HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED

In this modern age, there is less and less talk around the holidays about the trendy toy of the season. However, back in the day there was always a product in toy stores that would sell out fast, leading to a frenzy of parents flooding stores in the hope of grabbing the last one and becoming the Christmas Day hero. Well, Hotwheels was a toy that firmly fell into that category and thanks to this widespread appeal and the fact that it lends itself to the racing game format, 2021 has led to a digital revival in the form of Hotwheels: Unleashed.

This game plays like more traditional racing games like Trackmania, Ridge Racer, Micro Machines, Need For Speed and Burnout. However, it also plays like kart racers like Mario Kart 64 and Crash Team Racing. This game aims to offer a licenced racing romp that can rival the big boys. However, does this trendy toy of yesteryear have as much staying power in the world of gaming? We find out in our review of Hotwheels: Unleashed.

Full Throttle Action

Let’s begin with the presentation of this title. The game looks absolutely incredible and does a lot to appeal to collectors and fans of the Hotwheels franchise. The game bases a lot of its tracks and content around real world assets and track sets that have been sold down the years. You’ll have access to tracks that include huge jumps, loops, drops and hazards. All the while, racing around a track that is set up in a bedroom setting. Its authentic Hotwheels visuals re-inagained for an interactive gaming experience.

Then as for the gameplay, you’ll have access to a variety of different, authentic car models, each with their own stats and perks. The game won’t be a kart racer in that you will have powerups. Instead, this game relies on pure racing. Players will have to learn the tracks, master the cars on offer, becoming a keen drifter, take the racing line at all times and while the game does have this light-hearted approach, this serious, competitive racing format just works.

Then the game tops this all off by adding a track building option that allows players to build tracks just like they would have as a kid with the physical tracks. This leads to great multiplayer options, gives players the creative freedom to inevitably create jaw-dropping tracks and with the online functionality of this game, you can share your creations with the world.

The Verdict

Overall, we would say that Hotwheels: Unleashed is a great idea, executed well. The game is true to the source material, aims to offer the most authentic Hotwheels experience possible. It looks fantastic, it plays fantastic and the creation options are inspired.

Pros:

• Visually authentic and stunning
• True to source material
• Tracks are designed excellently
• Creation options are a nice touch

Cons:

• Kart racing mechanics would have been appreciated
• Microtransactions are rife here