Out of the Chute is a multiplayer bull riding game for the Wii. It’s made by Crave Entertainment, Professional Bull Riders, Inc. and D2C Games, Inc. It’s also the first ever video game certified by PBR (Professional Bullriders Inc.)

I have never ridden a bull – mechanical or otherwise. One of my favorite childhood books was Ferdinand the Bull though, so when I learned that I could play as the bull, I was excited.

The game itself is straightforward. Perhaps too much so.

Players pick their character (riders or bulls) and the location (New York, Tulsa, Atlanta, etc.) and choose one-off matches or riding for a full season. There is a helpful tutorial to learn basic moves before competing against the computer or friends.

It’s cool how one player can be the rider while another plays as the bull. I was disappointed how the Wii Fit didn’t have a head-to-head multiplayer option, so this was a pleasant surprise.

As a gift for someone interested in professional bull riding, I can see how this game could make sense.

Since I’m not a bull riding fan myself, I viewed it purely as a game and how it kept my interest as a player. It’s a bit lacking from my perspective. The biggest issue for me is that this game doesn’t take advantage of the Wii’s main selling point – movement. There is no standing up or moving around the room; no real sensation of hanging on for dear life. There’s absolutely nothing to differentiate the Wii experience from anything else, and, frankly, Out of the Chute is probably better on other consoles where the graphics are better.

This exciting sport of Professional Bull Riding unfortunately doesn’t translate well into a game. There aren’t enough unique or stunning moves that the bull or the rider can emulate. As the bull, I could kick the boards and run after the rider, but really that was about it. I didn’t feel any big adrenaline rush while playing, and I’m not sure if that was my fault for not bringing enough enthusiasm or the game’s.

There was no sizzle, as far as I could tell. Have I missed something? If so, please say so!

As a game-lover I have my sights set on a few titles for my Wii console this holiday season. In case Santa is reading this…they are Snowboarding Road Trip, Star Wars Clone Wars and Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party.