Choices are making the Wii far more accessible than people may have realized. In the case of Need for Speed Carbon, it's the control options that set it apart. Like any version of this now yearly update, Carbon has some issues it carries over from the other consoles. Aside from that, Wii owners have another racing title to be excited about.
Six different control configurations exist. The default set up will be familiar to those who have some hands on time with other racing titles for the Wii. The Remote is held sideways, and tilting it turns around corners. Using the d-pad adds an extra push for those tight corners. Buttons handle aspects like braking, nitrous, and franchises slow motion for those heavily outnumbered situations.
That's fine to start, though with a Nunchuck, the options begin paying off. Using the Nunchuck as a steering device (either with the analog stick or by tilting it), the Remote becomes the gas pedal. Holding it either vertically or a 45-degree angle, you can move your wrist down to apply pressure to the virtual pedal or pull back to lay off. In one configuration, the Nunchuck can also double as an e-brake.
All of those options are intertwined to find the right mix that suits your style. On the courses, racing is presented with an outstanding sense of speed. Motion blur, particularly when using nitrous, is effective even with the drop in graphical quality from the Xbox 360 or PS3. Aside from some minor frame rate troubles, Carbon stays consistent.
This latest Need for Speed adds some additional features to keep it fresh for veteran players. Team based play is the main update, allowing wingmen to perform various tasks to help you gain the lead. If they race well, letting them finish first earns you the same awards as if you did it yourself. With the exception of police chases, this is unquestionably an easier ride than last years Most Wanted.
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