11 replies to this topic

[vdub_bobby]

I just happened across this Excitebike: World Rally preview today - anybody looking forward to this? Releases November 9 - looks like a reasonably cool update of the original, complete with track editor and - maybe most cool - online multiplayer. Though no local multiplayer, as far as I can tell.

Edited by vdub_bobby, Mon Nov 2, 2009 2:04 PM.

[Ryanw]

That actually looks really cool I wonder if you can build tracks in this new one too I don't have any cash to spare for this though :/

[vdub_bobby]

This is out today; here's an early review from...The Hanafuda Times?

Quote

Yes, Excitebike World Rally is essentially a sexier clone of the NES Excitebike, but this shouldn’t be something that is frowned upon. Online Play makes the game palatable to modern gamers. Excitebike was always fun because of it’s simplicity. Why fix something that isn’t broken?

9/10

Anybody get this?

[BydoEmpire]

I played about an hour last night - mostly online races. It's great fun. They didn't change much in the way of core mechanics or game design (which is a good thing imho), added some nice graphics, very smooth online and a bronze/silver/gold cup-style single player mode. It's a perfect downloadable game to have on your Wii menu - easy to pick up and play a few minutes, but addicting enough an hour might slip by.

My FC: 2106 8721 7389

[vdub_bobby]

Thanks for the mini-review, BE.

Other reviews...
IGN gave it 7.9/10.
Cheat Code Central gives it 3.9/5.
Nintendo World Report gives it 8/10.

[vdub_bobby]

A few more reviews...

Everyview likes it a bunch:

Quote

Excitebike: World Rally is an exceptionally entertaining WiiWare title that proves that the 24 year-old formula introduced by the original Excitebike is as fun and addictive as it was in 1985. The game isn’t without its flaws, of course, as the omission of online leaderboards and local multiplayer hurt the end product. All in all, however, the good easily outweighs the bad. I highly recommend Excitebike: World Rally to anyone with an online Wii.

9/10

And GamePro also comes away impressed:

Quote

However, if you're a fan of the original Excitebike then chances are you'll certainly enjoy World Rally on the Wii. Its new look and refined gameplay offer a fresh take on a timeless classic, but be prepared to share a controller.

PROS: A proper update to the original; online multiplayer and the new track editor are nice touches
CONS: No offline multiplayer; somewhat bland visual presentation

4/5

No one likes the lack of local multiplayer.

[bomberpunk]

i bought this and New Super Mario Bros Wii... i didn't even get to opening NSMBW yet. this game is so freaken addicting. i haven't even logged into AtariAge in months but i had to stop in and express my absolute love for this update of a classic that i spent MANY days with in my youth.

for ten bucks, it's sooooooo worth it.

[vdub_bobby]

Kotaku likes it, though they also wish there was local multiplayer:

Quote

The NES classic outfitted with a few new bells and whistles is a welcome addition to the WiiWare line-up. It's a shame local split-screen play didn't make the cut, but the addition of online multi-player, and the ability to create and share content makes this one worth at least a few laps around the track.

[vdub_bobby]

BydoEmpire, on Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:18 AM, said:

My FC: 2106 8721 7389

Just got this and it is fun.

My FC: 4597 9839 7395

[legeek]

Added you guys, my code is 0002 4179 7748

[brojamfootball]

This looks like one of those rare exceptions where they updated the look in a non-overbearing way and managed not to screw up the gameplay.

[Cafeman]

** BUMP**

I've been playing a lot of Wii lately (Sonic Colors, DKC Returns, Williams Pinball) and browsed our SD card, noticed this forgotten gem! Played the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum races. Got S ranks on bronze & silver races. Then I built my first Excitebike course and played the AI on it.

Don't forget this nice little downloadable game! Great way to kill an hour or two.

(_)3