Excitebike: World Rally
Brandon Sears
STUDIO: Monster Games Inc.
PLAYERS: 1 (online 4 player Wi-Fi)
CONSOLE: Wii
Retro is in.
Well, it's been in for a while. Nintendo capitalized on this trend when the Wii was released by having the Virtual Console installed, a feature that allows you to purchase past games released by Nintendo, Sega Genesis and others - for a small fee. Shortly after the Wii was released, Nintendo gave a reboot to the old 2D style Super Mario Brothers to massive critical acclaim and hey, if it works for one series, why not another? Which brings me to this review for Nintendo's reboot of the classic NES title, Excitebike.
Yes, Nintendo released a sequel in 2000 by creating a 3D version for the N64 console with Excitebike 64. The game was okay at best but failed to capture the feeling that you were playing an Excitebike game - it just felt like a generic motocross game with a popular name slapped on the cover, nothing special. Therefore, Nintendo takes the series back to its roots, while adding a small bit of style.
Once again, Nintendo calls upon the developers of the Wii launch title, Excitetruck,Monster Games Inc., to develop the WiiWare exclusive title, Excitebike: World Rally. Monster takes the fun and simplicity of the original title and changes very little. Confusing is the lack of local multi-player. Not sure why this was left out - seems like a simple addition, strange that it was not included. However, Monster included online Wi-Fi - a welcome addition to any series update. Lag can be present at times but nothing too serious. Even with a game that has been out for such a short period of time, I find a hard time achieving a win.
Unlockables have been deposited in this version in the form of 4 playable cup circuits that become accessible by achieving B ranking or higher through the various single tracks. Also, unlockable are new bikes with no distinguishable difference other than color; no speed/handling differences.
What you're given is a facelift with nothing new added - and that's fine by me. Granted, the online feature is a nice touch but if you're looking for anything revolutionary or ground breaking added to the series, then you would be disappointed. I was pretty crushed to learn that there was no local multi-player but got over it rather quickly, although, longevity might be increased with a 2 player split screen.
Brandon Sears is an insurance salesman by day and a superhero by night (not really). He has been writing for Modern Distraction since 2004. He lives in Sydney Mines with his wife, Ashley and his dog Toby.