Did you ever play bit Generations game Dot Stream on the Game Boy Advance? If so, you know what to anticipate out of upcoming Wii release Art Style: Light Trax. It really is basically the same game with the same rules, at least in the racing mode.

Judging by the time I spent playing it at Nintendo’s media summit today, it plays the same, and it looks the same at first. Those that remember the original will be surprised when your line and all the others wrap around a corner in 3D. It’s a cool visual effect, but it doesn’t change the basic idea.

You’re a line, and you’re up against other lines in a race to the finish…line. The less you move, the faster you go, so the whole point is to stay straight and not turn or cross other lines as much as possible, getting you to the goal first. If you do cross another line or obstacle, you’ll slow down. To make up for lost speed, you’ll want to bring your line as close as possible to the others. This increases your speed but also increases the danger, making this racing title simple but fun.

I also had a chance to try the Freeway mode. Instead of the flat 2D field, you’ll be moving back into a 3D one, into curved tracks, much like driving. Here, as in the racing mode, you’ll want to stay as close as possible to other lines on the “road” to move as fast as possible, working against a clock. The goal in Freeway is to progress through levels by taking “exits” to other levels that you’ll access by fast and correct driving. Hit another line and you’ll be penalized. The simple yet slick graphics and smooth game play make for a hypnotic experience.

Expect to see Art Style: Light Trax on WiiWare soon.

source Destructoid

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Yesterday was quite the immense cavalcade of Nintendo news. Release dates, game announcements and impressions galore were to be had and, as usual, Europe was left wondering whether it had anything to look forward to. Don’t worry though, because we’ve got you covered. Here are the European release dates for yesterday’s massive Nintendo titles:

• Mario Galaxy 2: June 11 2010
• Metroid: Other M: Q3 2010
• Monster Hunter Tri: April 23 with FREE on the internet
• Sin & Punishment: Successor of the Skies: Might 7, 2010
• FlingSmash: Summer 2010

As well as the Wii games, Nintendo Europe has also confirmed a bunch of DS titles –

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Followers of 4A Game’s Metro 2033 take note: this is the trailer you’ve been waiting for. It’s the one where they stop hinting at the radiated horrors, and actually show what they look like up close. “Terrifying” is the word I’d use to describe these things, I think.

It’s a shame this post-apocalyptic shooter will likely release with its fair share of technical issues — “jank,” as Brad and I often call it — because every other part of it looks completely fascinating. Games have delved into life in the wasteland plenty of times before, but never quite like this.

Taking all of that into consideration, I’m still feeling cautiously optimistic. You probably should too.

Via Destructoid

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