Shane
This years pick of racing games for me has been Hot Wheels Unleashed.
True, it released a couple of years ago, but whenever I have had a spare hour or two it has been my go to on both console and PC.
Now hot of the heels of Hot Wheels Unleashed comes Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Turbocharged.
At the start you’ll have a selection of bikes, cars and even a monster truck. Each vehicle has its own unique set of features and drawbacks, from Boost level, to drifting prowess, handling and speed.
Then the game literally throws you into your first race.
Up against other similarly spec’d vehicles it’s within this tutorial race you’ll get a feel for the game. But someone should tell Milestone it’s not great to throw full screen prompts and tips throughout a fierce race to the finish.
Nonetheless, for players of the first Unleashed title you’ll notice a few new additions have been added. Such as the ability to bump your competitors into a railing, an obstacle or each other.
Boost handles a bit different as well. And then there’s the ability and need to jump. Car physics have been revised to more real world. Boost right up behind an opponent to make them flip as would happen to a real plastic toy car.
Completing races earns you Coins, Spin Tokens and all important Skill Points. Spend your hard earned Coins in the game’s Shop. The vehicles offered in there refresh constantly.
Spin Tokens are used within the Hot Wheels Spin. A casino like affair where you get a random prize from the spin wheel.
Skill points add to your tally and you’ll level up.
You can upgrade your existing vehicles and also sticker them up too.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Turbocharged has an easy to use main menu. Everything is tiled, from quick race modes, track builder, shop and more.
Quick Race features a myriad of gameplay options, including multiplayer split screen. Time Attack, Elimination, Drifting, Single Race and more.
Don’t like the tracks on offer, or tried them all, then build your own and test them out with friends. And all tracks tend to have a few environmental hazards.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Turbocharged also has an odd story mode; Creature Rampage.
You’re a part of a squad that uses a Professor’s Shrinkatron.
You’ve been shrunk down to micro size and take on differing courses, challenges and even bosses.
While the story was a bit weird, the game it offers is a whole lotta fun.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Turbocharged has got my love and now I’m finding it to be my new go to in my downtime. Admittedly, I prefer the Quick races and multiplayer to the Creature shrinkathon story mode.
There’s also a feeling of nostalgia for grown up kids like me that used to race their Hotwheels cars against mates with cobbled together tracks.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Turbocharged has taken everything that made the first Unleashed an excellent play and revved it up a few boosts.
Released: October 2023
Rating: G
Platforms reviewed: Xbox Series X
Genre: Racing
Developer: Milestone
Publisher: Ubisoft