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Hot Wheels Unleashed

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hot Wheels Unleashed
Item: Hot Wheels Unleashed
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing

AvailableSep 27, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperMilestone S.r.l

Overview

Collect the best vehicles in the Hot Wheels universe, build spectacular tracks and dive into breathtaking races. The most iconic and sought after Hot Wheels vehicles are waiting for you. Get ready to make them race at full speed!

Elsewhere

6.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Hot Wheels Unleashed's story mode is a polarizing, surface-level add-on that prioritizes racing over narrative depth, offering structured challenges for some but feeling tacked-on and unengaging to others—its plot lacks polish, context, and impact, leaving players divided between appreciating its simplicity or dismissing it as irrelevant.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

86%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally acknowledge that Hot Wheels Unleashed offers a story mode with varying degrees of structure and engagement. GAMES.CH emphasizes that the game prioritizes straightforward racing over complex narratives, highlighting its appeal to players seeking fun, high-octane races with iconic cars. MGG describes a structured campaign where players race against 5 monster bosses to restore order in Hot Wheels City, suggesting a clear objective that adds purpose to the gameplay. Nintenderos notes the City Rumble mode as a story-like progression through challenges like races and boss battles, even if some mission objectives feel confusing. These perspectives indicate that while the narrative isn’t deep, it provides a framework for players to engage with the game’s core mechanics in a more directed way. However, several critics critique the story’s lack of depth and polish. GameCritics calls the narrative “laughably bad” and “tacked-on,” arguing it lacks significance to gameplay, while Jeuxvideo.com and Press Start Australia describe it as lacking context or development, leading to a repetitive experience. TheSixthAxis mentions that the campaign involves unlocking cars through challenges but fails to elaborate on how this ties into a cohesive story. These criticisms highlight a disconnect between the game’s racing focus and its narrative elements, with many feeling the story feels peripheral rather than integral to the experience. The lack of meaningful character development or world-building further diminishes the impact of the plot. Overall, the reception of Hot Wheels Unleashed’s story is mixed but leans toward being a minor aspect of the game. While some critics like MGG and Nintenderos appreciate its structured progression and variety of challenges, others, including GameCritics and Jeuxvideo.com, find it underdeveloped and unengaging. The disparity in opinions may stem from differing expectations—some players might value simplicity and speed over narrative depth, while others seek more immersive storytelling. Ultimately, the story appears to be a surface-level addition that complements the game’s racing mechanics but fails to elevate them significantly, resulting in a polarizing reception among reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Hot Wheels Unleashed is a fast-paced arcade racer with slick drifting, creative tracks, and robust customization, but its repetitive gameplay, unbalanced AI, and generic mechanics hold it back from greatness.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Hot Wheels Unleashed receives praise for its arcade-style racing, dynamic drifting mechanics, and creative track design. Many reviewers highlight the game’s fast-paced, accessible nature, with Impulsegamer noting its “fast-paced, enjoyable, and well-crafted” experience and Vandal emphasizing its “fun arcade racing experience” with over 60 car models and a robust track editor. The emphasis on drifting and boosting is frequently lauded, as seen in GameSpew’s description of it as “fun, enjoyable, and suitable for all ages,” while ZTGD praises the unique boost modes and campaign variety. The game’s physics and handling also draw positive feedback, with IGN Italia appreciating the balance between arcade and realistic driving models, and GameSpot commending the “simple controls with enough depth to feel rewarding.” Customization options, including car livery editors and track-building tools, are highlighted as key strengths by Vandal and Meristation, adding replayability and community engagement. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay. Issues like repetitive race types, unbalanced difficulty, and generic mechanics dominate negative reviews. Impulsegamer and Noisy Pixel criticize the “generic and uninspired” gameplay, with the latter calling the AI “nearly perfect” and the difficulty “too high,” requiring players to lower settings for fairness. BaziCenter and Jeuxvideo.com (on multiple platforms) note a lack of single-player depth, repetitive activities, and a cumbersome Blind Box system that leads to duplicates. The physics are also frequently criticized as awkward or inconsistent—PC Invasion mentions “awkward” mechanics, while Nintendo Life finds drifting “tricky.” Additionally, the absence of weapons or power-ups (as noted by Video Chums and Hooked Gamers) and limited variety in race types create a sense of monotony, with Jeuxvideo.com (again) describing the career mode as “repetitive.” Overall, critics are divided but lean toward a balanced view. While many praise the game’s arcade charm, track creativity, and customization, others find it lacking in depth and variety. The consensus is that Hot Wheels Unleashed succeeds as a fun, fast-paced racer with strong community features, but its repetitive elements and technical issues—such as unbalanced AI and physics—hinder its potential. Vandal and GameSpot acknowledge these flaws while celebrating the core gameplay, whereas Impulsegamer and Noisy Pixel highlight more severe shortcomings. Despite mixed opinions, the game’s accessibility, drifting mechanics, and track editor earn it a place as a solid entry in the arcade racing genre, even if it falls short of perfection.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Hot Wheels Unleashed dazzles with hyper-realistic visuals, nostalgic charm, and creative track design, but its last-gen aesthetics, repetitive layouts, and technical hiccups (like frame drops) dampen the fun—still a triumph for fans despite flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of reviewers praised Hot Wheels Unleashed for its visually striking and immersive presentation, highlighting its ability to capture the essence of the iconic toy line. Critics like IGN Adria and Gamer Escape lauded the game’s "stunning graphics" and "breathtaking" attention to detail, noting realistic textures, fingerprints on car windshields, and photorealistic 3D models that mirror actual Hot Wheels toys. Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Italy emphasized the game’s ability to recreate classic playsets with imaginative track designs, while Nintendo Life and GameSpew appreciated the variety of environments, from basements to skate parks, which added depth to the racing experience. The game’s cartoonish yet tactile aesthetic, described by Xbox Achievements as "tactile cars and environments" with "realistic materials," resonated strongly, blending nostalgia with modern visual fidelity. Many reviewers, including GameGrin and TheSixthAxis, praised the track builder for its creative flexibility, allowing players to design intricate courses that felt both playful and technically impressive. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the game’s visuals. Impulsegamer and Comicbook.com criticized the graphics as "last-gen," arguing they failed to meet the quality shown in trailers, while GameSpot and Nintendo Life noted repetitive track designs that lacked variety, making some courses feel stale. Player 2 and VG247 mentioned the toy-like aesthetic, with VG247 describing the design as "a bit flat," and Nintendo Enthusiast reported frame rate drops on Switch. Additionally, Video Chums and Checkpoint Gaming observed that while tracks were visually appealing, their lack of variation could diminish long-term engagement. Some reviewers, like Noisy Pixel, also highlighted issues with monetization affecting multiplayer visuals, though this was a separate concern from the core graphical design. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Hot Wheels Unleashed delivered a visually impressive and nostalgic experience. While a handful of reviews raised concerns about technical limitations or repetitive elements, these were overshadowed by widespread praise for the game’s attention to detail, creative track designs, and faithful recreation of Hot Wheels’ toy-like charm. IGN Portugal and DarkZero celebrated the authenticity of car models and track designs, while Destructoid and New Game Network highlighted the immersive environments and technical prowess. The game’s ability to balance cartoonish fun with realistic visuals—as noted by TheLoadout and Shacknews—solidified its reputation as a standout title in the racing genre, even if minor flaws existed. For fans of Hot Wheels, the visual design was widely regarded as a triumph, capturing the spirit of childhood play with modern polish.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Hot Wheels Unleashed’s audio shines technically—dynamic soundscapes, DualSense haptics, and immersive effects—but its generic, repetitive music drowns in forgettable electronic tracks, failing to match the game’s visual flair or leave a lasting impression.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Hot Wheels Unleashed received mixed praise, with several reviewers highlighting its technical execution and immersive elements. Critics like Meristation and TierraGamer commended the game’s "excellent sound design" and dynamic audio that adapts to gameplay, such as music adjusting to a car’s movements or realistic sound effects enhancing immersion. PlayStation Universe noted the use of DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers, which added tactile feedback to the racing experience, while New Game Network praised immersive sound effects like muffled audio during flips and music that speeds up during boosts. GameSkinny and GameGrin also appreciated the engaging sound effects and original electronic tracks that complemented the fast-paced action, with Worth Playing highlighting an eclectic mix of electronic and funk music that "takes center stage in the audio design." These positives suggest the game’s audio elements were technically capable and occasionally innovative. However, the majority of critics found the soundtrack and sound design lacking in creativity and memorability. BaziCenter and Comicbook.com criticized the music as generic and forgettable, with the latter noting it undermined the game’s nostalgia factor. Game Informer called the music "grating" and repetitive, while Gamer Escape and Noisy Pixel lamented the absence of licensed tracks despite the game’s pop culture references. Vandal and DarkZero pointed out that the electronic music felt unspectacular and lacked standout elements, with GameSpot and Stevivor noting repetitive tunes that became tiresome over time. Additionally, Xbox Achievements mentioned "intense electronic tunes" that warped during boosts, which some found unpleasant. While sound effects like engine noises and drifting were generally praised, the music often failed to leave a lasting impression or elevate the experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward a lukewarm reception for Hot Wheels Unleashed’s audio. While technical aspects like dynamic music responses and DualSense integration were acknowledged as strengths by PlayStation Universe and TierraGamer, the soundtrack’s generic nature and repetition overshadowed these efforts. Critics like Meristation and New Game Network appreciated specific elements, but many felt the audio lacked originality or emotional impact. The game’s sound design was often described as "adequate" or "forgettable," with a clear divide between those who valued its technical execution and others who found it uninspired. Despite some positive remarks, the overall sentiment suggests that while the audio contributed to immersion in moments, it ultimately failed to match the game’s visual ambition or create a memorable auditory identity.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Hot Wheels Unleashed shines technically on Xbox Series X and PS5 with smooth 60fps and immersive DualSense features, but platform-specific hiccups—like Switch's frame rate drops and PS5's online glitches—undermine its otherwise polished experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Hot Wheels Unleashed varies across platforms, with several positives highlighted by critics. On PlayStation 5, Atomix praised its "impressive technical performance" with 4K resolution, stable 60fps, and fast loading times, while Meristation noted "impressive lighting effects" and effective use of the DualSense controller. Jeuxvideo.com and Push Square both emphasized smooth gameplay, and IGN Italia acknowledged a generally stable experience despite minor menu issues. For PC, PC Games reported no performance hiccups in single-player or local multiplayer, while Jeuxvideo.com praised the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. On Nintendo Switch, Starbit highlighted "stable performance" with detailed car models, and Nintenderos noted a "stable 30fps" despite minor graphical flaws. Meanwhile, Xbox Series X critics like Gaming Age and Player 2 lauded flawless online play and consistent frame rates, while Jeuxvideo.com and ZTGD praised the stable 60fps and lack of stutter. However, technical shortcomings were also noted across platforms. On PS5, Gameblog.fr criticized "collision detection issues" and frustrating online connectivity problems, while Gamers’ Temple mentioned multiplayer lobbies dropping players mid-race. IGN Italia’s mention of menu glitches and Jeuxvideo.com’s texture loading issues added to the concerns. For Nintendo Switch, Nintenderos pointed out "aliasing and loss of definition in handheld mode," and Nintendo Enthusiast noted "frame rate drops" and "fuzzy textures," though a patch was promised. On Xbox Series X, Press Start Australia cited "pop-in issues," and VG247 highlighted problems with item recognition and dual-hand controls, which could hinder immersion. These flaws, while not universal, underscored the game’s technical inconsistencies across platforms. Overall, critics generally agree that Hot Wheels Unleashed delivers a solid technical experience, particularly on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, where stability and graphical fidelity are strong. While platform-specific issues like Switch’s lower frame rate or PS5’s online glitches exist, many reviewers acknowledged these as minor compared to the game’s core strengths. The DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers were widely praised, with Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation highlighting their immersive impact. Despite some frustrations—such as VG247’s item mechanics or Nintenderos’ graphical trade-offs—the consensus leans toward a positive assessment, suggesting the game is technically sound but not without room for improvement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Hot Wheels Unleashed dazzles with creative track-building and multiplayer variety but drowns in repetitive gameplay, grindy progression, and online chaos—its nostalgic charm can’t mask shallow mechanics or unbalanced difficulty.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

34%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge several positive aspects of Hot Wheels Unleashed that contribute to its replay value. The track editor and customization tools are frequently highlighted as standout features, with critics like Games.cz and Shacknews praising the robust system for creating and sharing custom tracks, which adds a layer of creativity and community engagement. GameSpew and Hooked Gamers emphasize the game’s extensive content, including over 60 cars to unlock, diverse multiplayer modes (offline, online, split-screen), and the ability to explore secret panels or complete events. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and Nintendo Life note that online multiplayer and the potential for future DLC or updates could extend the experience, while Destructoid mentions that some players revisit the game after completing the career mode. The track builder’s flexibility and the nostalgic appeal of Hot Wheels toys also resonate with reviewers like TierraGamer, who appreciate the childhood-inspired creativity. However, multiple critics point to significant drawbacks that limit replay value. A recurring complaint is the lack of variety in race types and tracks, with Impulsegamer and Jeuxvideo.com citing repetitive gameplay due to limited content and unbalanced difficulty levels. The progression system is criticized for being frustrating or luck-based, as noted by IGN Adria (grind and luck-based mechanics) and SpazioGames (loot boxes and poor audio quality). Eurogamer Italy and Cultured Vultures highlight the repetitive campaign modes and fiddly track editors, while PC Games and GameSpot point to issues in online multiplayer, such as poorly designed player-created tracks and a lack of ranking systems. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and LevelUp note that collecting cars becomes tedious once players find a "good" one, and the limited incentives beyond customization or track creation can make the experience feel shallow over time. Overall, the critics present a mixed consensus, with many recognizing the game’s potential for replayability through its creative tools and multiplayer features but also pointing out critical flaws. While Nintendo Life and Meristation suggest that future updates could address some shortcomings, most agree that the current iteration struggles with content depth and repetition. The track editor and online community aspects are seen as strong positives by Games.cz, Shacknews, and Hooked Gamers, but these are often overshadowed by complaints about grindy progression (IGN Adria), limited race variety (Impulsegamer), and unbalanced difficulty (Eurogamer Italy). The game’s replay value ultimately hinges on players’ tolerance for its repetitive elements and their interest in customization, with some finding it engaging and others feeling it falls short of its potential.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Hot Wheels Unleashed highlights its strengths as a nostalgic, visually engaging arcade racer with strong creative tools. Critics like Vandal and Xbox Achievements praised its "solid arcade racing experience" and "cool cars," emphasizing the game’s ability to capture the essence of the Hot Wheels brand through detailed car modeling and a robust Track Builder tool. GameCritics noted its "personality and flair," while TheSixthAxis highlighted its "strong foundation" and replay value. The game’s emphasis on customization, as mentioned by Hooked Gamers and Atomix, offers a fun, pick-up-and-play experience that appeals to fans of toy car racing. Additionally, IGN Italia and Eurogamer Italy appreciated the multiplayer aspects and track editor, which provide creative freedom and variety. These positives underscore the game’s potential as a standout title for enthusiasts of arcade-style racing. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws that detract from its overall appeal. Impulsegamer called it "below average" with "generic execution," while BaziCenter criticized its "lack of challenge, weak AI, and repetitive elements." The game’s progression systems faced scrutiny, with GameSkinny noting an "obstructive unlock system" that requires specific cars for events, and PC Games pointing to issues like "cumbersome editor" and "aggressive AI." Gamer.no highlighted imprecise controls and unbalanced AI, while Hardcore Gamer criticized gacha mechanics and a "lackluster soundtrack." Many reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and Jeuxvideo.com, felt the single-player campaign lacked variety and depth, with repetitive track designs and a focus on car collection over cohesive racing. These criticisms suggest that while the game has charm, its gameplay mechanics and structure fall short of expectations. Despite these shortcomings, the consensus among critics is that Hot Wheels Unleashed is a decent arcade racer with nostalgic value and creative potential, though it struggles to fully capitalize on its ideas. Vandal and Xbox Achievements recommended it for fans seeking a classic arcade experience, while Gamer Escape and Hey Poor Player acknowledged its "first place potential" despite flaws. However, the game’s repetitive gameplay, grind-heavy progression, and technical issues (like those noted by PC Games and Hardcore Gamer) prevent it from achieving excellence. While some critics, such as IGN Portugal, called it "one of the best arcade racers of the year," others like Screen Rant and Jeuxvideo.com felt it lacks the depth to stand out in a competitive genre. Ultimately, the game is seen as a fun but flawed entry that appeals most to Hot Wheels enthusiasts and casual racers willing to overlook its imperfections.

TL;DR

Nostalgic arcade racer with creative flair but plagued by repetitive grind, clumsy editor, and unbalanced AI—fans may forgive flaws, but it falls short of excellence.

MONSTER

Reviews

158 reviews found

100

Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Sep 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hot Wheels Unleashed is a standout kart racer that captures the essence of playing with Hot Wheels cars in a digital format, recommended for fans of kart racing games and Hot Wheels enthusiasts.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Oct 6, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer describes 'Hot Wheels Unleashed' as a game that is as close as you can get to a kid's dream, with some slightly clunky elements but overall handling like a dream.

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GameGrin

Oct 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hot Wheels Unleashed is a must-play game for Hot Wheels fans and racing game enthusiasts of all ages. It successfully brings childhood imagination to life with engaging gameplay and extensive customization options. The game offers great value for its cost and provides a unique racing experience.

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Gaming Age

Xbox Series X

Sep 30, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Hot Wheels Unleashed as a full-fledged racing game that offers a lot of fun for the whole family, regardless of whether you're a Hot Wheels fan or not. It mentions that the multiplayer could use more fleshing out, but overall the game controls fantastically.

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IGN Portugal

PlayStation 4

Oct 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hot Wheels Unleashed is described as one of the best arcade racers of the year, with a visual design that pays homage to the iconic toy cars.

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Hey Poor Player

Sep 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hot Wheels Unleashed is a fantastic racing game with first place potential, offering a fresh and engaging experience in the genre, with room for improvement to become the casual racing game of the decade.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Sep 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its incredible looks, nostalgic feel, solid racing mechanics, and superb customization options. It is described as a great time and a brilliant arcade racer.

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GameOver.gr

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A standout racing title that excels in its genre, offering impressive visuals, enjoyable gameplay mechanics, and a refreshing break from more serious racing titles. Promises long-lasting entertainment and has received positive feedback.

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Atomix

PlayStation 5

Sep 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly enjoyable arcade racing game with fast-paced gameplay and creative track designs. Offers a solid choice in a competitive racing game market. Great option for fans of arcade racing games and the best Hot Wheels game available.

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TierraGamer

PlayStation 5

Sep 28, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic game for fans of toy cars, successfully combining nostalgia with engaging gameplay, worth trying for Hot Wheels enthusiasts.

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