While the Tony Hawk license has popped up on a lot of different platforms, there is one Tony Hawk title that is making an exclusive debut on the Wii console system, and the formula is rooted in nothing but fun.

Downhill Jam is from Toys for Bob and Activision and is a purely arcade-like in set-up and overall design. You are racing downhill over varied courses. You can take shortcuts, you can perform tricks to fill the Zone Bone – which in turn will give you a power boost – and use a variety of attacks to take out the competition and finish first in the race. This is no-holds-barred racing.

And to make this even better, in regards to the Wii controller, you merely have to hold it loosely in both hands, as though it was a standard console-controller, and tilt it to turn. The axis sensors in the controller make steering an absolute breeze. While the nunchuk control scheme does not exist in this game, what is here is not only intuitive but adds to the entertainment value of the game. To activate the Zone Bone (or to get back on your board after a spill), all you have to do is shake the controller.

The game sports 10 environments and 12 characters (yes, there is a customizable character) to choose from as your in-game personality. There are also different types of races, including the downhill runs and the slalom races. In the latter you have to hit blue rings/gates to accrue more seconds in the timed event.

When it comes to the characters – personality is just dripping from the game. Take Jynx, for example. She takes nothing from nobody. She used to work in a store that sold cookie dough, “but as I told Mr. Mooney, the manager, that cookie dough had already exploded by the time I got there. And as for his grandmother … (she clenches her fist) – well, she shouldn’t have mouthed off to me like that.”  Each character is presented in an interview format, with Tony doing the interviews. Tiffany, one of the playable characters, can’t seem to understand that his first name is Tony, and refers to him as Bill.

There is a progressive system to unlocking the environments and there are challenges set up in terms of time. As you complete certain tasks, you can unlock a variety of items – like locations and boards. The boards all have attributes that may prove valuable in the downhill events.

There are a total of 15 boards that you can unlock, each rated on a 10-point scale in five categories: speed, turning, balance, jump and combat. Unlock a board and you are treated to a short video.

The audio portion of the game is entertaining, and you can unlock videos for the accompanying soundtrack. While the cartoonish graphics are lush and bright.

*Sniff … sniff* What’s that smell? It’s pure fun and that’s what Downhill Jam brings to the forefront in virtually every aspect of the game.

There will be a lot of launch titles for the Wii that will cross age barriers. Downhill Jam is certainly in that group – it is easy to pick up and play and everyone, young or old, and of any skill level will find challenge in the game. But Downhill Jam may distinguish itself as a title that provides a reason to buy the Wii – it is that much fun.

Gameplay: 9.0
The controller plays on its side, like the old NES controller, but the control scheme, especially when using the axis sensors of the Wii controller is simple and delightful. The learning curve is small and even the tutorial is entertaining.

Graphics: 8.9
They absolutely fit the mood and deliver exactly what is wanted from this title.

Sound: 8.7
Good tunes and fun interviews. Sure there is some repetition, but the first time through will have you laughing.

Difficulty: Medium
Easy to jump in and play, but tough to emerge as the top dog. You will have to work hard to find every shortcut and the pure line through the courses to finish with not only the first-place award but also the top time.

Concept: 8.2
This is a difficult area to rate. The idea itself is simple in design but therein lies part of the charm.

Multiplayer: 8.7
Head-to-head fun. So who cares if you try to pummel your gaming buddy on the way down the hill?

Overall: 9.0
This is a game that provides challenge and entertainment. It looks different than other next-gen Tony Hawk titles, but that fits the style and charm of the game.