Gameplay

I am not familiar with how well Indianapolis 500 Legends plays on the DS, as I have the Wii version. I am sure, however, that there are many aspects of Indy 500 that play out easier on the DS.

For the Wii version, players hold the controller in the same was as Excitetruck; horizontally. “2” becomes the gas, “A” becomes the e-brake, and the D-pad will be used for the camera. Steering is accomplished by rotating the Wii remote either clockwise or counter-clockwise, with counter-clockwise being more prevalent as the race track only has left-hand turns.

The controls work extremely well, except for one scenario. If your driver must make a pit stop, you the player must initiate and conduct all tire changes and refueling. In addition, if your car catches on fire you must operate the fire extinguisher. The Wii remote must be pointed at the screen and used in various ways to carry out the processes. Using the Wii remote is not very accurate and I have a feeling that a stylus may be easier to use.

Indy 500’s gameplay involves two modes: mission and classic. New players must complete a few challenges in mission mode to unlock more races and cars, as well as options in the classic mode. Mission mode involves qualifying and then completing a few levels as a particular driver. One level may include a normal 100 lap race; another may feature a horrific crash that you must survive. In classic mode you can choose single player or you can race against another player using a split-screen. You may choose any car/driver that you have unlocked, as well as any year and the number of laps to complete. Either mode may require you to qualify in order to determine your car’s position off the starting line.

The gameplay of Indy 500 can get drab. Then again, this type of driving-in-circles game is not generally my type. If Nascar does it for you, Indy 500 will also. The pit stop exchanges are particularly irritating, since they are a race against the clock and using the Wii remote is very inaccurate. Then again, if you love Indy history, the game will rock your socks.

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