By Paul Hunter
Hot Wheels Unleashed, the action-packed arcade racer from Mattel and Milestone, is out now for those who preordered the Ultimate Stunt Edition. The game will also be available globally on September 30, both digitally and physically, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Anyone who grew up with Hot Wheels (raises hand) or has a young child in the house currently obsessed with the miniature cars (also raises hands) is sure to be interested in this fast-paced racer where you can drift, boost, jump and crash just like with the real toys. The game also features the iconic Hot Wheels bright orange tracks in incredible detail.
Take a look at the launch trailer showcasing the wild jumps and smash-up racing action:
Hot Wheels Unleashed is getting good reviews on OpenCritic, such as IGN giving the game a 9/10 and PlayStation Lifestyle giving it an 8/10.
Embracing it's arcade-racer roots, we can see in the trailer the tracks feature elements like upside down loops, smiling volcano lava and a snake that opens its mouth to let you jump inside it. Graphically, the vehicles certainly looks like Hot Wheels' cars come to life with their cartoony-yet-highly-detailed paint jobs and car bodies.
It looks like there's a ton to do in the game as well: it offers a variety of modes including standard races, time attacks, special challenges and boss battles. You can also play the game offline in split-screen local mode or go online and race with up to 12 players.
There are 66 starting vehicles to choose from, which includes some of Hot Wheels most famous designs over the brand's 53-year history like the Rodger Dodger, Batmobile, K.I.T.T. (from Night Rider) and the Boneshaker. You'll race across six different environment with their own unique style: Garage, Skyscraper, College Campus, Skatepark, Track Room and The Basement.
If all that weren't enough, Hot Wheels Unleashed has a Track Builder where budding designers can create their own racetracks and then share them with other players. Mattel and Milestone also plan to support the game ongoingly with new vehicles from brands like Street Fighter, DC, Masters of the Universe and Barbie.
There's a lot to be excited about in Hot Wheels Unleashed. I'm looking forward to playing the game soon with my family!