Nitrobike

Nitrobike
Developer(s)	Left Field Productions
Publisher(s)	Ubisoft
Distributor(s)	Ubisoft
Platform(s)	Wii, PlayStation 2
Release date(s)	Wii NA January 15, 2008 AU February 7, 2008 EU February 8, 2008 JP March 27, 2008 PlayStation 2 NA January 15, 2008
Genre(s)	Racing
Mode(s)	Single-player Multiplayer
Rating(s)	CERO: B ESRB: E10+ OFLC: G PEGI: 3+
Media/distribution	Wii Optical Disc CD-ROM

Nitrobike is a dirt-bike racing video game for the Wii and PlayStation 2. It is published by Ubisoft and was developed by Left Field Productions, the developer previously responsible for, among other games, Excitebike 64, MTX Mototrax and Dave Mirra BMX Challenge. It began development in October 2006, and was announced by Ubisoft at its E3 2007 press conference in Santa Monica, California. It was also announced that this would be an exclusive Wii title, and that it would be the first Motocross game for the Wii.^[1]

Nitrobike was released in North America on January 15, 2008 on both the Wii and PlayStation 2.^[2]

Gameplay

A gameplay screenshot of Nitrobike

Nitrobike features gameplay that is somewhat similar to its predecessors Excitebike 64 and Excite Truck. The controls in this game are similar to Excite Truck, with player holding the Wii Remote on its side and twisting the remote to the right or left in order to steer. The physics in the game, while still retaining some aspect of realism, have a very arcade-like feel. According to the CEO of Left Field Productions, James Higgins, the game will be about five times as fast as Excitebike 64, and players will be able to perform more impressive jumps than in the game's predecessors. Higgins also noted that by performing tricks while in the air, players will be able to boost longer, which in turn will allow them to finish tracks faster.^[3]

Nitrobike features online play allowing up to six players to race against each other simultaneously.^[1] Players can compete in random worldwide matches or exchange friend codes to play against friends. The game will keep record of the number of races friends have competed in and the number of first place finishes.^[3]

Reception

Nitrobike received generally negative reviews. It currently has a Game Rankings rating of 52%^[4] and a Metacritic score of 51.^[5]

Nintendo Power scored the game a 3.5/10, saying it was a "disappointing, wreck of a Wii game." IGN claimed the game has decent gameplay, but its presentation lacked "soul".^[6] GameSpot called it a "a slow, clumsy mess".^[7] Game Trailers sole praise for the game was for the unlockable "Crash Bowling" minigame, which while "not particularly fun ... keep [the player] from playing the main game".^[8]

See also

• Excitebike
• Excitebike 64
• Excite Truck

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Matt Casamassina (2007-08-12). "E3 2007: Ubisoft Announces Nitrobike". IGN. http://wii.ign.com/articles/804/804226p1.html. 
2. ^ Ubisoft reports quarterly sales up 25%, delays four - Joystiq
3. ^ ^{a b} Matt Casamassina (2007-08-10). "Nitrobike Interview". IGN. http://wii.ign.com/articles/812/812215p1.html. 
4. ^ Game Rankings: Nitrobike reviews
5. ^ Metacritic: Nitrobike
6. ^ IGN: Nitrobike Review
7. ^ Nitrobike for Wii Review - Wii Nitrobike Review
8. ^ Gametrailers.com - Nitro Bike: Reviews, Trailers, and Interviews

External links

• Nitrobike E3 2007 trailer
• Nitrobike coverage by 1UP
• Nitrobike coverage by IGN