Despite originally being scheduled as a launch title, Excite Truck slipped off European release lists without so much as a whimper. Today the proper European release date for Excite Truck was revealed as 16 February 2007. Yes, next year breakneck speeds, treacherous roads, and death defying jumps will all be at your beck and call on the Wii.

As Nintendo’s first racing title for the innovative Wii console, Excite Truck sets the standard for motion-sensitive racing, a challenge that this game happily accepts. To control their trucks players must hold the Wiimote horizontally and tilt it left and right as though turning a steering wheel, which allows for accurate and intuitive control. The skills required to be a champion don’t just stop at being able to throw the truck round corners and perform elaborate power slides. As players perform huge jumps they must tilt the Wiimote forwards or backwards to align their vehicle’s wheels with the ground—whereupon a perfect landing will result in a vital speed boost.

Excite Truck is also the first Wii game to make use of the console’s SD card slot, allowing users to customise the in-game sound. Players can select their favourite MP3s from a selection on their SD Card and replace the game’s music with those tracks. Whatever your taste in music, Excite Truck will be right up your street.

Excite Truck will race its way across Europe on 16 February 2007 at an estimated retail price of around €49—approximately £34 in the UK. We’ve been playing this title for a few weeks now, and it’s surprisingly good fun, though the controls can at times feel a little stodgy.