'Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged' is a trip of childhood nostalgia for kids who grew up wanting to slam on the gas and experience speed...but if you're someone who played the first and is looking to see what's up with the newest edition, you might fall flat at the starting line.
Driving at high speeds has always been one of my dreams. I say dream because I live in a world ruled by laws, regulations, and repercussions of my actions. Taking my stock Ford Ranger at top speed down 75 Southbound won’t end well for anyone at all, myself included. However, I’ve always dreamed of it. That’s where gaming has stepped in. Getting iRacing, Forza, and others to help simulate the chaotic speeds and thrill is something I crave. ‘Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged’ helps take that fantasy to a whole new level at a smaller scale. While last year’s release was a big hit personally, this one has large-scale shoes to fill.
Story mode has been beefed up with some new parts compared to last year’s model…..like with cars. You take a role on the ‘Hot Wheels Racing Team’ after giant monsters are set loose throughout the region. You and the crew must scale down these monsters, and take them head-on in battle races. It’s a simple premise and similar to former ‘Hot Wheels’ games from the past, but with more development to the narrative, including actual characters and cutscenes makes for a campaign that helps to keep you in for a longer term.
Where ‘Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged’ continues to shine through is the gameplay. It’s a kid’s dream to be able to get in a model car. Gameplay and handling were where the first ‘Unleashed’ game also came through big, and here it continues. Devs took the ‘if it anit broke’ approach, and it was the best move. ‘Unleashed 2: Turbocharged’ now features six classes of cars. Rocket, Balanced, Swift, Drifter, Off-Road, and Heavy Duty. A wide array of the fastest wips to essentially Monster Jam trucks. Handling classes is noticeable at times, but overall there isn’t a lot in the nitty-gritty details. Some classes didn’t feel too different from others. Plus with the new skill tree, you’re able to really modify the handling of anything.
One thing I want to highlight from gameplay is some new controls. Now you have the features of double jump and strafe left or right with your boost. This is a wonderful addition. It adds a level to the gameplay that makes it feel even more like a dream world. I’d compare it to the idea of jump jacks from the ‘Speed Racer’ universe. Getting side by side with a car and either slamming them hard into the wall or jumping out of the way at the last second to miss their attack at the last second is so satisfying, and the one thing races were missing from the previous game. This coupled with controls for in-air/a jump adds levels of control that players didn’t experience before.
Another part of the ‘anit broke’ approach was the visuals. For a game about Hot Wheels, these cars and locations look incredible. The attention to detail here is also insane. From the names and prints on the actual bottom of the car models to scrapes and scuffs after contact with others or barrel rolling on a hard surface. The little things really help to give a nice addition. The Track Builder mode is similar to the previous one as well. A bit cumbersome at first when it comes to learning the ropes, but a fun time to help create a chaotic environment for you and fellow races. There feels to be a bit more openness with the track layouts and creativity.
While there are a lot of good enhancements and quality-of-life improvements for users, I found myself struggling to stay invested. I’ve mentioned the idea of ‘anit broke’ several times here. While yes, there was never a reason to fully overall or rework major parts or pieces…like with cars…there just wasn’t as much as I was hoping for in this sequel. Now I wasn’t expecting anything to blow my mind and take over Forza with levels of changes, but besides the changes I’ve talked about, it just feels like the first game in the series. If you purchased the first ‘Unleashed’ game, you’ll be left feeling like you got a new game with not much more to offer.
‘Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged’ is a trip of childhood nostalgia for kids who grew up wanting to slam on the gas and experience speed, but are five years old and can’t reach the pedals. If you’re looking to try and live out that experience then this will do you well, but if you’re someone who played the first and is looking to see what’s up with the newest edition, you might fall flat at the starting line.
