Q&A: GT Pro Series for Wii

Among the 8 titles coming for Wii launch is GT Pro Series, the first Wii game to officially support the steering wheel attachment that will ship with the game. Based on the GameCube game GT Cube that was only released in Japan, GT Pro Series and was developed by MTO and the MTO team has spent months of effort developing the controls from the grounds up for the Wii version.
Today we have 2 screens shots for the game as well as a Q&A. GT Pro Series will be available on Wii launch along with Ubisofts other 8 titles.
– Ubisoft previously announced that this racer comes from MTO. Is GT Pro Series at all related to GT Cube, the GCN racer that only hit in Japan? What changes are being introduced to the Wii version?

GT Pro Series is based on the GT series that was developed by MTO. The MTO team has spent months of effort developing the controls from the grounds up for the Wii version. The goal is to take full advantage of the distinctive Wii controller, and to make the gameplay more fun and immersive for the gamer.

– There are 80 licensed cars in the game. Can you give us some examples of the rides available?

The entire lineup is comprised of cars made in Japan. Makes include: ASL, Daihatsu, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mitsuoka, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota. It will have all the traditional cars that import racing fans expect to see in a racing game; that includes the Skyline R34 GT-R, RX-7 and Lancer Evolution. There will also be a wide variety of cars ranging from exotics, such as ASL and Mitsuoka, to family minivans. There will also be 11 different kinds of upgrades that will enhance both performance and looks for every car.

-What type of gameplay modes are included in the project?
Championship: The classic racing mode where you start a career and compete in races to progress to higher levels. Each race series is special where you have to use specific cars such as AWD cars or light cars. You can also unlock cars, parts and tracks through this mode.
Quick Race: Just jump in and race any unlocked car and track.
Time Attack: Race without competition for best time. You can also create a ghost and compete against it.
Versus: Play against up to 3 other players via split-screen.
Drift: Similar to Time Attack, but the goal is to make as much drift combinations as possible.
Replay: Any race can be saved and viewed in this mode.

The game employs a cel-shaded style. Any particular reason for the look?
With so many racing games in the market, we wanted a title that would stand out from the crowd and provide a different experience. There have been some cel-shaded racing games in the past, but not as well-done or full-featured as GT PS.

– Does GT Pro Series ship with an attachment of some kind? Please explain what it is and how it works?
To enhance the users driving experience, GT Pro Series will include a steering wheel attachment made by Thrustmaster specifically designed for this game. The Wii Remote will fit into wheel horizontally with all buttons accessible, so tilting the wheel will tilt the remote. The player will be able to steer the wheel just like an actual car!

Will any other Ubisoft games be able to use the attachment?
Monster 4×4: World Circuit, another Wii launch title, is fully compatible and will bundle the steering wheel as well. Since all buttons on the remote are accessible while attached to the wheel, any racing game that uses the same style of control (horizontal and tilting Remote-only) should be able to use the wheel as well.

Would you classify GT Pro Series as a drift racer? Why or why not?
I would say no, believing that a drift racer is a game that forces you to drift race. You have the choice to choose drift-style driving in every car and drift race throughout the entire game if you want, but its not required and doesnt force you to do it. There is a mode in the game where you have to make as many drift combos as possible, but its not integral in completing the game. GT Pro Series is designed to please drift fans and non-drift fans alike.

Does the game run in progressive-scan and 16:9 widescreen modes?
Its currently planned that the game should be automatically defaulted to 16:9 when the Wii console itself is set to widescreen mode. There will be no progressive-scan feature in the game.

Does the title feature an online component? Does it sport a multiplayer component of any kind?
GT Pro Series offers a 4-player split-screen multiplayer on a single console.

Any plans to make use of the WiiConnect24 download service to offer future content for the game?
Nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Finally, any parting comments for fans interested in GT Pro Series for Wii?
When the features and specs of the Wii controller was announced, Im sure everybody saw the obvious potential for a racing game for the Nintendo Wii by using the Remote as a virtual steering wheel. However once we slapped that remote to an actual steering wheel, the gameplay and driving feel multiplied and we knew that we had to bundle a wheel so everybody can enjoy the same experience we had. GT Pro Series for the Wii will be like no other racing game that gamers have experienced before.