down.

You can track your stats via the in-game record keeping system, and switch characters whenever you like. Inevitably, you can expect enhanced physics and responsive controls. There's also a new system that allows you to pull off advanced grinds and bails which can minimise - or maximise - damage. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will use a brand new game engine that's been built from the ground up.

Tony Hawk's Project 8 is out in the autumn.