Atlus announces TrackMania DS

[AtlusAram]

ATLUS RACES TRACKMANIA®DS INTO NORTH AMERICA THIS MARCH
Key the ignition, rev up, and launch into the most exciting racer on Nintendo DS™

http://www.atlus.com/res/trackmaniads_boxart_small.jpg

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — NOVEMBER 19, 2008 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it has secured the North American publishing rights for TrackMania®DS, the most heart-pounding stunt-filled racing game ever to burn rubber on Nintendo DS™. Master over 100 high-flying courses, use the powerful track design system to make your own stages, and then challenge friends to race your twisting, winding creations. Feel your pulse quicken as you thrust into a loop. Brace yourself as you fly off a ramp to the heavens. The thrills never cease, the possibilities are endless. Dream it, design it… Drive it!

TrackMania DS is scheduled for release on March 17, 2009, with an MSRP of $29.99.

For more information about TrackMania DS, visit the official website:
http://www.atlus.com/trackmania

###

About TrackMania DS
TrackMania DS is the most heart-pounding stunt-filled racing game ever to burn rubber on Nintendo DS. Over 100 tracks geared for blazing fast racing action - each loaded with daring jumps, thrilling loops, crazy ramps, and a host of other insane stunts - are just the start. Players have access to the most powerful portable track design system ever, giving TrackManiacs total freedom to create the most over-the-top race courses imaginable and offering practically unlimited value. The more you race, the more you can do; TrackMania’s “Coppers” reward system gives you credits for completed races which can be used to unlock new tracks, new car paint schemes, and most importantly, new parts to use in making the tracks of your dreams. With single and multi-card local wireless multiplayer support for up to four players at a time (and eight players via hot-seat mode), in addition to the ability to share and race on each others’ custom tracks, TrackMania DS is the most feature-filled stunt racer for Nintendo DS™!

Key Features
• Spectacular, stunt-filled 3-D racing — Zip around dizzying loops, take soaring jumps, and speed across ramps and rails in more than 100 official tracks. 3 types of vehicles provide different driving challenges in race and time trial play modes.
• Infinite new track possibilities — Start with your stylus and a 360 degree rotating camera, and build the track of your dreams with more than 150 design blocks that include checkpoints, turbo boost pads, and loop-the-loops. Share with friends via local wireless connection and you’ll never run out of new tracks to race on.
• Compete with friends in local wireless — Up to four can play together with one cartridge in Single-Cart Download Play, or race on any track—official or custom—in Multi-Cart Play. Up to 8 compete in Hotseat mode.

TrackMania DS has been rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB.

###

About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.

For breaking news, special promotions, insider info, and more, visit http://www.atlus.com/faithful to join the ranks of the Atlus Faithful!

©2008 - 2009 Nadeo and Focus Home Interactive. All rights reserved. TrackMania, Nadeo, Focus Home Interactive and their logos are marks or trademarks of Nadeo and/or Focus Home Interactive. All other copyrights or trademarks are the propriety of their respective owners. Developed by Firebrand Games Limited. Licensed to and published in North America by Atlus U.S.A., Inc.

[Sagadego]

...:/

[Olethros]

Okay, the tap has officially run dry.

[DamnedToBeFree]

What the hell?

[jeffx]

This in favor of Ketsui DS?

http://theducks.org/pictures/do-not-want-dog.jpg

[Sei]

You know, I wondered whether I should say anything or not. I guess a lot of people felt the same way :).

Nice err cars.

Olethros: You still think Super Robots would rob awesome of one slot? :P

[dragonlife29]

Hmm...I'm not really into racers.

It's funny that when I thought, "Wow, this came outta left field..." I saw a Raving Rabbids ad with a baseball in it...coming from the left XD

Can't say this interests me. The name sounds very familiar, though.

EDIT: OMG...the end of the newsletter was awesome :lol:

[Constraint]

/facepalm

edit - To kakizaki: My apologies. I really need to stop using vulgar language in forums

[Kakizaki]

I honestly don't mind this announcement.

[StrikeRaider]

Every announcement, the SRT hope goes down. Way down.

[King Frost]

Reminds me of Stunts, and old DOS game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CITIXlw_T4

(track editor not shown, but present in the game)

It's not a bad thing, I remember having a lot of fun back in the day with that game, even if racing is not my thing.

[Sei]

I actually don't think it's a bad thing. A bit dissapointing because it was already in english and the DS isn't region locked, but its not like it costs Atlus the same in time and resources as a Japanese localization.

And if it does good, it generates more resources for riskier, more expensive, awesome projects like SRT and Elminage. (Plz no h8). So it's not like it steals a Japanese RPG or similar slot, but possibly adds more. I hope it's good.

Racing games just aren't really my thing, especially on the DS, but I hope it works out for Atlus.

[King Frost]

I actually don't think it's a bad thing. A bit dissapointing because it was already in english and the DS isn't region locked, but its not like it costs Atlus the same in time and resources as a Japanese localization.

If it takes a couple games like these to fund the translations our (S)RPG we like so much, so be it. That's how I see this whole situation.

[sdragon21]

I agree with you dragonlife, this one came WAY out of left field. But still, the DS NEEDS a good racer, and i think this will do just fine.

But everybody hear me out, okay??? I have this feeling, that after Persona 4 Comes out, Atlus will announce 1 more game for Q1, and it's gonna be a big bombshell.
So hang in there.

[VMan]

Well hey, I guess this could be interesting for people who'd like to design their own tracks, especially if they could share them. I've long lost interest in racers, but if I still had some the track editor would probably be enough for me to at least try it.


*still hoping for Raiden Fighters Aces...*

[jeffx]

Yeah despite what I said, I mean I don't really care. I won't buy it but I hope enough people do that it turns up a profit that will be used towards ELMINAGE DS

next time make it a hockey game though.

[rainking187]

Eh. I gotta admit, this will probably be the first Atlus title in a long time that I pass on.

[Sanctine]

Atlus has officially redeemed themselves with this. TrackMania is one of the greatest PC games ever.

[Thunder-Slash]

I'm more interested in that 25$ Amazon gift card giveaway. But yeah... isn't Trackmania on Steam for free?

[jeffx]

yeah my old roomate used to play this all the time. This will sell tons, no doubt. They're not kidding when they say "secured the rights"

[Inzaghi]

I agree with you dragonlife, this one came WAY out of left field. But still, the DS NEEDS a good racer, and i think this will do just fine.

But everybody hear me out, okay??? I have this feeling, that after Persona 4 Comes out, Atlus will announce 1 more game for Q1, and it's gonna be a big bombshell.
So hang in there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeeJxefijoY

[dragonlife29]

My laughing inspired something! ^

Can't wait for Q1 :D

[Lorinosan]

Wow, that was an unexpected e-mail. It seems every time an Atlus game goes out the door, another one comes to take its place. Not that I'm complaining...

Racers are not really my thing and I tend to play only Mario Kart and F-Zero but....hmm. Don't know if I'll get this or not. I haven't passed on an Atlus title in.....

Wait I can't remember...

[Gen Eric Gui]

Now ARAM can tell jokes? I think I'm getting a little scared.


As for the game...maybe. The only racing games I tend to buy are cartoony like Mariokart or Snowboard Kids, but you never know.

[Dave3]

I think this is a great announcement. I'll be picking this one up day one.

[Crabman]

If there is one think that I like more than games, it's cars. Cars and video games are, thus, a great combination, and Trackmania on PC is one of the finest racers I've played in a while. Charming, ridiculous and fast, it's an excellent game. Not an RPG, but in my perspective, I could care less.

[Dave3]

Word.

[dp192]

I was already planning on buying this when it comes out here since Trackmania for the PC kept me entertained during my junior highschool year, but I didn't expect Atlus to be the ones to localize it.

With Trackmania current fanbase, it will probably sell more than most of the other games Atlus puts out.

[Fuyukaze]

I thought this was a realy bad April fool's joke untill I remembered it was the middle of November and Atlus did once release racing games a long, long time ago. Choro Q was fun and all but somehow after the recent batch of strat games and RPGs, it just felt realy odd to see them releasing a game like this. I dont know if it's good or not. I'd like to believe the fine folks at Atlus know the difference between a turd and a gem. I'll have to wait like every other cheap gamer who refuses to import new DS games and decide in Febuary if it's worth the grab or not. Still, there is one question I cant help wanting to ask. Any pre-order bonus planned for it and if so, what?

[Gen Eric Gui]

Still, there is one question I cant help wanting to ask. Any pre-order bonus planned for it and if so, what?

A FREE CAR!!!!!!1111

[SickleCellAnemia]

A FREE CAR!!!!!!1111
http://taxprof.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/oprah.jpg
YOU GET A CAR, AND YOU GET A CAR, AND YOU GET A CAR!!!

[Kakizaki]

I thought this was a realy bad April fool's joke untill I remembered it was the middle of November and Atlus did once release racing games a long, long time ago. Choro Q was fun and all but somehow after the recent batch of strat games and RPGs, it just felt realy odd to see them releasing a game like this. I dont know if it's good or not. I'd like to believe the fine folks at Atlus know the difference between a turd and a gem. I'll have to wait like every other cheap gamer who refuses to import new DS games and decide in Febuary if it's worth the grab or not. Still, there is one question I cant help wanting to ask. Any pre-order bonus planned for it and if so, what?

And before Choro Q there was Bomberman Fantasy Race and in between whose two there were srpgs and rpgs. Seriously, this isn't anything new or different.

[sdragon21]

I agree with you dragonlife, this one came WAY out of left field. But still, the DS NEEDS a good racer, and i think this will do just fine.

But everybody hear me out, okay??? I have this feeling, that after Persona 4 Comes out, Atlus will announce 1 more game for Q1, and it's gonna be a big bombshell.
So hang in there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeeJxefijoY

Right back at ya:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEKTSO1scaI

[RayFoxSith]

I don't think Atlus has done any other racing games besides Snowboarding kids, have they?

[Thunder-Slash]

I don't think Atlus has done any other racing games besides Snowboarding kids, have they?


http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/bigboxshots/1/921351_front.jpg

[jeffx]

^ this was already mentionned like three posts above you.

OK so I need someone with the original Euro version to confirm/deny this blurb which I just read on DS Fanboy (http://www.dsfanboy.com/2008/11/19/trackmania-ds-dated-for-north-america-published-by-atlus/):

Trackmania is a massive let down, don't waste your money. The best feature of the game is effectively useless as you cant race your home made tracks. There is NO wifi and the whole game feels like a poor buggy port. And not like a properly tested ds game.

[chibilemonchan]

Shame he couldn't figure out how to use what he considers the best feature of the game.

You definitely CAN race your custom made tracks, and in multiplayer over local wireless. There is no Wi-Fi, but there is support for 4-player single-card, 4-player multi-card, and 8-player Hotseat modes.

[shimo]

I am going neutral on this game.

[Manly Biceps]

I am going neutral on this game.

Worst driving pun, ever.

[shimo]

I tried at least.oh well........

[Luna]

I actually like this game for computer, I wonder how well it plays on the DS compared.

[Fuyukaze]

I thought this was a realy bad April fool's joke untill I remembered it was the middle of November and Atlus did once release racing games a long, long time ago. Choro Q was fun and all but somehow after the recent batch of strat games and RPGs, it just felt realy odd to see them releasing a game like this. I dont know if it's good or not. I'd like to believe the fine folks at Atlus know the difference between a turd and a gem. I'll have to wait like every other cheap gamer who refuses to import new DS games and decide in Febuary if it's worth the grab or not. Still, there is one question I cant help wanting to ask. Any pre-order bonus planned for it and if so, what?

And before Choro Q there was Bomberman Fantasy Race and in between whose two there were srpgs and rpgs. Seriously, this isn't anything new or different.

You also forgot the two bike racing games on the SNES as well as the drift racing game on the saturn as well as the number of others we never got in North America but I fail to see your point. Once again, with the recent releases the past year, I was left with expectations that made this game a complete and unexpected title. I've followed Atlus for too long to not know how many racing titles they've released but it surprised me. Reguardless of their past history.

[Shikoku]

I thought TrackMania was a music game like uh...BeatMania. Racing game...that's unique!

[Thunder-Slash]

^ this was already mentionned like three posts above you.


Yeah... I knew that. >.>

[Yan Can Cook]

The PC version is a lot of fun. Having no online in this DS version does suck though. They seem to have a lot of content though so hopefully that can make up for the lack of online.

[FistMara]

No online? aw man. oh well, when i get this game, ill just beat my friends at it. Ive always needed another racing game, so why not this one?

[Zachalmighty]

Much fail this announcement is made of.

[sfried]

Folks, it's TrackMania. You know, "TRACKMANIAAAAAA! TRACKMANIAAAAAA! LET'S GO AWAY!"

Oops, wrong game.

[evilmegaman]

seriously, this game isn't for those of us who are atlus loyal. it's for new customers. the Trackmania series is a quality series. I don't blame atlus for picking up the publishing in NA. From Reviews though it doesn't sound great which is disappointing because trackmania is an absolutely stunning racer that anyone can appreciate.


I might get it despite negative reviews. There sounds like enough for me to enjoy. besides it's not like I can ever talk to the other players since my hands are stuck on the momo lol

Speaking of which how does anyone type and race at the same time? it aint friggin logical

[sfried]

I was planning on getting it, but lack online sort of disappoints me, considering sharing user created content is one of TM's highlights.

Maybe the next game will remedy this, as all successor game do.

[Tivor]

I thought TrackMania was a music game like uh...BeatMania.

Pretty much what I thought too.

I dunno, the track designer sounds interesting.... But a racing game really isn't my cup of tea.

Sorry Atlus.

[Delition]

As long as it's better than Peak Performance I won't really care. Out of all of the Atlus racers in the U.S., Peak Performance was the only one I didn't care for. Oddly enough, it was the only other one with a track editor if I remember correctly.

Either way I'm picking it up, so I hope it's decent.

[AdrianMorales]

The DS is region free, so why is Atlus bothering with this one when people can just import the game from us Europeans?

[hibiki_takami]

I'm looking forward to this game. It kinda reminds me of like Mach Rider and Excite Bike where you can make your own levels and stuff... but of course, on a newer platform.