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Skateboarding has been big for ages now, with clubs, magazines, and whole shops devoted to the sport. Now, if it's raining or you've broken your trucks, you don't even have to leave your bedroom to go 'boarding - so long as you've got a Nintendo and a copy of Skate Or Die.

The game casts you as a rad dude in a post-holocaust future. The aim is to prove your abilities to Rodney Recloose, the owner of the Flesh 'N Asphalt Skateboard Shoppe who, along with his mates, rules the roost around town.

The game is divided into five different sections: the downhill race, freestyle on a half-pipe, downhill jam where you fight an opponent, half-pipe high jump and pool joust where you battle other players.

Control of the board is by "regular foot" or "goofy foot", which gives either rotational or directional controls - you just pick the one which best suits your playing style. There's also choice between competition mode or practice mode, to allow you to practise before you enter the real challenges.

Practice mode gives you the chance to get used to each game, with infinite tries if you wish. This is important because, in complete mode, failure can be permanent! Still, one day you might get your picture on one of the posters in the shop...

The skateboard shop acts as an intro screen and it is here that you can sign in. This allows up to eight players to complete, although of course not all at once. If there is only one player, you automatically play against one of Recloose's buddies - Pete, Lester or Eddie.

This is one of the most complicated games on the Nintendo to get to grips with initially, as the responsiveness is rather poor. However, this game has a great deal to offer in the long run, with its wide range of options and the multi-player possibilities.

This is fine if you're into games which require loads and loads of practice before you get anywhere, but if you like your action a little more immediate, you'll find yourself getting very frustrated with this.

Once you've got over the hurdle of the tricky control method, Skate Or Die has plenty of skateboarding laffs 'n frolics on offer. The sprites are great, with plenty of neat touches - just watch your man get chopped into little pieces when he skates into a chain-link fence, for example.

The events are pretty varied and all apart from the high jump (which requires simple button-bashing to succeed) are fun to play. Check it out if you're into skateboarding.

Presentation 83%
Nice picture on loading and the option screen is great.

Graphics 75%
The skaters themselves are excellent but are let down by blocky backgrounds.

Sound 77%
Trendy tunes add a lot to the game, but there should be more sound effects!

Playability 80%
Once you've mastered the bizarre control system, it becomes second nature.

Lastability 81%
The game's strongest point. Loads of options and the chance to complete with your friends give this a long life.

Overall 78%
A tricky game to master - but has great potential if you persevere.