Nintendo Will - Take the wheel in Excite Truck

Like Nintendo DS before it, the Wii is not only bringing new types of games into the world, its innovative controls are also putting a brand new spin on existing genres. Take the racing game for example.

For years we've been using analogue sticks to steer our way around many a virtual racetrack - and some of us actually remember what a vast improvement that was over the digital directional pad. But now we have the Wii Remote and racing games just got a whole lot more involving!

You see, in Excite Truck for Wii you hold the Wii Remote sideways like a steering wheel. Taking corners is done by tilting it left or right, but you'll also need to tilt backward and forward to line up your vehicle for a jump or to get a proper landing.

The buttons are used for braking and accelerating, or for boosting across the track until your engine overheats - and that's all you need to know to get moving. Along the way there's a bevy of tactics and tricks to get acquainted with before you'll be soaring through the Scottish castle of the game's Platinum Cup, but Excite Truck remains a fun-fuelled arcade racer throughout.

Rest assured we'll keep you informed about all the game's features as we gear up for its launch on February 16, but in the meantime, if you're a Club Nintendo VIP 24:7 you can already read our Playtest in your VIP Lounge. You can also go to Wii.com and check out two videos of other people playing the game. Stay tuned! - Nintendo.

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Like Nintendo DS before it, the Wii is not only bringing new types of games into the world, its innovative controls are also putting a brand new spin on existing genres. Take the racing game for example.

Body Text

For years we've been using analogue sticks to steer our way around many a virtual racetrack - and some of us actually remember what a vast improvement that was over the digital directional pad. But now we have the Wii Remote and racing games just got a whole lot more involving!

You see, in Excite Truck for Wii you hold the Wii Remote sideways like a steering wheel. Taking corners is done by tilting it left or right, but you'll also need to tilt backward and forward to line up your vehicle for a jump or to get a proper landing.

The buttons are used for braking and accelerating, or for boosting across the track until your engine overheats - and that's all you need to know to get moving. Along the way there's a bevy of tactics and tricks to get acquainted with before you'll be soaring through the Scottish castle of the game's Platinum Cup, but Excite Truck remains a fun-fuelled arcade racer throughout.

Rest assured we'll keep you informed about all the game's features as we gear up for its launch on February 16, but in the meantime, if you're a Club Nintendo VIP 24:7 you can already read our Playtest in your VIP Lounge. You can also go to Wii.com and check out two videos of other people playing the game. Stay tuned! - Nintendo.