PGC NEWS

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged arrives as the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 original, which received positive reviews but left room for improvement. Developer Milestone S.r.l. has fueled excitement with dynamic trailers showcasing the enhanced features of this latest installment. Does Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged deliver on its promise of a truly exhilarating experience? Let’s dive into this comprehensive review and find out!

The High-Octane Thrills

alt text: Gameplay screenshot showing a Hot Wheels car racing through a vibrant track in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

From the revamped user interface to the responsive handling of each unique vehicle, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged demonstrates a commitment to innovation. While the core racing mechanics remain familiar, the new “Hot Wheels City Rumble” story mode and the expanded “Track Builder” offer significant additions compared to the previous game.

The “Hot Wheels City Rumble” campaign features a narrative where two protagonists must race against giant mutated creatures unleashed upon the city. Beyond the standard time trials, drift challenges, and checkpoint races, the highlight of this mode lies in the boss battles.

alt text: Screenshot depicting a boss battle in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, with a Hot Wheels car facing off against a large creature

These boss fights deviate from traditional arcade racing, requiring players to deplete the boss’s health bar rather than simply crossing the finish line. The difficulty ramps up considerably, providing a challenging and engaging experience.

The “Track Builder” returns with expanded options, allowing players to design and share custom tracks. While initially complex, the interface becomes intuitive, enabling creative track designs. Unlocking new track components requires progressing through the story mode. Alternatively, players can download and enjoy tracks created by others.

alt text: Screenshot showcasing the Track Builder interface in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged with various track pieces and customization options

Maintaining the strengths of its predecessor, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged boasts satisfyingly tight controls, demanding players to adapt to the nuances of each vehicle. With over 130 cars spanning various classes (Rocket, Balanced, Swift, Drifter, Off-Road, and Heavy Duty), each vehicle offers distinct advantages. Unlocking new cars is achieved through in-game currency earned during races or through a spin-the-wheel mechanic. Notably, microtransactions are absent.

alt text: Image showcasing a selection of Hot Wheels cars available in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, highlighting the diverse designs and vehicle types

Upgradeable vehicle stats further personalize the racing experience, allowing players to tailor their cars to their preferred driving style. The tracks themselves are well-designed, offering challenging corners and clever traps.

alt text: In-game screenshot displaying a race in progress in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, emphasizing the detailed track design and environmental graphics

The visually stunning graphics enhance the immersion, making players feel as if they’re controlling miniature cars in real-world environments. Performance is smooth (based on PS5 experience), and the implementation of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers adds another layer of depth. The energetic soundtrack complements the fast-paced gameplay.

Areas for Improvement

alt text: Gameplay screenshot showing a Hot Wheels car navigating a challenging curve in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

The lack of combat or car-destruction mechanics, common in kart racers, feels like a missed opportunity. The time trial mode also lacks a ghost replay feature for self-competition. The gameplay loop can become repetitive after extended playtime due to a lack of diverse game modes.

alt text: Screenshot from Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged showing the in-game menu or a cutscene featuring static comic book-style images

The “Hot Wheels City Rumble” story is simplistic and lacks depth. The static comic book-style cutscenes and predictable narrative fail to leave a lasting impression. The AI can exhibit peculiar behavior, occasionally pausing inexplicably.

Conclusion

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged delivers a thrilling arcade racing experience with notable improvements over its predecessor. While the core gameplay is solid, addressing the shortcomings outlined above would elevate the overall experience. Despite its flaws, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged remains a fun and engaging racer for fans of the genre.