1987’s Skate or Die spawned an NES only sequel in 1990 that was imaginatively titled Skate or Die 2. No word yet on whether Nike has plans for a shoe based on Skate or Die 2. I don’t remember this game at all, but there’s probably a lot of info to sift through. Apparently, you accidentally run over the mayor’s wife’s dog on you skateboard, causing the mayor to ban skateboarding. Then you have to skate through the ghetto avoiding thugs and dragons, etc.. you know, normal skateboarding stuff. Unlike the other skateboard “simulators,” Skate or Die 2 looks more like a regular walking adventure game with skateboards pasted onto the feet of the characters. In some of the frames of the sprite animations (old 2D gaming terminology) the skateboard almost disappears. Oh yeah, you get to carry a gun too. Actually, it’s getting more and more realistic as time marches on. One thing that is worth checking out is the theme song, or at least the first 30 seconds of it. It’s got a very heavy Devo vibe. Check it out after the jump.

Shoe fetish. I don’t get it. I’m only mentioning it because it’s a good excuse to post a bunch of shots from the home version of Electronic Arts’ Skate or Die video game that came out in 1987. This isn’t even Nike’s first shoe inspired by or in tribute of 80’s skateboard video games. If they really wanted to do a tribute shoe, they should re-issue the red and black canvas Air Jordan’s that everyone wore while skating and playing video games. If you think skateboard forums are annoying, you should check out some of the sneaker forums where users have tons of Google ads in their signatures as well as bad Microsoft Paint graphics about how the user and/or their crew rules and everyone else deserves a beat down. Awesome community you’ve got their. Makes the comments on SnA look like one big hippie love fest. A little bit of shoes and a lot of Skate or Die after the jump.

I had versions of myself from various points in my skateboarding career but I couldn’t find that memory card. I haven’t played in a long time.

My kid got this Pro Skaters action figure for X-mas from an unaffiliated third party – a non-relative, non-skateboarder. “Rodney Stone” has magnets on his feet, and is supposed to be the most articulated Exteme!™ action figure. I don’t have a lot of Exteme!™ action figures to compare him to, but the others must be really stiff since most of Rodney’s articulation is concentrated on the way his feet rotate in circles around his ankle joints. Rodney couldn’t bend over to pick up his board if his little plastic life depended on it. Check him out, he’s on the “Vert Team” according to his jump ramp. He’s also a fan of big air.

Still need a last minute X-mas gift for the guy that runs your favorite skateboarding web site? How about this amazing Street Smartz Interactive (talking) Skateboard skateboard? This skateboard talks, teaches, and offers feedback! There’s nothing like it! Our amazing, interactive skateboard will have your child shredding in no time. Its unique technology actually measures foot pressure, turns, speed, and more–then offers personalized tips for improving technique. A separate coaching mode teaches popular stunts step by step, while the free-styling mode features exciting sound effects. Later, turn off the power, and your “shred head” has a cool, cutting-edge 28″ board! For kids 41-160 lbs. Requires 6 “AA” batteries (sold separately). For ages 6 and up. Forget about hoverboards. This, is the board of the future.

The sketchy Tony Hawk Christmas ornament was actually a McDonalds Happy Meal toy with a string attached. Danimal’s mom sent him an awesome elf skateboarding on a leaf. World Industries sells these elf sized skateboards that come packaged in a Christmas stocking.

I hope Biker got his royalty money advanced up front from Tech Deck when he signed off on Biker Sherlock’s Extreme Challenge. Do you remember back in 1999 when luge was all the rage on the Extreme!™ sports circuit? I think the “extreme challenge” in this toy was trying to justify the $35 purchase price. I don’t think they had many production runs of these.

Wow, that was fast. No sooner do I post about not finding any new skateboard-themed Christmas ornaments this year, then Paige sends me three links. There are nine ornaments after the jump, plus a ton from last year as well.

Not sure how I feel about this one. Although one of the twelve nominations, the skateboard was not one of the 2007 inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame (Housed at Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY). This year’s winners are the Atari 2600 Game System, Raggedy Andy, and the Kite. Roller skates, and by extension, inline skates are already members, and so is the bicycle. Raggedy Anne was already in the Hall of Fame. Did you know the Hall used to be in Salem, Oregon? Yeah, me either. Dr. Brad, this G.I. Joe is for you! [Source: Priced Nostalgia – pissed that My Little Pony didn’t get in! ]

Skateboarding Bet is a short stop action animation made with Legos that look like they came from my set I had as a kid, considering you can get fancy skatepark Lego sets these days. It’s short. It’s here. You might as well watch it. You’re just here wasting time while at work, right?