Lining up for Art Style: Light Trax

Did you ever play bit Generations game Dot Stream on the Game Boy Advance? If so, you know what to expect 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 risk, 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.