IGN: Why have you decided to make a spin-off instead of bringing the Skate 360/PS3 game to the Wii and DS?

Scott Blackwood: We know a growing number of gamers have more than one next-gen system and we wanted to make sure that skate fans who have already played Skate got a new, quality skateboarding experience re-imagined for their other favorite game systems... much like what the team sought to accomplish on the other gaming systems. It gave us a whole new challenge to take on and the opportunity to turn up the good even further.

IGN: What sort of differences to the gameplay can we expect on the Wii? What about the DS version?

Scott Blackwood: Expect the same revolutionary, intuitive, and fun gameplay, but this time applied to the strengths of the Wii and DS systems. It's all about bringing that authentic Skate feeling to the Wii remote and stylus, or and for the full on immersive types, the Wii Balance Board.

IGN: On a technical level, is the Wii game created from the ground up or is it using an existing Skate engine? Will it be supporting 480p and widescreen on the Wii?

Scott Blackwood: In order to retain the same great feel and physical accuracy of Skate, the team began by taking the core of the Skate engine and migrating it to the Wii. Most importantly; however, we've been able to bring our physics based skating, animation, camera, and award winning audio engines over to the Wii (Hall of Meat anyone?). Built around that foundation is all-new technology specific to the Wii - not the least of which is an intuitive way of controlling your skater built around the Wii Remote. And yes, we are supporting 480p and Widescreen.

IGN: One of the coolest features of the Skate gameplay is the ability to replay the past minute or so and show off to the world the craziness you've pulled off. Will this ability be brought to the Wii and DS versions?

Scott Blackwood: Instant Replay was a huge part of the success of the original Skate game. On Skate It Wii and NDS, we will continue to make sure you can replay your sickest tricks, lines and bails to relive your best skating moments over and over again.

IGN: I understand that the Wii version of the game will utilize the Wii balance board. Is this a mandatory option or will you be able to play Skate It without it? What sort of abilities will you be able to do with the Balance Board?

Scott Blackwood: Of course, you can play Skate without the Wii Balance Board, but you'd be missing out on a next level of immersiveness if you did. Hey, did that help sell Balance Boards...where's my cut? In all seriousness, the game plays super fun with or without the Balance Board, but if you want to really feel your carves and control your manuals, I'd advise you to skate a Balance Board version of the game. People that try it really seem to be digging it, and we're still discovering new and cool ways to integrate it daily.

IGN: Will there be any multiplayer or online components of either version of Skate It?

Scott Blackwood: We realize that skating is something that's not only fun on your own but with others as well. Skate It - Wii will offer a a deep and unique career progression that allows you to earn sponsors, unlock gear, and for the first time travel the world. In addition Skate It - Wii will also offer a wide variety of multiplayer modes so that you can skate on your own or locally with your friends .

Skate It - NDS will also offer a unique and deep career progression, in addition to Single Cart, Multi Cart and WiFi multiplayer modes which were created uniquely for that platform. Skate It NDS will also have a few new unique online sharing components which we'll be speaking about at a later date.