Nitrobike developer interview and screenshots
For those of us who can remember the original Excitebike on the Nintendo 64, we were treated to a very spectacular experience of gritty, hardcore dirtbike racing that combined good arcade fun with fantastic racing physics that had us sailing through the air after hitting that impossible jump at top speed. Fans of that road-rashing era should be glad to know that the same studio behind that game is now working on Excitebike‘s spiritual (and next-gen) successor – and that is Nitrobike for the Nintendo Wii.
Yes, the guys over at Left Field productions are at it again, with their current brainchild revealed to the world in the convention of conventions, E3 2007. Of course, we were left hanging back then, with not a lot of updates coming in about the actual game, but now here’s no other but James Higgins, LFP’s CEO, to reveal a ton of info about Nitrobike (as well as let us partake in some gratuitous eye-candy). Without further adieu, then!
The full interview and the screenshots after the jump!
For those of us who can remember the original Excitebike on the Nintendo 64, we were treated to a very spectacular experience of gritty, hardcore dirtbike racing that combined good arcade fun with fantastic racing physics that had us sailing through the air after hitting that impossible jump at top speed. Fans of that road-rashing era should be glad to know that the same studio behind that game is now working on Excitebike‘s spiritual (and next-gen) successor – and that is Nitrobike for the Nintendo Wii.
Yes, the guys over at Left Field productions are at it again, with their current brainchild revealed to the world in the convention of conventions, E3 2007. Of course, we were left hanging back then, with not a lot of updates coming in about the actual game, but now here’s no other but James Higgins, LFP’s CEO, to reveal a ton of info about Nitrobike (as well as let us partake in some gratuitous eye-candy).
In the interview, James gave us the complete lowdown on Nitrobike. He revealed that just like Excitebike 64, the game’s going to have very heavy, very realistic bike physics – as realistic as having a jet engine strapped to a dirt bike could be. It also seems that in conjunction to offering the best realism versus fun racing experience on two wheels, Nitrobike‘s going to take us harder and faster than Excitebike 64 ever did – about five times as fast. Now that’s a big difference right there!
Feeling quite generous, James gave hints about the gameplay as well. First off, the more tricks you’re able to pull off in succession, the longer you’ll be able to boost – making your time in the air just as crucial as the time you take around those laps.
For the controls, you’ll only need the Wiimote – no Nunchuck joy for those of us already knee-deep in our Wiimote-Nunchuck-fu training. Held like a normal controller, the Wiimote-only controls will also use motion-sensing – tilting left or right will make you turn the corresponding direction, while tilting back and forth would tilt your ride’s front wheel up and down. Handy for those sick turns and safe landings!
James also clued us in on one of the make-or-break factors of Nitrobike – content, and in this game there’s a lot of it. No less than 20 levels have made it into the game, as well as a variety of game modes that’s sure to mix it up. As for the bikes, well, you’re sure to get your fill with ten choice beasts of pure racing fury just begging to be unleashed onto the track. Not to mention the bevy of bike-related minigames you can try your hand on – and James hints that besides Nitrobike Soccer, a great American pastime will also be made available as a minigame. Wonder what that is? (*cough*baseball*cough*)
Finally, at the end of the interview, we’re given the best news tidbit of all – Nitrobike will support up to six players on online multiplayer. You heard that right, Left Field Productions is aiming for their brainchild to become the very first third-party title to offer online support, and this just blows the replay aspect of the game out of the water. I mean, sure, you might get sick of playing all by your lonesome, but to be able to race against six other players online? Come on!
Certainly looking great, Nitrobike for the Wii, and this interview puts our doubt to rest. Updates as we get them, and in the meantime, why not help yourself to the screenshots below?
