Customer Reviews

ExciteBots: Trick Racing with Wii Wheel Bundle

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There is no question about the appeal of racing games on the Nintendo Wii. After the massive success of Mario Kart Wii last year, it has honestly been very difficult to see that if Nintendo can actually top itself again. Well, Nintendo has shown that eagerness again. When the Wii got launched in 2006, one of the introduction titles was Excite Truck. the game did a good job at showing the need for speed onto the Wii. But the game was sadly overlooked in place of other titles like Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and the dynamic Wii Sports, which of course came with the system. Well, Nintendo is going to try the racing series yet again, and this time it is a bit stranger than before.

Excitebots: Trick Racing for the Nintendo Wii, brings in the wild, and honestly a bit weird into the gaming, as you race not cars or trucks, but robotic animals. Yes, robotic animals like Bats, Grasshoppers and Beatles. It might seem akward, but it does bring in a new twist in racing. The gameplay does work as it did before with Excite Truck, the way to score and unlock new races, is to perform outrageous stunts like Ring Jumps, perform tricks, and smash your opponents. The graphics look good, but the gameplay is also interesting. You can control the game like you did before with Excite Truck, by steering the controler like it is a wheel, or you can also use the Wii Wheel, which comes with this package, or if you've bought Mario Kart Wii.

There are a few new things here that make the game a bit strange. One of the things includes the extra bonuses you get during the race, are from racing stunts like throwing and scoring in darts, from trying to score a bowling strike, to tossing a pie in the clowns' face. You can also score stars by performing twirls on hanging bars. This requires a lot of control and especially tight timing. The other new feature is the use to play against other racers online through the Wi-Fi. It makes the games a bit interesting, as you score your way first to the finish line, as you and as many as 5 other racers make your way through tracks around the world from Asia, Africa, and Europe.

While there are a lot of new things here, there sadly is a few faults with the game. The first big disadvantage is the control. It can be very tricky at first, but it takes awhile to get used to. Also, unlike Mario Kart Wii, you cannot use the Gamecube or Wii Classic Controllers either. The game mainly uses the Wii-mote. The second disadvantage is the online gaming. While you can race against other Excitebots online, they could've allowed it to allow more than just 6 racers for a match.

You can buy Excitebots: Trick Racing with, or without the Wii Wheel definitely. But, if you haven't bought Mario Kart Wii, you might want to get the expanded version with the Wii Wheel, for a bit more extreme gameplay. Nevertheless, despite a few faults, Excitebots: Trick Racing definitely brings in a bit of weirdness into gameplay that is sure to knock you off your rockers. If you haven't yet played Excite Truck, than you'll definitely want a new spin on what makes the Wii extreme with Excitebots: Trick Racing.

Graphics: B

Sound: B

Control: B 1/2-

Fun & Enjoyment: B- for solo; B 1/2- for multiplayer

Overall: B-

The racing in this game is cool. Totally non-realistic but makes use of terrain of the courses and the controller. Lots of jumps and some off track 'secret' parts to find. You're still constrained to the basic track path, though. Can't just go exploring. There are a lot of levels in racing skill but only about 6 or 8 different tracks.

Our 9 year old has had no problem picking up this game. She just wishes it was easier to unlock more of the cars. You have to earn points per race and save up to get more than the original 6 robotic bugs and animal cars.

About the only downside is that this game is one player racing, unless you connect online. Would be cool if this allowed two player racing like Mario Kart.

My 6 year old son and I can't stop playing this game. Lots of FUN, it's not your typical racing game, there is so much to do it keeps you on your toes. We can't recommend this game enough.

P.S. The Bat is our favorite ExciteBot to use

It is a fun game. We loved it for the first couple of days. Well, but as you can tell, it is a game for racing, unless you are really into racing cars, you will not start playing it again in a while.

My 4yr old son got a Wii three months ago and was only playing the sports game that was included. I finally decided it was time to get him other games but it was difficult finding a game that he would understand. He loves racing games. He absolutely loves this game. I have trouble finding the road half the time, but he never loses it. He just isn't able to do some of the tricks, such as spins and flips, but he is able to get first place on half the races. He likes being able to buy new bots or buy new colors. The races are fun because you can choose if you want to be creatures such as beetles, hummingbirds, bats, grasshoppers, mice etc and there are challenges in the race. The point isn't only to win first place but get get a certain amount of stars to progress to the next race. My 4 year old has been playing it as often as I allow it for the past three days.

The game is pretty fun but not really that challenging. The kids liked it and I played it alot. After about a week it got boring.

I've been playing this for a couple weeks now and have become totally hooked. I don't have a lot of experience with racing games so I don't have much to compare it to, but out of my 20-or-so Wii games this is one that has retained significant replay value. The controls are excellent (especially once you unlock the caterpillar and crab), the courses are fun with a lot of secret paths to discover, and the difficulty level is just right. It's fast without being blinding, and challenging without being frustrating. I particularly enjoy how it requires just the right amount of speed and skill. I must also add that the online play is incredible. I love playing against remote humans, and its a great way to rack up stars (to earn unlockables). I'm really glad I picked this game up and can't reccommend it highly enough.

This game is an absolute blast. I highly recommend it.

The mechanic of the game is similar to Excite Truck, but improved in every way and given a lot more polish. In addition to the normal excite bot tricks, there are some timing based tricks, far more densely packed maps where you are constantly trying to pull something off, a lot of neat opportunities for small side games, and a very fun poker game where the strength of the hand you collect gives you the number of stars (you are given four cards, try to complete a hand and can replace cards as you race). It's great for split screen play with a friend as well.

This game is extremely fun, and is one of my top games of the year. Coming from a professional gamer, buy this game if you are looking for the mario kart fun, with amazing speed, and a boost of innovation. I reviewed this game on GR, and gave it a 5/5.

BUY IT NOW! At only 20 dollars with a wheel, it's a steal, and these should not sit. Buy Buy Buy!

**Edit**
Sorry about how excited I was when this deal was only $20.00, but it is a fantastic buy. I know GameStops regular price is now $20.00 for software only, and $30.00 with the Wii Wheel. Either way you play, you will enjoy. Hope you have fun guys!