ASK_Story said:

I just saw the IGN video review, I'm impressed! Looks like a lot of fun.

But are there more level variety than just beaches, trees and shrubs? I saw a desert level but what about things like volcano levels, or racing through a ruin, or a castle?

Anyway, seeing this game makes me want to buy a racing game. I'm going to get Pure once I can.

that was one of matt's gripes.  not enough level variety

Iga_Bobovic said:

bugsonglass said:

ASK_Story said:

I just saw the IGN video review, I'm impressed! Looks like a lot of fun.

But are there more level variety than just beaches, trees and shrubs? I saw a desert level but what about things like volcano levels, or racing through a ruin, or a castle?

Anyway, seeing this game makes me want to buy a racing game. I'm going to get Pure once I can.

that was one of matt's gripes.  not enough level variety

matt who?

cassamassina or whatever his name is, wasn't he who wrote the ign review?  i thought it was

Just a few more impressions on the game. So far I seem to pretty much suck when it comes to the actual racing game.  I've yet to win a big online race, though I can usually manage to still stay competitive due to racking up points on tricks.  There's an interesting balance in this game in trying to be the first to cross the finish line, but still taking the time to pull off some high point tricks (which inevitably add a half second or so to your racing time).  I would probably benefit from crashing a lot less too.

On the other hand I absolutely rock at Poker.  I've won just about every online poker race I've played.  Unfortunately it's not real easy to get into an online poker race.  Apparently the mode isn't overly popular so most players opt for the standard Exciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiite racing.  

But now the big question. . . is it better than Mario Kart?  Tough to say.  Mario Kart has the edge in a couple key areas - look/graphics, number of racers, variety of levels, music, and ease of finding an online race.  That last point may not be valid since eXciteBots only came out 4 days ago, but it's tough to go back to waiting several minutes for a match after you've been able to just turn on the game and instantly be put into a qeue for the next race.  

On the other hand eXciteBots has a couple key things going for it.  It's nice to go back to a game where pure skill will always triumph.  Sure in Kart the best racers usually win, but there's little denying the frustration of losing a race to a Blue Shell or have a bullet bill race by you that some schmuck picked up because he kept running into a wall.  Plus, the online betting makes it all much more competitive.  Sure playing for points is nice, but when you're betting with stars that you can actually use to trade in for new racers, statues, icons, etc., well that just brings it up a notch in my book.

So I'm not sure which is better yet. . . more racing needs to be done before a decision is made.

Gamesradar-review

Beyond the charm of racing a big robot bug (or some other critter), the game throws tons or random silliness into your path. You’ll be cruising along and suddenly pick up weird stuff like a big dart that can be chucked at a passing target, a soccer ball you’ll have to swerve into to knock into a goalie net, the necessary ingredients to make a sandwich, and even false teeth you can send chomping towards nearby opponents. The near-endless array of often wild and creative antics keeps things lively and injects a dose of humor into the otherwise intense and speedy racing gameplay.

All around, Excitebots is a step up from its four-wheeled cousin and possibly just bizarre enough to hold your attention for far longer.

8/10

1up-review

B+

Not sure if anyone saw this, but Excitebots totally crashed when it came to sales.  Apr. sales numbers say 13,000 copies were sold.  10 days of sales or not, that's just pathetic.  Though I got to say, not unexpected at all for three huge reasons.

1.  Mario Kart is better.  After spending enough time with it I have to admit I like Mario Kart a lot more.  It just feels like a more finished game.  Mario Kart has more levels, better music, better graphics, a better variety of racers, and ultimately a much better online community.  

2.  Terrible marketing.  Mario Kart is still outshining this game big time, and Nintendo didn't do much to give this game its own spotlight.  Plus this game may win an award for bad box art.  

3.  The ultimate sin that Excitebots committed is that it tried to be the kind of game that appeals to hardcore and casual gamers.  It's a tough racer in the harder levels and for all the ridiculous gimmicks it has, it's still very much a game where the most skilled racer wins every time.  But as I said, it's chock full of gimmicks - sandwichs, soccer balls, butterfly catching, etc. in an effort to appeal to casual gamers (I think).  Bottom line though, is in attempting to appeal to everyone, it appealed to no one.

I still heartily recommend the game to everyone.  It's definitely a good game.  But to be honest, I'll probably be hanging this one up soon to stay with Mario Kart.  

Yodariquo said:

Foolz said:

I'm sure there's a lot of people who won't be buying it at full price as soona s ti comes out, tohugh. Like me!

And me!

and me!