Wii Balance Board Functionality For Shaun White News

The party may be just getting started over at UbiDays 2008 in Paris (according to TVG's man in the French capital), but the presentation that finished just minutes ago has proved to be a real chance for Ubisoft to unveil a number of details about its Fall/Holiday 2008 titles.

First up comes news on Shaun White Snowboarding, which has been kept largely under the radar since the X-Games star's collaboration with Ubi was announced back in 2006. Originally scheduled for 'current and next-generation consoles' with the first title then planned for 2007, UbiDays 2008 proved to be the place where Shaun White Snowboarding made a re-appearance - for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Wii.

Now pencilled in for a launch during the run up to Christmas, Shaun White's videogaming debut (on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC) is using the Assassin's Creed engine, which Ubisoft has revealed will allow for more realistic NPC interactions. By using the same engine as Altair's 2007 adventure, it also means that the snowboarding game will rely on physics - rather than set animations - to deliver realistic movement on the slopes. The Xbox 360/PS3/PC version will feature open mountain ranges and integrated multiplayer modes, allowing players to explore alone or with friends.

The Wii version has already been placed on something of a plinth by Ubisoft however, with confirmation that there'll be Wii Balance Board functionality. Though not the sole Ubisoft game to make use of the Wii Fit's accessory, Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party also makes use of it at times, players will be able to perform jumps, grinds, an carves just by moving their weight. In what sounds like a similar system to EA's skate, Shaun White on Xbox 360/PS3/PC will utilise dual-analogue sticks to control the boarder and the tricks - which doesn't sound quite as athletic as using the Balance Board on Wii.

In addition, the Wii version will include a 'globe-trotting' adventure with the man himself, with White acting as a mentor and friend as the game progresses. "Shaun White Snowboarding will turn all of the traditional ideas and experiences of past action sports titles upside down," said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. "The combination of Ubisoft's innovation approach and the influence of Shaun's lifestyle and perspective make this gaming experience like no other."