Excitebots: Trick Racing asks players to ride giant robots across a set of tracks built for tricks, flips and sudden drops. The Wii controller becomes the steering wheel, and the game turns simple racing into a physical motion that rewards players who move their arms while they drive.
The Setup
Players guide robots through courses that reward height, distance and style over pure speed. Each track includes ramps, drops and obstacles designed for tricks, and scoring systems reward players who stay in the air longer and land with more style.
Motion Control
The game uses the Wii Remote’s motion controls heavily, asking players to move their hands as if holding a steering wheel. The controls take some getting used to, since moving the hand too fast can send a robot off course. Once players learn the timing, though, the motion controls add a layer of depth that standard button controls cannot match.
Tricks and Style
Tricks are the heart of Excitebots: Trick Racing. Robots can jump high, flip mid-air and land with a spin, and the game rewards players who chain together long trick combinations. Scoring systems favor style over raw speed, so players who take risks and hold their tricks longer often finish ahead of those who rush through a course.
Courses and Tracks
The game offers a large number of tracks, each with its own design of ramps and obstacles. Some tracks are tight and require careful handling, while others open up and reward bold trick attempts. The variety keeps the game from feeling dull across repeated playthroughs.
Multiplayer Modes
Excitebots: Trick Racing supports multiplayer modes, letting friends race side by side. These modes add an extra layer of challenge, since players must compete for position while still chasing high scores.
Presentation
The presentation is bright and colorful, with a cartoonish look that fits the game’s tone. The music stays cheerful throughout, matching the arcade feel of the whole package.
Difficulty
The difficulty rises steadily across the game’s tracks, demanding more precision from players as they progress. Later tracks push players to master the motion controls fully, combining timing, quick reactions and careful landing.
Where It Falls Short
Excitebots: Trick Racing is not without faults. Some tracks rely on repetition, and the motion controls can frustrate players who struggle with the timing. The game also lacks a deep career mode, which limits its appeal beyond the main tracks.
Final Verdict
Excitebots: Trick Racing succeeds best when players embrace its motion controls and its trick-heavy approach to racing. The game rewards risk-taking and skill, and its presentation holds up well across repeated playthroughs. It is a solid, enjoyable racer that earns its place on the Wii.
Key Facts
- Platform: Wii
- Genre: Racing
- Controls: Motion-based
- Score: 7.8 out of 10
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