Excitebots: Trick Racing - Now racing weekly! Sign up!

[metaly]

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/hoimi/cag/cagexcitebots.png

ExciteBots is Monster Games' followup to Excite Truck and features giant robot bugs, super sandwiches, and six-player online racing! Add your friend code to the list below to participate in race night! Also, if you have a PS3, we usually have a PSN chat room going so we can talk during the race.

Game Nights
Wednesdays at 10 PM Eastern/7 PM Pacific

Friend code list (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pmw2uL3EEye8G_km9prnmFQ)

[wii skiier]

Everyone was talking about it in the thread surrounding the news item when it was announced.

Either way, I am also completely excited for this. I have mentioned it before but Excite Truck is definitely one of my favorite Wii games out of the hundreds I have played. Everything about it just works for me, and I don't even really like racing games.

[Doomed]

Endless Ocean is my favorite Wii game. That's right. I will definitely give this a try, and give Excite Truck a second chance. It looks like it captures some of the madness of WarioWare. Hope it doesn't suck as bad as WarioWare: Smooth Moves.

[SuperPhillip]

So many intriguing Wii games already this year... Sheesh! :bouncy:

From previews and hands-on, this is a definite buy without a doubt.
Hope to play some of you online. I'm not really competitive, but it'll be fun regardless.

[sippycupz]

I still need to play ExciteTruck and Endless Ocean. I can't find them anywhere though

definitely looking forward to ExciteBots

[Kaoz]

The only downside to this I have seen, is that they removed the feature that let you play your own mp3's instead of the games music.

Still looks fun

[metaly]

That's horrible news if it's completely gone. That was a lot of the Excite Truck experience for me.

Do you know if custom music is out entirely, or have they just switched to AAC like with the Photo Channel/DSi/etc.?

[crzyjoeguy]

I saw that too.
I read it from this article http://wii.ign.com/articles/972/972260p1.html

It's the second to last question on the last page.


"IGN: Excite Truck allowed you to play your own music from an SD Card. Will this feature be back in Excitebots?
Richard / Hiro: We are sorry, but we have no plans to support that feature."

[metaly]

Well fuck.

[HuppSav]

I might be excited if there were different control methods.

[SuperPhillip]

Hopefully the music isn't as grating as in Excite Truck. I won't mind then.

[Snake2715]

Its getting closer for sure...

Now I need to buy Madworld and excite bots...

[wii skiier]

Hopefully the music isn't as grating as in Excite Truck. I won't mind then.
Am I the only person with a receiver/stereo system hooked up alongside my TV? I see complaints like this all the time about game music. It's generally terrible in any game. While I liked the idea of custom soundtracks in Excite Truck, I never used it once because I can make my own custom soundtrack to any game using a CD/MP3 player. I have my audio split so I can turn down all music volume in a game and retain the sound effects (as long as the game supports it) through the TV speakers. I then play whatever music I want through the receiver over the surround sound speakers. If the game music is not horribly annoying I just run everything through the receiver and omit my own music.

As you can tell, I'm not really broken up about the loss of custom soundtracks.

[NTolerance]

Wow, this came out of nowhere. I've probably logged more hours on Excite Truck than any other Wii game. It's extremely underrated. At least IGN gave Excite Truck a proper review unlike a lot of other sites.

[lilboo]

After watching a video on the Nintendo Channel, this game really looks like Mario Kart...w/o the characters :lol:

[snipegod]

Is this seriously $40 MSRP?

If so, I'm definitely buying this at launch ... and I never buy at launch.

[wjhard63]

Did anyone pick this up yet? If so, how's the online? I think my Best Buy will have it in stock tomorrow, so I'm thinking about picking it up, but having CAG's to race against online would make the decision to purchase it much easier.

[wii skiier]

Did anyone pick this up yet? If so, how's the online? I think my Best Buy will have it in stock tomorrow, so I'm thinking about picking it up, but having CAG's to race against online would make the decision to purchase it much easier.
I'll probably get it today or tomorrow. Friday might be the first chance I have to really play for a long stretch of time though.

[Snake2715]

Is this seriously $40 MSRP?

If so, I'm definitely buying this at launch ... and I never buy at launch.

Oh crap... That sucks... now I may jump sooner than I wanted and bump back Madworld... which is not good considering madworld needs the sales.

[metaly]

I put in an Amazon order but it seems like they're stocking it a few days late so I might not get it until next week. Boo.

Oh well, I'll take advantage by finally picking up those last S ranks in Excite Truck.

[lilboo]

I'll wait around for some impressions. Really did enjoy how Mario Kart looked and played..

May also be really cheap and wait around for it to hit $30 8-)

[Doomed]

I just got it and will return with impressions after playing for a bit. Might get Excite Truck too if I like this one. ET was boring as fuck to me, but I only played it at a party (multiplayer) for like 20 minutes.

[decrot]

played it and the game is kinda meh from the beginning. I hate how it doesn't allow you to use an analog stick.

[wii skiier]

I ended up picking this up on my lunch - I'm really hoping to get a chance to play tonight as the original remains one of my favorite games.

played it and the game is kinda meh from the beginning. I hate how it doesn't allow you to use an analog stick.

I hate racing games that use an analog stick. One of my favorite things about the original Excite Truck is that the entire game, from truck handling to track layout, is so clearly designed with the sideways remote in mind.

[decrot]

I ended up picking this up on my lunch - I'm really hoping to get a chance to play tonight as the original remains one of my favorite games.



I hate racing games that use an analog stick. One of my favorite things about the original Excite Truck is that the entire game, from truck handling to track layout, is so clearly designed with the sideways remote in mind.
for me its more about being precise. The wiimote is just too.... loose i guess you can say. I couldn't stand playing mario kart with the wii wheel as i rather use the stick. Unless there is a good stable steering wheel available.

[Doomed]

Impressions:
1st race impressions:
Presentation looks pretty neat, lots of unlockables (as already noted)
I couldn't finish training with the Wiimote flat mode, so I played my first race using the Wii Wheel. For the most part it was good, but I almost lost because I went off a ramp and went really far to the right... D:

Recharged a set of batteries for race 2, will update as I continue. Also I will note when I am done updating this post.

Race 2:
I picked the bat this time, and I'm not sure anything improved. My hands are getting tired, although I may be playing EB like the Wiitards who break their TV's.
The ? hexagons are really neat, although I kinda suck at them...
This game goes out of its way to make you win... I was sucking real hard (same problem with the hills etc.) and I still came out in 1st.

3:
A little better with the Grasshopper.

General:
It may be difficult playing this came for extended periods of time. All the shaking and shit... fuck.
I recommend the Wii Wheel over the other control option.
---done updating with impressions.---

Let's not fuck this up guys. I have created a wiki-style FC registry on Google Docs. Better than one OP taking forever to update etc.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pmw2uL3EEye8G_km9prnmFQ

[lilboo]

So, somone compare this to Mario Kart and ExciteTruck. What is it more like? Better?
I didn't like ExciteTruck for some reason..but I loved Mario Kart...so..:-k

[Doomed]

I liked Mario Kart Wii, liked MK64 more, and this worse than those two. I barely played ET, so it's not a fair comparison. This game is waggle. My hands hurt. Can't wait until I get a 360 and cut the BS.

And it goes without saying that Endless Ocean is better than all of those other games. :grouphug:

[eugaet]

Love Excite Truck, love Mario Kart Double Dash...Mario Kart Wii is just meh. Not sure why I can't get into MK Wii.

Anyway, it has been confirmed tonight that my parents just bought this for my son for his upcoming birthday, so...

[wii skiier]

So, somone compare this to Mario Kart and ExciteTruck. What is it more like? Better?
I didn't like ExciteTruck for some reason..but I loved Mario Kart...so..:-k
Just got done playing for about 30 minutes with my six-year-old. We play both Excite Truck and Mario Kart together and this was much more like Excite Truck than Mario Kart. Which is good for me because I prefer Excite Truck.

Later tonight I will start my own profile and start unlocking stuff, but from initial plays I couldn't have been happier. I like the loose controls and they remained pretty consistent from Excite Truck, so I already knew what to expect. The game is bright and shiny and fast and fun. Two things Doomed:
1. Once I am set up I'll add my code to your thread
2. Once you get used to the controls they don't seem like so much work. You might be overdoing it too; subtle motions work pretty well. I'd say try playing drunk as it puts you in a more relaxed, Excite-friendly mode, but I think you're not old enough to drink legally if I recall. If that's the case, you should hire a hobo to sit next to you and get drunk while you play.

[SuperPhillip]

I liked Mario Kart Wii, liked MK64 more, and this worse than those two. I barely played ET, so it's not a fair comparison. This game is waggle. My hands hurt. Can't wait until I get a 360 and cut the BS.

And it goes without saying that Endless Ocean is better than all of those other games. :grouphug:

Sorry, but waggle is shaking the Wii remote nonsensically back and forth. You do that hardly ever, and if you're doing that to steer, no wonder you like Mario Kart more. Thanks for misusing the term like almost everyone in the media. :booty:

[Kaijufan]

I'll be picking this up from Toys R Us tomorrow, I still have my $20 RE5 giftcard that's about to expire and for $30 getting ExciteBots and an extra wheel is a pretty good deal.

[Doomed]

Sorry, but waggle is shaking the Wii remote nonsensically back and forth. You do that hardly ever, and if you're doing that to steer, no wonder you like Mario Kart more. Thanks for misusing the term like almost everyone in the media. :booty:
Which controller setup are you using? I'd love to like this game. What are you talking about when you say no waggle? Okay, motion controls. There are lots of them. Every race I've played has a bar (which doesn't hurt that much) but to get stars, every time I go off a ramp I try to spin. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I usually end up almost not getting enough stars even with that. Should I be trying to ram the fuck out of the other cars? Maybe I need to do more tree runs. I've got the red bar timing down pretty well. Maybe I'm treating it too much like a racer when I should be treating it like an overworld map for WarioWare microgames.

[wii skiier]

Which controller setup are you using? I'd love to like this game. What are you talking about when you say no waggle? Okay, motion controls. There are lots of them. Every race I've played has a bar (which doesn't hurt that much) but to get stars, every time I go off a ramp I try to spin. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I usually end up almost not getting enough stars even with that. Should I be trying to ram the fuck out of the other cars? Maybe I need to do more tree runs. I've got the red bar timing down pretty well. Maybe I'm treating it too much like a racer when I should be treating it like an overworld map for WarioWare microgames.
Drive like an idiot to get stars. The crazier you drive without crashing into rocks and trees, the more stars you will get. I guess you can try to focus on tree runs or specific skills, but since you're just getting a feel for the controls I'd say you're probably better off just going as fast as you can (turbo constantly) and the rest comes naturally.

For anyone who played Excite Truck, the controls carry over almost exactly. I was a little worried the robot thing would change the controls, but that's not the case. This is exactly the game I wanted, with one complaint - the horizontal red bars completely destroy the sense of speed and fluidity of the races. 10 spins? I don't mind the yellow bars at all, but I hate basically stalling out for 10 seconds.

I played online for four races last night. I was able to get full six-person races right away even at 1am PST. I love the online races - very chaotic. I don't quite get the betting thing yet, but I can tell it's addictive. I played against people who had clearly already bet their way up past 50K stars.

Doomed - I can't seem to edit your friend code spreadsheet. My code is 0517 3644 4642.

[crunchewy]

It sounds like I need to pick this game up. Good pricing too. No video game should be more then $40.

[SuperPhillip]

Which controller setup are you using? I'd love to like this game. What are you talking about when you say no waggle? Okay, motion controls. There are lots of them. Every race I've played has a bar (which doesn't hurt that much) but to get stars, every time I go off a ramp I try to spin. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but I usually end up almost not getting enough stars even with that. Should I be trying to ram the fuck out of the other cars? Maybe I need to do more tree runs. I've got the red bar timing down pretty well. Maybe I'm treating it too much like a racer when I should be treating it like an overworld map for WarioWare microgames.

Motion controls =/= waggle

The dictionary definition of waggle is "to move up and down or from side to side in a short, rapid manner". Now if you're driving like that, you're a madman! lol A lot of people just call motion controls waggle in an unflattering way. It's just obnoxious trying to find Wii reviews that don't come off as a mean-spirited imo.

I get a lot of air from a jump, and use that to do a 1080 spin. Sometimes I even get the super air bonus, too. There's ten stars right there, and there are a plethora of opportunities for them, too. Also look for those tokens, too. Things like knocking down pins (you can earn up to ten stars each lap just on this alone), kicking a field goal, timing the yellow bars, collecting butterflies (you can earn up to 20 stars each lap on this alone), and so forth.

Just stick with it. Explore the tracks until you get a good racing line, and you know the right areas to race on. Oh, and if you want to race online, I'd love to, Doomed! :)

[wii skiier]

Motion controls =/= waggle
Yup.
Oh, and if you want to race online, I'd love to, Doomed! :)
Jerk. What about me?

Does anyone know how WFC Friend races work? Is it just the two of you, or can it be set up like Mario Kart where you both go join a larger race together?

[SuperPhillip]

Yup.

Jerk. What about me?

How selfish of me! :cold:

I'm playing AC:CF right now, but when I finish, I'll track down my friend code for Excite.

[bluesyncopate]

So basically, if you like Excite Truck, you'll like this. Sounds reasonable. The price is right.

I'm confused by some of you who want "analog stick" control, or find it difficult to control, or "hard on your hands". Most reviews say it's pretty much the same control as the first game, which required extremely subtle movements. (I understand the "red bar" game is a little crazy.) But I guess many of you have never played the original Excite Truck?

It's probably a good idea to pick this up at launch, because if it's anything like the first game, in less than a year they'll stop production and you'll have to hunt for a used copy, which won't be that much cheaper than a new copy.

I can't play music and game audio out of my setup at the same time (only one at a time), so I am disappointed that they took out custom soundtracks. I honestly would have rather had custom soundtracks than online play, but keep in mind I'm not a huge online gamer anyway, and the idea of betting a bunch of stars and losing them to some twitchy savant online does not sound fun to me.

[SuperPhillip]

The controls actually feel tighter/improved from Excite Truck.

On an unrelated note, gah, Tasmania is annoying. I can only get an A.

[Doomed]

The spreadsheet is fixed now. I added wii skiier to the list.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pmw2uL3EEye8G_km9prnmFQ

I'm confused by some of you who want "analog stick" control, or find it difficult to control, or "hard on your hands". Most reviews say it's pretty much the same control as the first game, which required extremely subtle movements. (I understand the "red bar" game is a little crazy.) But I guess many of you have never played the original Excite Truck?
Maybe the spinning off ramps does require subtle movements, and I'm just stupid. I will also try to get a hold of Excite Truck soon and see how that compares.

I can play online too. I'll add WS and whoever else wants in to my friends list.

[Snake2715]

Doomed,

If you are holding the wii wheel up no wonder the arms are getting tired...

Exctie truck played perfectly sat on your lap with the controller sideways. This is not a precision type of game, you may need to jerk it one way or the other if you are about to hit something. The whole point of excite truck was its an arcade racer where you barely have a handle on the race, for the entire race.

Tree runs, truck smashes, slides (drift), 1080's etc rack up the points... if you can do all that and still come in first then you are kicking but.

I have yet to play this but I cant say enough good things about excite truck. Once you realize its not Grn Turismo or Grid then things get fun.

[SuperPhillip]

My friend code is:

S.Phil - 2793 6971 3725

I added both Doomed and wii skier.
I wonder how racing online works. It'd be cool if you got to keep your stars no matter if you didn't win.

[wii skiier]

My friend code is:

S.Phil - 2793 6971 3725

I added both Doomed and wii skier.
I wonder how racing online works. It'd be cool if you got to keep your stars no matter if you didn't win.
I'll add you guys tonight - I should be able to play for a bit and definitely on Friday.

The first race I did online last night I bet 0 stars and at the end of the race I had the same stars even though I came in next-to-last. I think you can essentially make any race an "unranked" race this way no matter what the other players choose.

[SuperPhillip]

Yeah, you can bet nothing. It doesn't matter what anyone else bets. If I bet 2,500, I'd have to be in the top four to at least break even.

I wonder if you can do friend matches.

[Doomed]

I'll add both of you and try to hone my skills. Added SuperPhillip to the spreadsheet, even though anyone can add themselves to it. (I fixed it)

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pmw2uL3EEye8G_km9prnmFQ

[SuperPhillip]

I'm not the best either. I love to crash. haha

[metaly]

I was going to add a friends code list to the OP but it looks like you have it covered, so I'll just add a link the spreadsheet instead.

Hurry up, Amazon!

[wii skiier]

I'm not the best either. I love to crash. haha
I really like that in this and Excite Truck you at least get a star for crashing. It makes my son (and me) feel like he's winning even when he is doing really poorly. Although after just 30 minutes yesterday he was earning four times as many stars as he did his first time playing.

[SuperPhillip]

Man, I love the visuals. The whole game has so much more personality and charm than Excite Truck-- which was already a great game.

I think some these tracks are from Excite Truck now that I think of it. They just have added Excitebots stuff in them.

I really like that in this and Excite Truck you at least get a star for crashing. It makes my son (and me) feel like he's winning even when he is doing really poorly. Although after just 30 minutes yesterday he was earning four times as many stars as he did his first time playing.

Yeah. You feel like you're making progress even if you're doing badly in the race.

EDIT: Super Excite mode unlocked! Sweet. There's new bots to purchase now!

[SuperPhillip]

Thanks for the races, Doomed. I think I'm going to save up to buy the Hornet bot.

It'd be great if we could get four other people.

[Doomed]

You do not earn points from friend races, at least I didn't. It's really easy to game though. Check people's stats and use common sense. (If there's someone with 20,000, place a conservative bet of 100 or 500 until you know how good they are)

I wish I got S rank in all of the races. Has anyone played 15 races with one bot? It's gonna take forever to unlock the special paintjobs

[SuperPhillip]

You do not earn points from friend races, at least I didn't. It's really easy to game though. Check people's stats and use common sense. (If there's someone with 20,000, place a conservative bet of 100 or 500 until you know how good they are)

I wish I got S rank in all of the races. Has anyone played 15 races with one bot? It's gonna take forever to unlock the special paintjobs

Hm. Well, I broke 7,000 from it. Is it because you were last place?

Yeah, you unlock a special paint job for them. The catch is that you have to buy it for 250,000 stars or by earning 25 S ranks with that bot. Artificially lengthening the game much? :bomb:

[sippycupz]

So how are you guys liking ExciteBots so far? Better than Mario Kart Wii perhaps? I'm getting it this weekend

[SuperPhillip]

I do like it more than Mario Kart Wii, which is a good game all to itself.

However, there's much more in the way of skill than luck. Usually you cost yourself the race, and no one else. There's a lot of content, maybe some things that pad the longevity of the game unfairly, but most of it is fun to work towards. I like how stars are the currency of the game, you can bet them in online matches, and you can use them to buy new vehicles (which there's a lot of), color schemes, and icons to be displayed online. Speaking of which, online is terrific with no lag so far.

[wii skiier]

So how are you guys liking ExciteBots so far? Better than Mario Kart Wii perhaps? I'm getting it this weekend
As SuperPhillip said, no lag at all. I also prefer this to Mario Kart - I like Mario Kart and played the heck out of it and still play online occassionally, but Excite Bots is just so much more... fun.

[Doomed]

If I can figure out how to not play it like a fucktard, I'll like this better. MKW was so gimmicky. This one is mostly skill, too. Although last night online with SuperPhillip, I was about to win (the only time) but I went over a miniscule ramp and turbo boosted very high up... :bomb:

[crunchewy]

Ahhh. I need to get this game. I think I might pick it up this weekend so I can join in.

[Snake2715]

Ahhh. I need to get this game. I think I might pick it up this weekend so I can join in.


i may jump early too...

[crunchewy]

FYI, TRU will have, this Sunday, a b1 get 1 $20 off on $29.99 and higher Wii games, as per the deals posting. I'm thinking about picking up NPC Pikmin and Excitebots. $50+tax for both!

[metaly]

Yessss my copy finally shipped from Amazon. It won't be here till Monday, though. :cry:

I played some Excite Truck yesterday to get back in practice, and wow. One of my favorite things about the game is how even though I end up replaying courses tons of times while trying to get a better rank, it's not like other games where I think, great, I failed the race/mission and now I have to start it all over. It's more like wooo, time to play that one again!

[SuperPhillip]

Just saw that you can send replays and challenges to friends on your Wii list.
If they beat your challenge time, they earn whatever amount of stars you put.

Also, if you head straight into the pins each time at a good enough speed, the bowling mini-game is an easy way to rack up stars in single-player.

[wii skiier]

Just saw that you can send replays and challenges to friends on your Wii list.
If they beat your challenge time, they earn whatever amount of stars you put.

I just jumped on CAG to post this same thing! Doomed, do you want to also add a spot for console codes on your list, or should I just ask anyone who seems to be playing this actively if they want to exchange console codes? SuperPhillip? Want to beat my 297-star Bronze Kilimanjaro?

console code 8763 0522 8856 0730

[SuperPhillip]

Sure. I'd love to try-- just to see how this works.

Here's my Wii FC: 6272 2957 6185 8250

[wjhard63]

I just popped the game in tonight. I really like it, but I'm a little disappointed that all the courses I've played so far seem recycled from ExciteTruck. I like the new trick mechanics though.

I've added my FC to the google spreadsheet and entered everyone's FC. I hope to play you guys online soon.

[SuperPhillip]

Is anyone free Friday night?

And, Doomed, I agree with wii skiier. Add an optional Wii FC for replays and challenges! :)

[crunchewy]

If it's like the Animal Crossing google speadsheet, anyone should be able to add fields to it. I added the CAG username field to that one, for example.

[wii skiier]

Is anyone free Friday night?

And, Doomed, I agree with wii skiier. Add an optional Wii FC for replays and challenges! :)
I thought I was going to be free, but it looks like I had plans that got moved from Saturday to Friday. Which means I am now free Saturday night.

wjhard63 - at first I felt ripped-off when I saw the same location and similar tracks, but I quickly realized the key word there is similar. I now really appreciate the continuation of locations from Excite Truck and have yet to feel like I have already played a track to death or even recognize more than very small parts of it.

Last night I decided I loved the music in Excite Bots. I never listened to the music in Excite Truck because everyone railed about how terrible it was. I read similar comments about Bots, but I've been playing with the sound on instead of my own music and am really enjoying the endless and agressively happy Excite Bots music.

[Knoxximus]

I'll be on tonight...I'll post my FC in a bit.

[SuperPhillip]

I put my review up for the game (blog).

[pacemakerguy]

got an 8 on Game spot

[Doomed]

I'm a loser, so Tuesday-Saturday I'm free all day. Even though anyone could have added it, the spreadsheet has been updated.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pmw2uL3EEye8G_km9prnmFQ


2. Once you get used to the controls they don't seem like so much work. You might be overdoing it too; subtle motions work pretty well. I'd say try playing drunk as it puts you in a more relaxed, Excite-friendly mode, but I think you're not old enough to drink legally if I recall. If that's the case, you should hire a hobo to sit next to you and get drunk while you play.
:lol: Yeah, I can't drink legally for quite some time. I'm not really looking forward to it.

<--sucks at doing drugs

[SuperPhillip]

Sweet. Got an S rank on all Poker races and mini-games!

[wii skiier]

Going online now if any of you want to beat me...

How do I race against one of you if you are in a normal online race? Do I just go to friends and if your name is highlighted press 2 or something? I can't test because none of the three of you on my list appear to be online right now.

[SuperPhillip]

I'm in Animal Crossing right now. :bouncy:

[Doomed]

I have no idea. :run:

[SuperPhillip]

I'll be on after I pick up a new song from K.K.

I have a question. Can you just send an easy to challenge to a friend for X amount of stars, and abuse the system that way?

I don't understand how it works.

[SuperPhillip]

Yippie! I unlocked Mirror Excite! :bouncy:

[Doomed]

I'll be on after I pick up a new song from K.K.

I have a question. Can you just send an easy to challenge to a friend for X amount of stars, and abuse the system that way?

I don't understand how it works.
Nor I. My FC is in the spreadsheet if anyone wants to try experimenting with like 100 point challenges.

[Got_Wii]

I'm receiving this game as a gift in a couple weeks and will be free to play sometime if you guys want.

[Rig]

I had NO idea that this was released. Hadn't heard a single thing about it!

I loved ET, but never picked it up. A friend and myself played the hell out of it long ago, and I never saw a good (cheap) price for it.

I'll probably plunk down $40 for it soon.

[Corvin]

FYI, TRU will have, this Sunday, a b1 get 1 $20 off on $29.99 and higher Wii games, as per the deals posting. I'm thinking about picking up NPC Pikmin and Excitebots. $50+tax for both!

Damn you. I don't need to spend the money but that is a great idea pairing it up with Pikmin.

[nuttyturnip]

A word to the wise: all the "display" copies at my TRU said they were the Wii-Wheel included versions, and when I told the clerk I wanted one without the Wii-Wheel, she said they didn't have any. Good thing I'd already looked in the case behind the counter to confirm that they actually did have them. My brother in NC ran into the same thing; they told him they only got in the Wii-Wheel versions.

[crunchewy]

That brings up a good question for those who've played it - is this game better with the wheel? If so I'll get it with the wheel so we have a 3rd one, but otherwise I'll get game only. Either way I'm planning to stop at TRU tonight to pick this up, but may actually be pairing it with Golds Gym Cardio Workout at $9.99, rather then NPC Pikmin. Sort of a justification. :) Plus I like the shadow boxing in Wii Fit a lot, and GGCW is getting pretty good reviews, better from users.

[wii skiier]

That brings up a good question for those who've played it - is this game better with the wheel? If so I'll get it with the wheel so we have a 3rd one, but otherwise I'll get game only. Either way I'm planning to stop at TRU tonight to pick this up, but may actually be pairing it with Golds Gym Cardio Workout at $9.99, rather then NPC Pikmin. Sort of a justification. :) Plus I like the shadow boxing in Wii Fit a lot, and GGCW is getting pretty good reviews, better from users.

I actually prefer it without the wheel, but that could be because I got used to Excite Truck without the wheel. With all the tilting and minor angle adjustments in the air I find the wheel gets in the way more than helps. The difference really is pretty subtle though, and you can try it with the wheel you already have since the bundled wheel is $10 and you can geet the wheel separately for $10 anyway.

*edit* Since I know you have kids, I should mention that my son prefers the wheel because: 1) it's a wheel and 2) he doesn't give a crap about good landings because he is six.*edit*

*edit2* Just saw this on slickdeals - 2 pack of knock-off wheels for $3.99 shipped. They have the IR slot like the first party wheels, so I am actually ordering a set since we only have two wheels right now. What the hell. It's $4.
http://www.meritline.com/1-pack-wii-steering-wheel-039---p-33281.aspx
*edite2*

Having played both of your other possible choices, I'd probably recommend Gold's Gym over Pikmin. Pikmin is really well made, but just isn't that fun for me. Gold's Gym you have to work out and it's surprisingly fun.

[bluesyncopate]

Got it for $35 at Fry's the first week.

This is a great game. My stereo/receiver setup can't handle playing console and music audio simultaneously, unfortunately - and even if it could, why should I have to prepare both my CD player and my Wii whenever I boot up this game, when the original title did it all automatically just by pressing Start?

OK, so I got spoiled. What can I say.

Anyway, the default soundtrack is actually better than the generic crunchy rock soundtrack included with Excite Truck (thank goodness). So yeah, it's actually all right. It's kinda techno-goofy.

The turtle rocks. The first thing I bought was Forest Green color for the turtle, because I really wanted to drive around a green turtle. The red bars didn't bug (BUG, ha ha) me as much as I thought they might. If anything, the split-second timing on the yellow bars are much more obnoxious.

It's weird that I never picked up the first game until a couple of years after its initial release. Quite a few critics and gamers were lukewarm about it, but it's one of the most entertaining and over-the-top racing series I've played since Burnout.

If you don't own the original Excite Truck, and don't get all cranky (like me) about the absence of custom soundtracks, this is totally worth $40.

I used my Mario Kart wheel when I first booted up the game, just for kicks, but I ended up sticking with it. While the tilt control (a la Excite Truck) is just fine, the wheel is tons of fun.

[crunchewy]

I didn't end up picking this up last night, in part because I was too tired to play last night anyway, but mostly because I've been spending too much money of late. Still going to get it, but probably not until this weekend, and then from Gamestop since I have credit there (as opposed to TRU via b1g$20off1

[wii skiier]

Does anyone have any tips for red bars when using heavy bots? The light bots I can get the rhythm no problem, but most of the time with heavy bots I miss every spin no matter how closely I match the rotation of the bot around the bar or the sound. I use the sound on light bots and nail the spin every time.

[metaly]

Finally got this yesterday but haven't gotten to play it much. All I've done is the school cup so I could get my online info. The game is excellent so far, though -- still lots of fun and all the minigames just add to the franticness. The music is decent but I miss custom soundtracks.

Any tips for doing air spins? I had the motion down in Excite Truck but I can't pull them off in this. I'm using the wiimote control scheme.

[SuperPhillip]

Does anyone have any tips for red bars when using heavy bots? The light bots I can get the rhythm no problem, but most of the time with heavy bots I miss every spin no matter how closely I match the rotation of the bot around the bar or the sound. I use the sound on light bots and nail the spin every time.

Just watch the Wii remote prompt, and emulate that. It goes as fast/slow as you need to go.

Finally got this yesterday but haven't gotten to play it much. All I've done is the school cup so I could get my online info. The game is excellent so far, though -- still lots of fun and all the minigames just add to the franticness. The music is decent but I miss custom soundtracks.

Any tips for doing air spins? I had the motion down in Excite Truck but I can't pull them off in this. I'm using the wiimote control scheme.

Air spins are easy to pull off once you understand how they work. Do a turbo jump, and then hold up on the d-pad and the 1 button while you shake the Wii remote back and forth, left and right.

[wii skiier]

Any tips for doing air spins? I had the motion down in Excite Truck but I can't pull them off in this. I'm using the wiimote control scheme.
I've found that a short, sharp 45-90 degree turn and then resetting the controller back to "0" positions works really well. For multiple turns I just go back to "0" and snap the remote each time.

[wii skiier]

Just watch the Wii remote prompt, and emulate that. It goes as fast/slow as you need to go.

This actually helped a lot - thanks! It hadn't occured to me that the image of the Wii Wheel was doing anything other than showing you the basic motion to perform.

There's a pretty good chance I will be online with the game for a few hours Friday night starting around 8pm PST. More people need to play this. I just added Metaly.

[crunchewy]

I finally got this game and so far it is awesome! I suck, at least given my performance in online races so far, but it's still super fun. Here is my friend code:

4339 9093 1497

Please add me. I'll see if I can add myself to the database and will add everyone in there.

EDIT: I've been using the wheel and like the control with that. I haven't tried just remote yet.

[crunchewy]

I am definitely loving this game and have to agree that it is more fun then Mario Kart Wii (not that MKW is a bad game.) I'm on the 3rd cup, or whatever they are called, now. It's a pretty challenging game, at least for me, yet not frustrating. There's lots of fun stuff in the game (such as hitting the soccer ball) and it gives a fantastic sense of speed and chaos. I also really love the idea that you can earn stars (to unlock stuff) by playing online too, not to mention the betting. Great stuff.

I added everyone in the database and put my own info there. Please add me! We should also plan some CAG races, yes?

[Doomed]

We should also plan some CAG races, yes?
I think what made the Mario Kart Wii thread so successful was the Mario Kart Mondays. If enough people want to, I'd love to have a CAG Excitebots night. Just not on Mondays.

[crunchewy]

Needless to say, I'm all for it. One night that wouldn't work well for me is Wednesday. Other nights should be doable most of the time.

[Doomed]

http://www.meetomatic.com/respond.php?id=F7I8JD

I found this website that supposedly helps organize these things. I deselected the Mondays when I won't be available, but didn't realize that would mean that you wouldn't be able to select it either. :oops:

I think with the lack of people here it wouldn't be difficult coming up with one night where we are all free.

[metaly]

I haven't had much time to play this but when I have it's been incredible. I'm only on the Excite gold cup but I've been going back to get an S on everything.

My only complaints:
1. No custom soundtracks (obviously)
2. I want extra stars for doing more than 1080-degree air spins!
3. Unlockables are out of control. Having to buy colors over again for each bot is overkill.

I'd be up for some group races (still haven't tried the online) but don't plan anything around me. Best weeknights would be Monday, Tuesday or Thursday around 7 Pacific.

[Got_Wii]

I wouldnt mind playing sometime after this week is over. College Graduation this weekend then im free for some gaming.

[wii skiier]

http://www.meetomatic.com/respond.php?id=F7I8JD

I found this website that supposedly helps organize these things. I deselected the Mondays when I won't be available, but didn't realize that would mean that you wouldn't be able to select it either. :oops:

I think with the lack of people here it wouldn't be difficult coming up with one night where we are all free.
I added Tuesday and Wednesday of this week for me but I'm not sure which one I'll be available for yet. Either way it won't be until 7:30-8:00 pm PST.

Crunchewy - I'll add you the next time I'm on. I've raced SuperPhillip online a few times but it doesn’t look like anyone else has confirmed on my friend list. Once more friends are confirmed, does anyone know if you can join in a random room they're racing in? The more racers in a race the more fun it is with this game.

Also, has anyone been able to send challenges to Wii friends? Every time I try I get a communication error.

[metaly]

I added everyone from the list.

Just finished Excite Gold and I'm finally starting to get the timing down for the super bar release. I have a feeling that's really been slowing me down because I'd freak out and wait for the second spin. Now I just need to work on the backflips and running.

[Liven78]

Hey everyone...just picked this up. I added my FC to the Google doc spreadsheet and I will add everyone else's FC to my Wii tonight. My FC is 0860-9807-4388. Look forward to seeing everybody online.

[crunchewy]

I'll add Liven78 tonight and anyone else that happens to show up in the database. I already added everyone else who was in there, so not sure why I don't show up for you Wii Skier? Maybe I need to go online again before it makes the final connection.

I added Tue, Wed, Thursday, Friday this week to that meeting thing as I'm flexible this week, but I can't see what others have selected. I guess only you can Doomed? I wish it just let us all flag days we could play and all see what days everyone selected. In any case, while I selected all those nights, I can't play every night! So, once we have a day with the most people, lets do it that night. Generally I'll only be able to play starting some time between 8:30 to 9 PM. Occasionally it might be later.

[Doomed]

Yeah, only I can see it. So far, chrunchewy and wii skiier have responded, and both are available tonight and tomorrow. I am open too. I'd love to race earlier rather than later, but for most of you that's probably opposite.

[crunchewy]

How about tomorrow (Wednesday) night at 9:30 PM? How does the friend play work in this game? I've never played any game with friends other then Animal Crossing City Folk. In that game you open your gate and then you play the game in your town, so if no one shows up, at least you aren't just sitting there. How does it work in a game like this? Can I play online games with random people and be notified when a friend comes online? I'm guessing that's not how it works, but I figured I'd ask. :)

[metaly]

Can't make Wednesdays because of GTA Night. You're all welcome to come race in that instead... it just has guns instead of windup teeth. :)

I'm interested in how the online works as well. Are there rounds with set numbers of races, can people join in between races, stuff like that.

I guess actually trying a race would answer most of my questions. If any west coast people on here want to try racing late tonight (like in an hour or two), I'll be around.

[SuperPhillip]

Hey, gang. I'd be available. I got Klonoa and Jungle Beat, so I've been playing those. I guess I should start gaining stars for the paint skins... :cold:

[metaly]

Just tried some online and it was pretty smooth. Seems like it will be easy for latecomers to join in, plus it's nice that they can spectate while they wait. Also I saw someone racing a squid! I need to unlock that, even though it looks heavy and so far I haven't liked any of the heavy bots.

The game just keeps getting better and better. I can do super bar releases pretty reliably now, although I have yet to make a super sandwich. So far the wrench is the only thing I don't like and usually try to avoid.

[crunchewy]

"super sandwich"?? What is that?

Also note that I meant eastern time 9:30 PM tonight. Hopefully that works for everybody.

I didn't know about a GTA night. Wednesdays won't always work for me anyway, so I wouldn't want a regular night to be Wednesday anyway.

[wii skiier]

"super sandwich"?? What is that?

Also note that I meant eastern time 9:30 PM tonight. Hopefully that works for everybody.

I didn't know about a GTA night. Wednesdays won't always work for me anyway, so I wouldn't want a regular night to be Wednesday anyway.
Some of the tracks have a sliding rail that you can rotate your bot around to pick up floating pieces of a sandwich. If you get all the pieces, you get ***SUPER SANDWICH!***.

I'm in for tonight. I am PST, so I wouldn't be able to join until about 7:30PST/10:30EST when the kids go down for bed, unless they go down early which happens sometimes mid-week.

Is someone going to create a room, or will we follow each other through random matches to be sure we have a full race? I guess I should try to get more people than just SuperPhillip to show up on my friends list either way.

[crunchewy]

I wasn't sure how it worked. If there is a way to create a "room" I'll do that. I'll try to be on at 9:30 eastern give or take a few minutes, and set that up.

I probably don't show up as linked in your friends list as I haven't played online since I added you the other day. Presumably that will work itself out once I go online tonight.

[crunchewy]

I'm on now. What indication does the game give that friend codes are linked? I see nothing different for anyone. Just in case, here is my FC again:

4339 9093 1497

EDIT: I just added Liven78 - had forgotten to do that.

[crunchewy]

Twiddling thumbs... can I play random people and get notified that a friend has come online? I'll wait a bit more, then play others for a while.

[Doomed]

School project then bed for me. :bomb:

[crunchewy]

I'm back in the friend lobby. Still nobody shows up any different then before. I'll wait a few more minutes, then to chores....

[wii skiier]

I'm back in the friend lobby. Still nobody shows up any different then before. I'll wait a few more minutes, then to chores....
I'm going online now - I'll see if I can see you and report back.

edit
*SuperPhillip is still the only name showing as confirmed for me. I remember this problem with Mario Kart and Dr Mario too - I think both users have to be online at the same time for a certain period of time to get each other's codes confirmed or something. Which is a little annoying. I really like the random online play in this game; I wish the friends would just confirm faster. *

[crunchewy]

That was fun - thanks! I'm a bit disappointed that you can't bet while playing friends, though. I got over it. The game really needs wiispeak and/or text chat.

Metaly is matched up with my Wii Console code, so, metaly, I sent you a few challenges. Probably not too impessive, but you can win some easy stars with them! More of you need to add my console code! I can see having fun with send challenges and replays.

Off to bed....

[metaly]

Thanks for the challenges, crunchewy. It took me a while to get through the bowling one because I'm not so good with the turtle, but eventually I got it. Got my first super sandwiches doing the race, too. :) I'll try to make some challenges of my own soon.

[Kaoz]

According to Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=23644) the Excitebots only sold 13,000 copies in April. It came out the 20th so that is only 10 days, but still pretty bad.

[metaly]

That is tragic. People need to get the word out on how fun this is since I guess Nintendo is too busy pushing Punch Out!!

Anyone going to be around this weekend for some online races?

[crunchewy]

Wow. Did Nintendo not publicize this game? It's a great game and I hope word of mouth will give it a boost.

metaly - where are those challenges? :)

[metaly]

I've been busy but I finally sent you a challenge, crunchewy. Not sure how hard it is but it's a fun race. :)

Just unlocked Super Excite... Now to unlock the rest of those bots!

[crunchewy]

Ooh! I will definitely try out the challenge tomorrow - too tired tonight for gaming....

[wjhard63]

Sorry I missed it if there was a night organized for CAG racing. Is anyone still playing this online? I'm currently working through Super Excite right now (S-ranking certain races even in Bronze and Silver is very tough for me), but I'd love to take a break from the campaign and race some of you.

Are you guys still using that site to organize a game night?

[metaly]

I don't think there's been an organized night yet. In terms of random matching, I was able to find a 4P group playing even late last night, so that seems like a good sign. I was worried that the dismal sales numbers might mean the online would be a wasteland.

Also forgot to mention that I discovered the red bar minigame last night and my arms were pretty sore this morning. They should put a warning label on that. :lol:

[wjhard63]

I don't think there's been an organized night yet. In terms of random matching, I was able to find a 4P group playing even late last night, so that seems like a good sign. I was worried that the dismal sales numbers might mean the online would be a wasteland.

Thanks for the info. I was hoping that the Best Buy (special RZ customer/RZ bonus points promotion) and Amazon sales (however slight) might boost sales for it, but there's been no advertising or buzz for this game, so I'm not sure if it will improve too much despite the sales on the game.

[SL4IN]

I just got the game on Sunday night and have been playing the crap out of it, completely an under the radar game for me since I never played Excitetruck. Having an absolute blast with it.

Here is my FC: 2106 5601 7796

[crunchewy]

metaly - I thought you said those challenges were easy? 63 on soccer??? Ouch. :) I'll keep trying.... I haven't tried the super bar release one yet.

I haven't been playing much recently due to work being crazy, but that is slowing down, so I should be able to play more now. In general I don't have as much time for games as probably most people here, though, given that I have kids, so I progress at games slower then most.

[metaly]

Hehe. I actually only planned on sending that one race challenge at first, which I thought was pretty doable. But then I spent like half an hour trying to get an S on the soccer challenge, so when I finally did I just had to send it to someone. :)

What bots does everyone like to use? I like the bat the most so far, and I haven't paid for many of the unlockable ones since the bat's stats seem higher than most. I'm slowly warming up to others, though.

[Doomed]

Hehe. I actually only planned on sending that one race challenge at first, which I thought was pretty doable. But then I spent like half an hour trying to get an S on the soccer challenge, so when I finally did I just had to send it to someone. :)

What bots does everyone like to use? I like the bat the most so far, and I haven't paid for many of the unlockable ones since the bat's stats seem higher than most. I'm slowly warming up to others, though.
I used to use the bat, then I bought the hummingbird. Its stats are lower, but it lets me pull off tricks more consistently.

[Zing]

I forgot about this game. Going to pick it up early next week.

[metaly]

Finally got the Dracula paint for the bat last night. :) It's pretty cool but repeatedly doing School Mexico over and over for S ranks was mind-numbing. It'll be a while before I get any more special paint, I think.

I used to use the bat, then I bought the hummingbird. Its stats are lower, but it lets me pull off tricks more consistently.

I've been trying out the hummingbird based on what you said and I like it so far. You're right about it making tricks easier; I pull off ridiculous numbers of 1080s now, and it seems like the bird doesn't overspin as much as the bat so it's easier to get the nice landing boost.

[Zing]

Isn't it more efficient to play online and bet than play single player over and over?

[metaly]

If your goal is just stars, it probably makes more sense to play online (as long as you can win consistently). But for the special paint it's probably faster to just go for quick S ranks. The max you can win in one online race is 10k, right? So that's 1/25 of a special paint, same as an S rank on an easy course of your choice. Plus there's no guarantee that you'll get the maximum multiplier each time, or that you won't be playing a longer race, get disconnected, etc.

Of course, I won't argue that it's not more fun to play online instead of doing easy 1P races over and over.

[metaly]

$20 new at Gamestop this week! GET THIS GAME.

We should try to get some CAG races going sometime. For some reason I was really busy around when the game came out so I didn't play it as much, but I'd like to get back into it if people are still playing.

[bornrunnin31]

I forgot to find this thread. Got it yesterday!

[theflicker]

Bought it yesterday too. Sealed copy!

[benjamouth]

I picked it up from GS on Tuesday, fun game.

[mickeyp]

My parents picked up for my son , he is getting it for his bday on sat. as one of his presents from them.

edit:He is having fun with it.

[jbuck138]

Bought 2 days ago and played for a while last night. I love the bowling and poker games. I always wanted to try this game and I'm enjoying it.

[crunchewy]

newcomers - my FC info is in metaly's Friend Code List (http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pmw2uL3EEye8G_km9prnmFQ)! Great game. Alas, there's been lots of good stuff coming out for the Wii of late and I haven't actually played this in a while, but I'd be happy to start again.

[soonersfan60]

Is this advertised in a GS flyer? I'd love to PM at Walmart since it's more convenient to me.

[Snake2715]

damn gusy I bought it in the last buy 2 get 1 at like $35 in credit...
son of a

[crunchewy]

The sale is over, it would seem, so I hope everybody got it for $20 (or used for less).

[Jmclark]

I got it last night at GS. Was planning on getting Excite Truck until I saw this deal. Once I get my Wii back from Nintendo (should be early next week), I'll be ready to play online.

God, this game is sitting in my room sealed. I wanna play it so bad...

[Rig]

Got my copy. Haven't played just yet.

[SuperPhillip]

This game is sooooo much fun.
You guys are getting a steal with twenty.

[metaly]

I heard Gamestop ended the $20 sale early, which sucks. But, it sounds like a lot of people picked it up, so we should get a CAG race going sometime! If you haven't already, add yourself to Doomed's friend code list in the OP.

What days work for people? I can probably do most nights besides Wednesday/Thursday, but Saturdays are probably best. Also I'm on the west coast so I can only make it after 10PM Eastern during the week.

[Jmclark]

I'm on the East Coast, and for the next month, pretty much any time will work.

Also, another forum I visit has MKWii night Saturday, ExciteBots night Monday, and GH/RB night Wednesday. So, basically the only good days for me are Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

[bornrunnin31]

Added myself to the friend code list and added everyone else to my wii.

Do other people have skype to use for voip to make racing more fun?

[Jmclark]

^I have Skype, but I don't have a laptop until school starts again.

[Got_Wii]

I'm in the midwest, Im up for some online play for this game.

[crunchewy]

I've got Skype on my iPhone which should work pretty well, though I'm not 100% sure if it offers a speakerphone mode. I'll check. Will add everybody tonight.

[crunchewy]

Oh, and I'm East coast

[pochaccoheaven]

i missed the gamestop sales for this game. god damn it! anyone want to sell their copy.

[crunchewy]

You should check your local gamestop anyway. I found a copy still labeled at the sale price. In the system the price was higher but they overrode it.

[pochaccoheaven]

You should check your local gamestop anyway. I found a copy still labeled at the sale price. In the system the price was higher but they overrode it.

i checked them all and they were at regular price.

[theflicker]

I really like this game. The controls seem much sharper to me than they did for ExciteTruck and for Mario Kart.

The crazy variety of things that comes up during the course of a race causes plenty of WTF moments that just makes the time fly by. Soccer balls? Pie throwing? Darts? Tambourines? Ridiculously fun.

[Snake2715]

I loaned out my copy to a good buddy.

cant wait to get it back.

[Jmclark]

Got my Wii back, so I've had a little while to play this game.

I've beaten the first cup so far, and I love it! It's so fun, fast, and addicting. I kinda suck at it (crashing too much), but I haven't played either game before, so I probably need to get used to it.

Here's my friend code, I'll add it to the spreadsheet and add everyone there.

0345-7889-8215

Edit: Added everybody on the spreadsheet. Add me and we can meet up sometime. :)

[io]

i missed the gamestop sales for this game. god damn it! anyone want to sell their copy.

I ended up grabbing a few extras because I thought I might use them to trade to Amazon but I decided not to. They were pretty easy to find and I got the extras on the very last night of the sale just before closing - I figured they would go to waste going back up to $40 the next day so I should find some use for them ;).

So, yeah, I'll sell you one and I have a couple more if anyone else is interested. I figure $25 via PayPal should cover the cost + shipping + fees. I have 3 flavors: 1 sealed, 1 gutted but in a sealed "baggie" that GS put on it (remarkably no stickers on the case though!), and one that is open but has the game disc within a paper sleeve inside (which itself is sealed with a sticker). The last one does not have the Club Nintendo code. I'm pretty sure the baggie-sealed one does, though, as I checked for it before they sealed it. Of course the factory-sealed one should have it. First PM gets first choice. I will want to return the opened one first (which I should still be able to do since the disc is "sealed" with the sticker inside the case) so I'll probably only hold on to these for a few days (in fact, I may return that last one tomorrow just to get some credit back to spend on something else).

As for the game itself, of course I got a copy for myself to keep but I haven't had a chance to play it yet. I hope to fire it up soon.

[Corvin]

I'm having a lot tougher time getting S ratings in this than in Excite Truck. I've started using the Hummingbird over the Bat which seems to have helped a bit, but I've only managed A ratings on the last cup(S on everything else).

Any tips or advice?

Also are the Crab & Caterpillar worth spending points on or should I just go for paint jobs on the bugs I do like?

[soonersfan60]

io, I sent you a PM with my trade list. :)

[wjhard63]

I'll update my Friends List with the newcomers to this game in the next day or so. Was there a consensus on a night for CAG game night?

[mickeyp]

Can anyone tell me how to set up a 2 player game in my house. I have my son and his friend here. I can't figure it out. I have 2 wiimotes and 2 wheels.


Does it have to get unlocked after playing single player for awhile?

[metaly]

I don't think we've decided on a night yet, but only a few people have said when they're free. Sounds like Sunday, Tuesday and Friday are best. I'd still like Saturday but Jmclark is playing Mario Kart.

And mickeyp, I think you need to finish the School Cup in single player to unlock multiplayer. It should be pretty quick, and your son and friend will learn most of the mechanics/minigames in the process.

Edit: Anyone know how to add a poll?

[crunchewy]

I don't know how to add a poll, but I'm up for a CAG night. Best nights for me would be Friday or Saturday night, with neither always being available to me. I shouldn't stay up late on work nights, which isn't to say that I never do, nor even that I usually don't stay up late. :) I.e. just pick a night and lets go with it!

[mickeyp]

metaly- thanks you were right! Too bad it did not say this in the instructions.

[Jmclark]

I don't think we've decided on a night yet, but only a few people have said when they're free. Sounds like Sunday, Tuesday and Friday are best. I'd still like Saturday but Jmclark is playing Mario Kart.

And mickeyp, I think you need to finish the School Cup in single player to unlock multiplayer. It should be pretty quick, and your son and friend will learn most of the mechanics/minigames in the process.

Edit: Anyone know how to add a poll?

Saturdays aren't that bad. The forum I'm on only has about 4-5 people with the game, so I'm assuming it will only go about an hour or so. (tonight's my first night) It would probably end up being an hour at most.

So, Saturdays at 9 EST or so would work.

[metaly]

I was at Fry's and noticed they have this for $20. Worth checking it out if there's one in your area.

Also I've been ridiculously busy and haven't been able to think about getting game night going, but I'd be up for one in a couple weeks!

[trajan01]

I was at Fry's and noticed they have this for $20. Worth checking it out if there's one in your area.

Also I've been ridiculously busy and haven't been able to think about getting game night going, but I'd be up for one in a couple weeks!

Was thinking about picking this up at Toys R Us' buy one get one 50% off this week, but this works better for me... thanks for the info.

[Rig]

Still haven't even touched my copy when I grabbed this and Wario Land on sale at GS. Hopefully, I will change that soon.

[Got_Wii]

I wouldnt mind playing this with some of you soon either. Just let me know and I will get my friend code posted soon.

[Jmclark]

Yeah, I haven't played this since I got it. I've gotten almost all A's on Excite, so even unlocking Super Excite could take me forever.

If anyone wants to play online sometime, I'd love to. I haven't been able to play online, since at least when I got it, nobody else was playing. I'll watch this thread more to see if anyone is up for playing later.

[metaly]

This is down to $15 at Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ExciteBots%3A+Trick+Racing+-+Nintendo+Wii/9254157.p?id=1218069254759&skuId=9254157). It's not available online but there seems to be plenty of copies in stores.

Any current/future owners up for a CAG race sometime?

[Kaoz]

This is down to $15 at Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ExciteBots%3A+Trick+Racing+-+Nintendo+Wii/9254157.p?id=1218069254759&skuId=9254157). It's not available online but there seems to be plenty of copies in stores.

Any current/future owners up for a CAG race sometime?

I picked this up a bit ago when amazon had it for 20 w/ wheel and have yet to take it online at all, so I would be up for it. FC in sig, ill add it to that spreadsheet and add the people from there in game.

[bornrunnin31]

This is down to $15 at Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ExciteBots%3A+Trick+Racing+-+Nintendo+Wii/9254157.p?id=1218069254759&skuId=9254157). It's not available online but there seems to be plenty of copies in stores.

Any current/future owners up for a CAG race sometime?

I've been waiting for you to say those words.

[crunchewy]

If you haven't played Excitebots online, you are missing out on half the fun, not to mention most of the unlockables since that is the best way to earn game currency. Unfortunately by that I mean with random opponents, because when playing with friends you lose the betting component, which is a big part of what makes the online play so fun.

[Got_Wii]

I have the game. I would be up for some online racing sometime when Im not busy with work. Will get my friend code and add it to my sig soon.

[metaly]

Anyone want to race this Saturday or Sunday evening?

[Kaoz]

I would be up for saturday, but sunday is reserved for football =P

[metaly]

How's this Saturday at 9 PM Eastern/6 Pacific sound for everyone? Post your friend code if you're interested. Otherwise let me know when else would work, but let's try for Saturday.

Mine is 4296 9468 2317.

[bmachine]

Aren't the friend codes 16 digits?

[metaly]

The friend code for the Wii itself is, but then individual games have their own 12-digit codes... because you can never have too many friend codes.

[morinphen]

Just picked up ExciteBots from Best Buy for 14.99 (Great Buy BTW). This game is so much fun to play there are so many different aspects of each race its difficult to keep track off.

Haven't taken it online yet...

[bmachine]

Looks like it's back at Gamefly for $12.99. Just ordered one for me!
http://www.gamefly.com/storemediatitle/details/136090/?cid=buyitalert

[metaly]

Excitebots and a few other games are $10 off at Best Buy with this coupon (https://myrewardzone.bestbuy.com/viewDetails.jspx?tc=CPN_10)... making Excitebots a $5 no-brainer! It's good until next Sunday, 1/17.

[Dasflikko]

I thought this deal was over. Hmm.....






















hmm.......

[Snake2715]

good deal

[bmachine]

My friend code is 3824 9567 3661.

Added you, Metaly.

[crunchewy]

Hmm... when I look at bestbuy.com, the price for Excitebots is $49.99, not $15. I take it this is for the game-only? Does Best Buy even carry that version?

EDIT: NPC: Pikmin does seem to be 14.99, $4.99 AC, so it certainly would work for that. I'm guessing that Excitebots game-only might be hard to find? I think I'll go pick up a copy of Pikmin with the coupon as I don't have that game. If I find Excitebots game-only I'll recommend to my nephews (I already have it.)

[morinphen]

I will definately be picking up NPC: Pikmin if that is the case. Already bought Excitebots on BF. Maybe another copy to give to my brother.

[metaly]

A few of us (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229086) are racing tomorrow (Wednesday) around 10 Eastern/7 Pacific. Post your friend codes if you want to join in! We'll probably be using PSN chat to talk during the game, so feel free to add me on there as well.

[Kaoz]

I do still play, but won't be on then, will have to catch ya next time =P

[bornrunnin31]

I should be able to, unless something comes up.

[metaly]

Made my first super sandwich last night. I was really proud.

I'm pretty bad at that and also the leg running parts. It's not uncommon for me to run completely off the course and have to reset.

[metaly]

By the way, according to this list (http://wii.kombo.com/article.php?artid=15520) it looks like this game is now discontinued, along with the incredible Excite Truck. Those are two reasons for digital distribution if I ever heard any.

My sympathies go out to the developers. Disappointing probably doesn't even begin to describe it when your game doesn't even last a year.

[SuperPhillip]

When a game doesn't sell, retailers don't want it crowding their shelves.
Nintendo should have done something to advertise it. Morons. Nintendo that is. Not you guys.

[Kaoz]

When a game doesn't sell, retailers don't want it crowding their shelves.
Nintendo should have done something to advertise it. Morons. Nintendo that is. Not you guys.

Yeah, it is a shame too. It's a good game, and looks like it would have casual appeal, so advertising could have moved a bunch of copies.

[metaly]

Race is starting in a few minutes! Remember, we're meeting up on PSN first, if you can.

I just added everyone from the spreadsheet. Let me know if you're a last-minute addition.

Edit: Fun games tonight! There were super sandwiches/pie faces/butterfly rescues for all. Hope to see more people on for the next race night!

[bmachine]

Played last night with metaly and x3x1x for about 3 hours. Tons of fun!

[Doomed]

Played last night with metaly and x3x1x for about 3 hours. Tons of fun!
Sorry I wasn't there. EB is fun! I just need to draw the line somewhere.

Finals > Excitebots :lol:

[bornrunnin31]

Po Po Po Po POKER RACE!

[SuperPhillip]

Would anyone want to play with me?
I'm rusty, but I'm game!

[metaly]

I think we're playing again on Friday, probably around 10 EST. Pretty sure you're on my list, SuperPhillip.

[Kaoz]

Would anyone want to play with me?
I'm rusty, but I'm game!
Sure


I think we're playing again on Friday, probably around 10 EST. Pretty sure you're on my list, SuperPhillip.
I'll be around, provided you aren't full.

[metaly]

Just because my last post sounded uncertain, we are definitely playing tonight at 10 PM Eastern (although I'll show up a bit later). If you're on PSN, add me or randy_wrecked if you want to chat during the game.

Edit: Playing now!

[david12795]

Just got this game and best 5 bucks i ever spent.

[Jmclark]

Wow, been completely ignoring the Wii forum lately. I'll keep an eye on this thread, and next time you guys want to play, let me know.

Also, why is this out of print now?

[metaly]

It was never a big seller and they need shelf space for newer games... that seems most likely.

Glad to hear people are at least picking it up now, though. Don't forget to add your info to the list in the OP for the next time we play.

[metaly]

We're racing now and have a few extra slots if you're on my list. Just join my lobby when you see an opening.

[metaly]

We're playing again and hve some slots open. Join my lobby if you're on my list!

[SuperPhillip]

I can race Friday night some time.
I'll be home from college then.

[Got_Wii]

Updated my friend code in the OP. Everyone on the Spreadsheet I have added, Please add me as well 3137-4340-7004.

[metaly]

I'll add you for next time Got Wii. I think Wednesdays are going to be a pretty regular thing. Not sure about Fridays, SuperPhillip, but I'll post here if we're planning on it.

[SuperPhillip]

I am free to play tonight if anyone wants to~

[metaly]

If anyone's up for some races, I think SuperPhillip and I are going to play this evening. Maybe around 7 Pacific/10 Eastern?

[SuperPhillip]

9 CST is perfect. I haven't played in ages, but I really loved this game when I did. Gotta get some practice in anyway!

[metaly]

SuperPhillip and I are racing now if anyone wants to join up.

[SuperPhillip]

That was fun, metaly. I was a bit rusty, wasn't I?

[metaly]

Good races, SuperPhillip. Can't say if you were rusty or not since I hadn't raced you before. :) You definitely still remember where all the shortcuts are, though.

[metaly]

I know it's no $5 sale, but you can get this used for $11.36 at GoHastings (http://www.gohastings.com/product/GAME/USEDExcitebots-Trick-Racing/sku/278808176.uts). Use coupon code HASTINGS for another 20% off.

[Got_Wii]

Any racing planned for this week? I need some practice on this game, you guys will probably crush me.

[oemor]

I just started playing this, its mad addicting. I'm going to add myself to the FC list

[metaly]

We're racing tonight at 7 Pacific/10 Eastern. Add me on PSN if you want to chat during the race.

[SuperPhillip]

When's the next race night?

[Got_Wii]

Hey Metaly, I wasn't home last night or I would have got on and raced a bit. I don't have a Playstation so I wont be able to chat on PSN. Is there a chat room or something we could use through the computer? Looking forward to playing with you guys soon, hopefully I'll be around when theres a race night.

[metaly]

We've been doing Wednesdays pretty regularly but I'm not sure about next week. Randy's out of town and I owe Mr. B some Battlefield whether he wants to or not. :) I'll keep you updated.

No problem, Got_Wii. We'll catch you for the next one. We may be able to get a Skype chat going if you have that.

If Wednesdays don't work for you guys, let me know when would be better and we'll try to figure something out. Can't do Mondays or Thursdays, though.

[SuperPhillip]

Weekends would be best.

[SuperPhillip]

Anyone want to play this week?

[metaly]

The ExciteBots crew is back this Tuesday at 10PM Eastern/7 Pacific! We should have a few slots open if anyone wants to join.

[bmachine]

I'll be on tonight (after Lost, of course)!

[Got_Wii]

How long will you guys play? I might be around later on but you guys may be done racing by the time Im able to play.

[metaly]

We're starting up a race now if people want to join. As usual, we have a PSN chat room set up as well.

[crunchewy]

We're starting up a race now if people want to join. As usual, we have a PSN chat room set up as well.

I'd be interested in this next week (if you do it then), but I don't have a PS3. I presume you need a PS3 to be in a PSN chat (by that, do you mean text or voice)? Any chance we could use some other method for a chat system? Skype? Google chat? Something else?