Speed Zone

 Wii
  • Publisher: Detn8
  • Release Date: Aug 18, 2009
Metascore
37

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 9 out of 14
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  1. Worth Playing
    70
    Unfortunately, the third-party genre offerings on this console are not particularly numerous, and most racing titles out there range from the abysmal to the merely mediocre. But if the Wii is your primary console gaming platform, you're avid about arcade-style racers, and you can tolerate a steep, steep learning curve, Speed Zone may be worth a look.
  2. ZTGD
    60
    Speed Zone is not a terrible game as much as it is one that seems to try too hard to impress.
  3. GamePro
    50
    While the outrageous roller coaster inspired tracks and arcade-themed charm where enough to bring a smile to my face, Speed Zone's charm is inevitably overpowered by a lackluster control scheme and a barrage of all-to-frequent deaths.
  5. Cubed3
    50
    You can see the direction Awesome Play were trying to go with Speed Zone, but it just doesn't come off. The modes are there, the speed the title touts can be there, but the controls are not what they should be.
  6. GamingXP
    50
    Wheelspin is a typical arcade racing game with a lot of speed. But this is nearly the only positive thing to say about this game. The handling is really tricky, graphics and sound effects aren’t up-to-date and there is nothing you could call a story.
  7. Multiplayer.it
    43
    Wheelspin is a big disappointment. We were expecting much more from a game designer like Archer MacLean and a publisher like Bethesda, no doubt about it: though the 60 fps frame rate, the graphics are ugly, with awful colors, and the controls are all but responsive.
  8. VideoGamer
    40
    Scarily close to being a complete failure. There's so little here of worth that someone must have known the project would end in disaster.
  9. Nintendo Gamer
    38
    It's well intentioned but underfunded. [Christmas 2009, p.64]
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  10. Kombo
    35
    There are parts to like about Speed Zone and it wins some merit badges for the split-screen option. What doesn't go over well is perhaps one of the most crucial parts to a racing game, the ability to control your vehicle.
  11. games(TM)
    30
    Had the handling and collision detection been improved, then Wheelspin might actually have been a good game. [Issue#91, p.114]
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  12. Edge Magazine
    30
    Even when you disregard the charmless character, ignore the relentless music and eventually manage to tame the handling, something comes along to spoil the party - an odiously placed bump on the road that causes an unnecessary spin, the sudden inability to respawn even when off the track, resulting in a lost race... the list goes on. [Jan 2010, p.90]
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  13. Everyeye.it
    30
    Gameplay mechanic will make you go mad, while the ugly graphics will remind you of the past generation low budget arcades.
  14. Vandal
    20
    Technically past-gen, horrible gameplay and with annoying sound, the only virtue we can find is as an example of how not to make a game.
  15. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    11
    You might as well chuck your money down the drain instead. At least you'll be able to control where it's going.

Awards & Rankings

93
#93 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
3.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 6 out of 11
  1. numbermaniac
    Jan 10, 2015
    5
    The biggest issue with this game is handling . Slow or fast, whether you drive on the turbo pads or not, just a small movement of your WiiThe biggest issue with this game is handling . Slow or fast, whether you drive on the turbo pads or not, just a small movement of your Wii Wheel to the side and the car just goes flying off the track, and often you have to wait several seconds before you can respawn on the track. Also, i didn't like how the same tracks are used more than once, with the tracks re-used in reverse or just in the same way again. Battle mode is quite fun, but overall this game is somewhat disappointing .… Full Review »
  2. aaSpider
    Oct 12, 2011
    6
    This game is an interesting mix between fun and frustration and can be quite enjoyable if you don't take it too seriously. It has high speedThis game is an interesting mix between fun and frustration and can be quite enjoyable if you don't take it too seriously. It has high speed racing on whacked out tracks, the ability to upgrade your car as you progress through the game and even a battle mode. The main thing letting it down is the poor control you have over your car. The faster you go the more responsive the controls are, but to the point where the tiniest adjustment sends you flying off the track. At slow speeds it is even worse, with sluggish response times making you constantly over correct. I found I was most successful staying at a medium speed by avoiding all of the turbo boosts, with this technique I was able to stay on the track for most of the race. I only tried the multi player with two people which quickly became boring as there are no AI controlled racers in the multi player races. But with more players it could be fun, in small doses, before the frustration kicks in.… Full Review »
  3. JA
    Jan 1, 2010
    0
    Its a racing game where you have nearly no control of where your driving.
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