We've got the new details of the bird-man's first dual-screened game! New graphics, tricks and special features unveiled!

The critically applauded team which originally brought the Tony Hawk series to GBA years ago is now working on his latest game - set to hit the DS by the end of the year. Developer Vicarious Visions has had the task of preparing one of the first online games for the system, and IGN recently had the chance to try the title out for themselves.

The main points were that, firstly, the game would have slightly toon-shaded graphics, which would make the game run smoother on the DS and make it stand out from it's bigger home console brothers. The game is described as "really smooth", running a sweet 60 frames per second throughout, despite being set in huge and pretty detailed environments.

The touch-screen will be used to allow players to check where they are with an overhead map being displayed. Specific touch-screen specials can be pulled off by tapping on-screen icons at the right time, and players also use it to draw and colour their own player avatars and board designs.

The game's microphone will innovatively be used to record your voice into the game so that when your skater bails or pulls off a special move, your voice will be heard groaning in agony or whooping for joy. Or whatever else you recorded to be played! Additionally, it's good to know both the custom sounds and board/avatar designs will be present even when you link up to another player's DS.

The game seems to be shaping up well, despite it still being a little way from completion. We'll have more updates for you from the game as we get it!