The Charge:
“Who will win and who will lose? Keep your eyes peeled, cause we’re in for a real treat!” … or are we?

Opening Statement:
The latest iteration of the anime phenomenon is on the Wii with Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Wheelie Breakers, a card battling racer that allows players to duel their way to the top of the pack and the deck.

Facts of the Case:
Based on the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s television show, Wheelie Breakers follows the ascent of an outsider (you) through the ranks of those who engage in “turbo dueling”—a sport in which two or more competitors race around a track on futuristic motorcycles called “Duel Runners” using spell, trap, and monster cards to slow down their opponents so they can reach the finish line first. Race well enough and you’ll face off against series hero Yusei Fudo for the title of Wheelie Breakers Champion.

The Evidence:
Wheelie Breakers is basically Mario Kart with a story. No matter how well you handle your cycle, winning depends on what items you get along the way and how you use them to demolish your opponent. The big difference is that Breakers is more card racer than kart racer. In Mario Kart, items are the same for every racer no matter when they’re used. In Wheelie Breakers, the effectiveness of the items (cards) you play depends on how well you’ve stacked your deck, which cards you’ve unlocked, and what cards your opponent has to play. Like the trading card game on which this is based, Wheelie Breakers (which comes packaged with a special three-pack of cards) has the “collect them all” spirit that enthralls kids and befuddles parents. Doing well depends on your ability to understand how and when to play items with complex rules and tongue-twisting names. Chances are, if you’re not into the card battle scene already, Wheelie Breakers won’t change your mind.

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