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Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged

October 31, 2023

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Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged is the sequel to the 2021 arcade racing game, which sold more than 2 million copies around the world. Developed and published by Milestone, this game is exactly what a sequel should be: it builds upon the solid foundation of the previous game and takes up a notch or two. Let’s take a look at Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbo Charged and see why it not only meets my expectations but exceeds them in so many ways.

Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged Details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC
Developer(s): Milestone
Publisher(s): Milestone
Genre: Racing
Mode(s): Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

A classic approach to sequel-making

Milestone has followed a classic approach to crafting this sequel – taking the core racing mechanics of the original and refining them to perfection. The result? A smoother, more responsive racing experience with exciting new features. One of the most notable additions in this sequel is the introduction of strafing and jumping mechanics. These add an exciting layer of strategy to the races.

Now, you can trade your boost energy for these maneuvers, allowing for clever shortcuts and tactical maneuvers on the track. This revamped gameplay takes the thrill factor and raises it a notch giving you a sense of speed reminiscent of the iconic Burnout series.

A plethora of exciting vehicles

The heart of any Hot Wheels experience lies in the cars themselves, and Hot Wheel Unleashed 2 Turbocharged certainly delivers. Featuring an impressive roster of over 130 vehicles, the game includes cars, monster trucks, bikes, and quad bikes. Whether you’re a fan of returning favourites or excited to explore new additions, collecting these vehicles is an absolute joy.

You acquire these vehicles using in-game Hot Wheels currency, and there are even some super-secret rides waiting to be discovered by those who conquer the single-player campaign.

A few bumps on the track

While Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged mostly shines, there are a couple of hiccups worth mentioning. The single-player campaign, although interesting, might feel a bit disconnected from the fast-paced races. The comic book cutscenes, with voices and all, can seem unrelated to the actual racing action, especially for younger players.

Another hiccup comes in the form of difficulty spikes. Some challenges in the campaign mode, like the drifting trials and boss battles, can be quite frustrating, especially for less experienced or younger players. Honestly, I found these races to be a bit tricky. One little mistake and you’ve lost all your progress. Additionally, I didn’t like that you have to defeat the boss in the campaign mode to move forward. It doesn’t quite fit the family-friendly vibe of the game and can be discouraging for younger players.

But despite these small issues, it’s important to remember that Turbocharged still delivers an overall fantastic experience. With loads of content, gameplay improvements, and thrilling multiplayer and single-player races, these minor hiccups are easy to overlook.

Visually stunning races

When it comes to visuals, Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged looks fantastic. Races now happen in a bunch of exciting spots, like a Dinosaur Museum, Back Garden, and even a Mini Golf course. Each place is packed with fine details, even though you might not get much time to admire the views because you’ll be zipping through the tracks.

The game’s world is like an eye-candy wonderland, and that’s something everyone can enjoy. The game is a great upgrade from the original, offering more engaging environments that make racing all that much more fun. As you speed along, you’ll also see your Hot Wheels cars looking incredibly cool and shiny. Honestly, whether you’re a long-time Hot Wheels fan or playing for the first time, you’re in for a visual treat with this game.

Endless enjoyment beyond the campaign

However, the single-player campaign is just a small part of what Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged has to offer. One of the coolest features is the vehicle livery editor and track editor, and they’ve been made even better this time around. It’s like having your very own Hot Wheels design studio.

With these tools, you can spend hours getting creative, customizing your vehicles with different colors, stickers, and materials. The same goes for the track editor – you can build your own unique courses, add obstacles, speed boosts, and even decide on the lighting and loop-de-loops. It’s all a ton of fun, and you don’t need to be a pro to make cool stuff.

High-speed showdowns with multiplayer mayhem

While the single player mode offers a lot to see and do, Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged doesn’t skimp on the multiplayer front. The developers know that racing is more fun playing against friends or racers from around the world. Local split-screen multiplayer makes a return, allowing you to race head-to-head with your family and friends on the same couch. It’s a great way to enjoy some friendly competition and see who’s the real Hot Wheels champion.

However, if you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, the game’s online multiplayer mode is right up your alley. It comes loaded with features that’ll keep you busy for hours on end. You can compete against other players, join friends in a party, and jump into races with multiple game modes to choose from.

Better yet, racing online is fast and furious, and the game supports cross-play, except Nintendo Switch. This means you won’t have trouble finding opponents, and you can pretty much play with your friends no matter what system they’re playing on.

Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged revs up the racing world

Hot Wheels: Unleashed 2 Turbocharged marks a triumphant sequel to the 2021 hit, taking the foundation laid by the original and enhancing every aspect. From a refined core racing experience, the addition of clever gameplay mechanics, and breathtaking visuals, this game feels like a significant step forward.

The new strafing and jumping abilities add an exciting layer of strategy, giving you the choice between using your precious boost energy for shortcuts and tactical moves. The races are faster, more intense, and consistently thrilling. The well-crafted environments further enhance the experience, with engaging tracks set in imaginative locations, from a Dinosaur Museum to a Mini Golf course.

The heart of any Hot Wheels game is its vast collection of vehicles, and Turbocharged delivers with over 130 cars, including returning favorites and intriguing newcomers. Customization options abound with a vehicle livery editor and a track editor that provide hours of creative fun. While the single-player campaign offers an engaging storyline, some difficulty spikes may be difficult for younger players. However, with a ton of content and improvements found outside of the campaign it more than makes up for any shortcomings.

+ Enhanced gameplay mechanics add depth and strategy to the races
+ Visually stunning environments with diverse locations make the game more exciting
+ A vast collection of over 130 vehicles offers extensive variety

– The single-player campaign occasionally feels disconnected from the races and has difficulty spikes that could be difficult for younger players