Wheelspin (video game)
Wheelspin, known as Speed Zone in North America, is a futuristic racing video game for Wii, developed by British developer Awesome Play. The races take place on various terrains such as space stations, planets and asteroids. The game was released in the U.S. in August 2009 and is published in Europe by Bethesda Softworks.
Wheelspin | |
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Developer(s) | Awesome Play |
Publisher(s) |
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Platform(s) | Wii |
Release | |
Genre(s) | Racing |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
Single player
Boost pads are used to accelerate 'into the zone' where racing lines and phantom cars are used in an attempt to set lap records, levels are unlocked by beating a set Zone-Time. There are shortcuts and secret pickups to be found with bonus rewards being earned by setting new best times. These bonus rewards can then be used to buy aerodynamic aids, various performance upgrades, new cars and skins which all help to give a speed increase when re-attempting levels.
A single pickup is added randomly during each race, this power-up transforms the car driven into a giant enemy robot, which does massive damage to other cars. While in control of the robot speed is greatly increased but maneuverability is drastically brought down and it becomes harder for other cars to overtake you.
In Race mode seven computer-controlled cars are competed against, unlocking levels by finishing in the top three or better. Finally there is Battle Mode which is a futuristic demolition derby; players can use an assortment of weapons such as rockets, mines, lasers, missiles, a lightning gun and a chain gun. There are also assorted defensive pick-ups such as shields, a stealth clock and shock-jumps.
Multiplayer
Race and Battle modes allow up to eight simultaneous players (via split screen) and uses four Wii Remote units and any combination of four Classic Controllers, Nunchuks, Logitech Speed Force Wireless force feedback racing wheels and Nintendo GameCube controllers. The game is the first to use support up to four of the Logitech Speed Force Wireless Racing Wheels.
Reception
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The game received "unfavorable" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[2]
References
- "Speed Zone - Overview". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
- "Speed Zone for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
- Edge staff (January 2010). "Wheelspin review". Edge. No. 210. Future plc. p. 90.
- Herring, Will (July 23, 2009). "Speed Zone". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 27, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
- "Review: Wheelspin". GamesTM. No. 91. Future plc. January 2010. p. 114.
- CptObvious (January 11, 2010). "Test: Wheelspin". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Webedia. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
- "Review: Wheelspin". NGamer. Future plc. December 25, 2009. p. 64.
- Scullion, Chris (November 27, 2009). "Wheelspin Review". Official Nintendo Magazine. Future plc. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
- Yin-Poole, Wesley (December 2, 2009). "Wheelspin Review". VideoGamer.com. Resero Network. Retrieved July 16, 2019.