MTV Multiplayer » Shaun White Launch Party

Our Guest Blogger Interviews Shaun White

Patrick Klepek — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:00:48 +0000

The end of last week's "Shaun White Snowboarding" launch party brought about the biggest reasons guest blogger Michelle Zeller entered our contest: interviewing one of her personal idols, Shaun White.

Shaun was a busy guy that night. From celebrities and family to game fans and snowboarding aficionados, everyone wanted to talk to him -- but Michelle had ten minutes with Shaun all by herself.

Michelle has since edited that conversation down to just a few minutes in the above video, with all the crucial "Shaun White Snowboarding" information you need to know.

(Videos not viewable by users logging in from Canada or the U.K. The ‘Shaun White Snowboarding’ guest-blogger project was made possible by a sponsorship partnership between MTV and the game’s publisher, Ubisoft.)

Our Guest Blogger Compares 'Shaun White Snowboarding' To Real-Life Boarding

Patrick Klepek — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:30:49 +0000

In our continuing coverage of the "Shaun White Snowboarding" party, courtesy of guest blogger Michelle Zeller, she goes hands-on with the game. Michelle is a competitive snowboarder back in Colorado, so she's certainly qualified to discuss the nuances of the game's attempts at realism.

Hey again!

It's Michelle here with some game preview.

At the party I was able to test out the Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii versions of "Shaun White Snowboarding."

The Xbox 360 and PS3 version of the game were basically the same thing, just with different controls.

(Videos not viewable by users logging in from Canada or the U.K.)

I had difficulty adjusting to the controls on PS3, because every other snowboarding game I have played before had the jump button as X. In this game you use the R2 button to jump and strictly analog to maneuver and spin.

One cool feature of the controls was the ability to switch camera views with the L1 and R1 buttons from third person to first person. I really liked this feature because it accurately portrays what it's like from a snowboarder's viewpoint. Also, at the bottom of the run, you are able to get back on the ski lift which captures the feeling of what its like to be at an actual ski resort. You can even press the circle button to throw snowballs. The graphics were amazing and the designers did a really good job of portraying what it's like to snowboard at Park City mountain resort. The soundtrack featured a lot of my favorite songs. Artists such as MGMT, Bob Dylan and Run DMC can be found. Shaun mentioned to me that you can even upload your own songs.

As I have said in the previous post, the Nintendo Wii was my favorite version of the game. Just as you would on a snowboard, you have to move your body certain ways to initiate tricks.

As you can see from the video of me playing the game, I lean forward on my toes and throw my arm forwards towards the left to initiate a frontside spin and lean back on my heels and throw my arm backwards and right to initiate a backside spin. To jump onto rails you lean back as if you would on a snowboard to initiate an ollie (jump) to get on the rail. This may sound complicated to people who do not snowboard, but it only takes a little practice to get the hang of the movements.

It is really fun once you know what you are doing and I believe this will make people want to try real life snowboarding.

See you on the mountain!

-Michelle

(The ‘Shaun White Snowboarding’ guest-blogger project was made possible by a sponsorship partnership between MTV and the game’s publisher, Ubisoft.)

Inside The 'Shaun White' Party [Photos]

Patrick Klepek — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:30:35 +0000

Our guest blogger Michelle Zeller roamed the epic "Shaun White Snowboarding" party in Los Angeles on Tuesday, interviewing celebrities, playing the game and snapping photos.

Despite taking place in Los Angeles, Ubisoft had flown in snow and ice to help put the party attendees in the right mood. You can't promote a game that takes place in the mountains with adding a little chill, right?

Via camera, here's what Michelle saw…

"Full House"'s Stephanie Tanner (aka Jodie Sweetin) talks about her new child and loving Wii on the red carpet

Somehow the ice sculpture managed to not melt by the end of the party

Behind the ice sculpture was footage of the game in action on a giant screen

Shaun White talks to the press on the red carpet before heading inside to party

Even Kelly Osbourne, daughter of Ozzy Osbourne, decided to make an appearance

The party came equipped with snow-loving ladies to play the game all night

Pictures of the inside didn't show up so well...but you can see the antler chandelier here!

Michelle takes to the virtual slopes with the Wii version of the game

(The ‘Shaun White Snowboarding’ guest-blogger project was made possible by a sponsorship partnership between MTV and the game’s publisher, Ubisoft.)

Tila Tequila, Bam Margera Talk Video Games At 'Shaun White' Party

Patrick Klepek — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:07:55 +0000

Before Ubisoft's "Shaun White Snowboarding" party on Tuesday, guest blogger Michelle Zeller took to the red carpet to interview celebrities attending the event. A surprising number of them were already game fans!

Michelle caught up with MTV reality star Tila Tequila (seen above) and known skateboarder and star of former MTV show "Viva La Bam," Bam Margera to discuss games, snow boarding and, of course, Shaun White.

To hear what Margera had to say, keep reading.

(The 'Shaun White Snowboarding' guest-blogger project was made possible by a sponsorship partnership between MTV and the game's publisher, Ubisoft.)

'Shaun White' Launch Party - Our Guest Blogger Weighs In

Stephen Totilo — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:00:41 +0000

Last night our guest blogger Michelle Zeller covered the launch party for "Shaun White Snowboarding" and interviewed the pro snowboarder as well as a few celebrities. Check out her re-cap of the evening, along with some photos...

Hey guys!

So last night was basically the best night of my life! Not only did I interview Shaun White, but Patrick suggested I stand by the red carpet and interview some really big celebs.

I was super-nervous at first and didn't even want to be standing outside; I was over-anxious to get inside and start playing the games. I'm glad I stayed outside though because I scored an interview with Tila Tequila, Bam Margera, Jesse from "The Bachelor" and many more!

I was stoked to interview other celebs that I was a fan of. Interviewing was hard at first but 15 minutes into it I felt like a pro! The interview with Shaun went really well, and I actually felt like he was the easiest celebrity to interview! I felt like we had a good connection, and he even introduced me to his dad and sister. I even got to party with him afterward in the VIP area!

As for the game, the Nintendo Wii was by far my favorite platform to play it on. It felt like I was really snowboarding. You lean forward to go fast and lean on your toes or heels to carve like you're on an actual snowboard. Because I snowboard in real life, I got the hang of it really quickly and was initiating tricks so well some film crew started filming me! Patrick didn't even want to play against me, I was doing so well. (Ha ha.) Overall ,it was an amazing experience and a super-fun party. Enjoy the interviews and photos!

Love,
Michelle

(The 'Shaun White Snowboarding' guest-blogger project was made possible by a sponsorship partnership between MTV and the game's publisher, Ubisoft.)

Our Guest Blogger Checks In From L.A.

Tracey John — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:00:24 +0000

Our guest blogger, Michelle Zeller, has sent us her first dispatch from Los Angeles, where she's preparing to interview pro snowboarder Shaun White at his game's launch party tonight. Here's Michelle...

Hey Guys!

So right now I am in the Renaissance Hollywood hotel and spa (amazing by the way, thanks MTV!) right by the Hollywood strip. I met with Patrick last night who gave me the video camera I will use to take photos and video of the party.

Patrick has informed me that MTV is not sure how much actual time I will have to interview with Shaun White which has now become my biggest challenge.

I am a little nervous and worried since the interview is going to be anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. I have conducted thorough research of the game and have come up with a list of extensive questions. Now the difficult part is to decide which questions I will ask depending on how much time I will have with Shaun.

It is frustrating to have to choose only a few good questions from my list because I feel like I must cater to the video gaming community as well as the snowboarding community; but I also want to have time to ask personal questions for myself! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! But I still want to prove I'm the perfect person for the job and make this a good blog. Looks like I'm gonna have to trust my instinct!

Wish me luck!

From Hollywood,
Michelle

(The 'Shaun White Snowboarding' guest-blogger project was made possible by a sponsorship partnership between MTV and the game's publisher, Ubisoft.)

Meet Our Guest-Blogger For Next Week!

Stephen Totilo — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:30:38 +0000

A few weeks ago, in conjunction with game publisher Ubisoft, we put out a casting alert to find one talented blogger who would be the perfect person to cover next week's "Shaun White: Snowboarding" launch event in Los Angeles.

I narrowed the many applications to five, and then a group of MTV judges voted. Our winner is University of Colorado student, "SSX" addict and snowboarder Michelle Zeller.

Michelle will be writing and shooting for Multiplayer next week. Please welcome her. And since she'll be checking out the game and interviewing Shaun White (aided and abetted by Patrick, who's also heading to L.A.), let her know what questions you'd like her to ask.

Take it away, Michelle...

Hey gamers and MTV Fans!!

My name is Michelle Zeller and I'm the lucky winner who gets to interview Shaun White in Los Angeles!!

I am 20 years old and have been gaming and snowboarding for many years now. Shaun White has been my hero since I first discovered snowboarding when I was 12 years old. This is a dream come true for me, my chance to share my love and knowledge of video games and snowboarding while meeting my hero! Some of you may recognize my gamer name RoxyHoney from "SSX3" online as I was in the top ten rankings.

From Sega genesis to Sony PlayStation I have played and loved many games. Snowboarding games are my favorite. I still remember the day I got my PlayStation for Christmas and discovered Cool Boarders.I instantly became obsessed and it was then I decided I wanted to snowboard.

Fast forward to today and I compete in some of the worlds top level snowboarding competitions such as the Burton Global Open series and have gained a sponsorship by Roxy and GNU. I also am a member of the University of Colorado snowboard team. Snowboarding and video games rule my life and I am soo stoked for this opportunity!

If I am not snowboarding, I'm playing snowboard video games. I will be sure to ask important questions about this game and give you guys the first hand view of what to expect from this much anticipated game. Video gaming and technology has come a long way since "Cool Boarders" and I can not wait to be one of the first few people to try this game out! This is the game that I have been waiting for!

Yours truly,
Michelle Zeller