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He's Speed Racer and he drives real fast
Drives real fast -- he's gonna last. New screens of the Speed Racer movie tie-in game (which looks more like F-Zero Wipeout than anything else), revealing pretty much the same kind of roller-coaster-like tracks we've seen in the Wii version. We aren't sure what's going to happen on (the rest of) the touch screen -- will there be a steering controller, Ridge Racer/Indianapolis 500 Legends style? Warner Bros. Interactive is hiding that particular detail carefully, going so far as to release screenshots like the one seen here with part of the bottom screen visible.The screenshots also reveal that "car-fu" is really the name the producers have given to the racing action, in this case seemingly some kind of car-to-car combat. We thought -- and hoped -- that it was just an informal term for some kind of especially acrobatic racing.
Speed Racing ain't what it used to be ...
Gone are the days when racing with speed was the sport of gentlemen who would kindly wave over merging motorists and never dare dream of taking their hands away from the 2 and 10 positions. Instead, people now speed race for money ... or darker reasons. For money.Look, we dig the new car and we'll hold our breath on the ridiculous "stuntin' it up" gameplay stuff we're probably looking at, but what is the deal with the monotone, Colbert-like narrator (sans all of the intended wackiness)? That we just can't abide by.[Thanks, Chris!]
DS Daily: Vrrrrroooom
Whenever a new console is released, a racing game is inevitably in the launch lineup. Usually these games are showcases for the system's graphical abilities, using hyper-realistic graphics to "sell" the feeling of really being in the car.While the DS also launched with racing games like Ridge Racer DS, it can't, and shouldn't, rely on hyper-realistic graphics. Without state-of-the-art graphics, and with no possibility of a steering wheel attachment, a handheld racing game can't provide the same immersive experience as its console equivalent, and therefore must get by purely on the strength of its racing engine. The "fun factor," as GamePro would say, is the only consideration.With a few new racing games on the way, it seems like a good time to ask: do you play handheld racing games? Obviously we're not talking about kart racing here, since we get that question answered every Thursday.
Speed Racer revving up the powerful DS
Everyone's favorite vintage anime show about a teenage boy driving the world's most expensive car is set to become a movie in May of 2008. A movie that features Lost's Matthew Fox as Racer X, opening the door to Party of Mach V jokes.As often happens with movie licenses, the Wachowski brothers' latest effort is getting thrown onto game consoles. Speed Racer is planned for release on Wii, DS, and PS2 in May. The bad news is that licensed games are already shaky ground, and a licensed game based on an "updated" version of a popular cartoon is potentially noxious. The good news is that there is no way the DS version of Speed Racer, or any other version, will be the worst licensed racing game ever made, because that honor belongs to Hooters Road Trip in perpetuity.[Via Joystiq]
He's a demon on Wii
He's a demon and he's gonna be chasin' after someone. At least, that's what we remember. The way these old properties get retooled for movie releases, the new Speed Racer may end up a ten-year-old girl with an "imaginary" friend called Mach V that's really a car-shaped intergalactic detective.A Wii Speed Racer game will be released in May, to coincide with the Wachowski brothers' new movie. According to the Warner Bros. press release, "The car-fu style of action within the game will closely represent the action style being designed by the Wachowski brothers for the film itself as they lend direction and assets to the development team directly from their Berlin set." We don't know car-fu, but we're pushing the "tentative optimism" button on our steering wheel. We wanted desperately to love the Playstation Speed Racer game, but just couldn't.[Via Joystiq]
Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer
It's been a long time coming, but the PSP (along with the PS2 and the Wii) are finally getting their very own Speed Racer videogame! No, this game isn't based on the old animated series, but on the new Wachowski brothers film, so right away you know it's going to be really, really ... well, it's too early to say, but we don't have high hopes. Still, we've love to see a Mach 5 vs. Racer X race, since they never ended appropriately in the animated series (because Racer X was actually Speed's long lost brother, who ran away from home years ago ... which they told you every time you saw the character).The game is going to sport characters from the movie in their respective vehicles, mimicking their combative racing style. Film producer Joel Silver gushed about the game: "We are very excited about this natural extension from the Speed Racer film to the videogame. Larry and Andy are videogame fans themselves, so they believe that an interactive game is a key component to the entire Speed Racer experience." Let's hope it isn't a total letdown, or we'll just dream about racing the giant purple train race car like in the old show.
Speed Racer game will arrive alongside movie
Sing to the tune of "Speed Racer Theme" –Here it comesHere comes Speed RacerIt's a video gameIt's a game and it's gonna be based on the movieIt's comin' next May so you better look alive.To seem just like the film, that's for what it will strive.And though the odds are against itCause movie games don't work, it's trueYou bet your life Speed RacerWill .. try it's bestGo Speed RacerGo Speed RacerGo Speed Racer, Go!It's on your Wii and it'll also be on your DSWhen the DVD's out, it'll also be on your PS(2)Synergy's waitin' just ahead.Go Speed RacerGo Speed RacerGo Speed Racer, Go!
Speed Racer's Mach 5 comes to life
Sorry K.I.T.T., you had a nice run there, but we're pretty certain the newly created Mach 5 could destroy you in the quarter mile. As the crew readies for the Speed Racer-inspired motion picture to land in May 2008, this blast from the animated past has finally become a reality, and it even parked for a photograph and an unveiling ceremony, too. The sparkly white ride sports a blinding red interior, stripped down dashboard, push button start, and a hint of nostalgia to boot. We know, next May is a long ways off, but feel free to click through and see the presentation of the tangible Mach 5 in all of its glory -- now go, Speed Racer, go.[Via CNET]
