Excitebots: Trick Racing

Excitebots: Trick Racing (Wii)

This sequel to the 2006 hit, Excitetruck, is a big leap toward the hardcore racers. Instead of racing trucks, you're racing insect bots, such as a ladybug, mantis, and even a hummingbird. At first glance, it may seem kinda strange, but it really is a fun game.

The game consists of an Excitemode, where you race through exciting locations throughout the globe, including Mexico, Canada, and Tasmania. These levels don't disappoint, and are full of hidden paths and places to do tricks. Another mode is the Poker Race, where you race around a track to cash in the best poker hand. It's a weird game I think, but some might enjoy it. Finally, there's online, where you race against 6 other players, and you can bet stars.

The game is all about performing high-flying stunts, tricks, and flips in order to gain stars throughout the race. As in the first game, there are little boxes which can change the environment or give you an item.

There are many bars and opportunities to do tricks throughout each race. When your bot approaches a red bar, it automatically starts spinning around it and you have to match its rotations with the Wii Wheel. It's hard to get the hang of, but you'll eventually get it perfect every time. On yellow bars, flip bars, and elevator bars, your bot will latch on and start spinning, you must then thrust the Wheel forward at the right time, and you'll get a ton of stars.

Other opportunities to gain stars include doing air flips, crashing into other bots, or participating in one of the many minigames throughout the race. These consist of soccer, bowling, darts, and even throwing a pie at a clown. What the??? These are really fun and can get you a bunch of stars, but an opponent ahead of you could ruin it.

This is a racing game where getting first isn't always everything. Sure, you'll get a 50 star bonus, but a person who comes in third or so could still win because they might've done more stunts and achieved more stars than you. Online, there's also a multiplier on the amount of stars you get. The higher you place, the higher the multiplier will be.

Overall, this is a great racing game, and is considerably better than Mario Kart in my opinion. Try it first, and then if you really enjoy it like I did, then purchase it. It's even cheaper than its predecessor, so why not??

Pros:
Addictive Fun
Great Online
Good Control

Cons:
Some Frame Rate Issue

Overall - 8.3/10