Boost is handled by any of the d-pad directions, gas is button 2 and tricks require a rather convoluted set up involving two buttons along with a tilt.
The latter is the only control failing in the game. The unresponsive air spins are better off left alone, as the increase in the number of stars isn’t worth the frustration of landing awkwardly when the Remote doesn’t respond properly. Every other function responds flawlessly, and this is arguable some of the best use of the technology to date.
Sadly, it’s over too soon. There are four brackets to unlock, each with a max of five races. Finishing with a somewhat simple to attain B grade on each unlocks the next set of levels. Once all are completed, you’ll unlock a harder difficulty, though with hardly any incentive to complete them aside from extra trucks. The same goes for the challenge mode that offers a small selection of different race types with specific goals.
Split-screen multi-player follows the same path with few options. This is a title screaming for online play, and while gaming with friends in the same room is always more desirable, the mechanics could lead to some incredible encounters. Also, online play would greatly extend the game’s life.
Still, this is a great launch title for the new hardware. It shows it off with some vivid graphics, does a marvelous job of using the features available, offers custom soundtracks with the SD card and is accessible to anyone after a few races. Excite Truck will develop a solid fan base, and a sequel down the line with a better feature set needs to happen sooner rather than later.
Excite Truck is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB for Mild Violence.
Article comments