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MONSTER

LEGO 2K Drive

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of LEGO 2K Drive
Item: LEGO 2K Drive
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

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

AvailableMay 16, 2023

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

DeveloperVisual Concepts

Overview

Welcome to Bricklandia, home of a massive open-world LEGO driving adventure. Race anywhere, play with anyone, build your dream rides, and defeat a cast of wild racing rivals for the coveted Sky Trophy! In LEGO 2K Drive, your awesome transforming vehicle gives you the freedom to speed seamlessly across riveting racetracks, off-road terrain, and open waters. Explore the vast world of Bricklandia, show off your driving skills, and build vehicles brick-by-brick!

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive's story charms with humor and colorful characters, appealing to younger players, but critics slam its simplistic, shallow narrative and repetitive elements. While it offers light-hearted fun and exploration, it fails to engage those seeking a deeper storyline, making it a mixed bag overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of LEGO 2K Drive presents a mixed bag of opinions, with several reviewers acknowledging its charm and appeal, particularly for younger audiences. Critics like Worth Playing and GamingTrend highlight the whimsical and humorous nature of the narrative, which revolves around a rookie racer aiming to win the Sky Cup Trophy. The game is praised for its colorful characters and light-hearted dialogue, reminiscent of the LEGO Movie's playful tone. Everyeye.it notes that while the main quest is basic, the dialogue and character development maintain the brand's signature humor, which many players find engaging. The exploration aspect of the game, as mentioned by Gfinity, also adds a layer of enjoyment, allowing players to immerse themselves in the LEGO world. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out the story's shortcomings, particularly its lack of depth and engagement. GamersRD and Digitally Downloaded express disappointment with the story's brevity and uninteresting elements, suggesting that it fails to captivate players effectively. The narrative is often described as simplistic and overly geared towards a younger demographic, with GamingBolt criticizing the humor for lacking depth and character complexity. Furthermore, several reviewers, including God is a Geek and Hobby Consolas, mention that the story can feel repetitive and serves more as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling narrative in its own right. In summary, while LEGO 2K Drive's story mode is appreciated for its humor and family-friendly charm, it is also criticized for its simplicity and lack of engagement. The consensus among critics suggests that the game excels in providing a light-hearted experience suitable for younger players, as highlighted by Push Square and Screen Rant, but falls short for those seeking a more substantial narrative. Overall, the game seems to cater more to casual enjoyment and exploration rather than delivering a deeply engaging story, making it a mixed experience for different audiences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive impresses with engaging gameplay, innovative vehicle transformations, and extensive customization, earning praise for its fun races. However, critics highlight issues like repetitive content, inconsistent driving mechanics, and imprecise controls, leading to a mixed reception. While the game shines in creativity and mechanics, it struggles with depth and can frustrate players over time.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of LEGO 2K Drive has garnered a mix of positive feedback from various reviewers, highlighting its engaging mechanics and creative features. Critics like Shacknews and XboxEra praise the game for its enjoyable races and the innovative vehicle transformation mechanic that allows players to adapt to different terrains seamlessly. The driving model is often described as tight and responsive, with many reviewers noting the fun factor in the racing experience. For instance, IGN mentions the unique vehicle transformation feature as a standout element, while Pure Xbox emphasizes the variety of challenges and fun side missions that contribute to the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the extensive customization options, as highlighted by COGconnected, allow players to create unique vehicles, enhancing the game's appeal. However, several reviewers have pointed out significant drawbacks in the gameplay experience. SECTOR.sk and GamersRD express concerns about the repetitiveness of the gameplay, citing a lack of variety in races and events that can lead to boredom over time. IGN Italia and Eurogamer also critique the driving mechanics, describing them as inconsistent and chaotic, which can detract from the overall racing experience. Other critics, such as GamePro Germany and LevelUp, note that while the gameplay is fun, it can become grindy and repetitive, especially for seasoned players. Additionally, some reviews mention imprecise controls, which can hinder the enjoyment of races, as noted by Hobby Consolas and Eurogamer Poland. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while LEGO 2K Drive offers a fun and creative racing experience with solid mechanics and engaging customization options, it suffers from issues related to repetitiveness and inconsistent controls. Many reviewers appreciate the blend of arcade racing and exploration, as seen in the comments from Twinfinite and Metro GameCentral, but the lack of depth in racing dynamics and the potential for frustration due to AI behavior are recurring themes in the critiques. As a result, LEGO 2K Drive emerges as a game that excels in certain areas but ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently thrilling racing experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive wows on next-gen consoles and PC with its vibrant graphics and charming environments, earning praise for its playful aesthetics and detailed design. However, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from smudgy visuals and technical issues, leaving it lagging behind and dividing player experiences. Overall, while the game captures LEGO's spirit, inconsistent graphical quality across platforms raises concerns about accessibility and enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of LEGO 2K Drive have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly those who experienced the game on next-gen consoles and PC. Many reviewers highlighted the game's vibrant and colorful aesthetic, effectively capturing the essence of LEGO. For instance, Game Informer described the landscapes as playful, filled with charming obstacles that evoke a delightful toy box atmosphere. Critics like Gameblog.fr and Everyeye.it commended the game for its well-designed environments and attention to detail, noting that the artistic choices contribute to an engaging visual experience. Furthermore, the destructible environments and customization options were frequently mentioned as standout features that enhance the immersive quality of the game, with reviewers like GamingTrend emphasizing the appeal to both children and nostalgic adults. However, the visual experience on older consoles, particularly the Nintendo Switch, has been criticized for its technical shortcomings. Vooks and Nintendo Life pointed out that the Switch version suffers from smudgy visuals, low resolution, and heavy pop-in issues, which detract from the overall experience. Critics such as GamersRD and Pure Xbox echoed the sentiment that the graphics feel underwhelming for a next-gen title, with some areas lacking variety and depth. This inconsistency in performance across platforms has led to a divide in opinions, with those on more powerful systems enjoying a more polished experience compared to those on the Switch. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that LEGO 2K Drive excels in delivering a visually appealing and charming LEGO world, particularly on next-gen consoles and PC, where the vibrant colors and detailed environments shine. However, the performance issues and lower graphical fidelity on the Nintendo Switch have raised concerns about the game's accessibility and enjoyment across different platforms. Critics like IGN and Cultured Vultures noted the charm of the visual design but also pointed out inconsistencies that could be improved. As such, while the game captures the playful spirit of LEGO, it also highlights the disparity in graphical quality depending on the platform, leaving some players yearning for a more uniform experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive's sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise the cheerful soundscapes and immersive Korean voiceovers, enhancing the fun racing experience. However, flaws persist: music is deemed unmemorable, sound effects during key gameplay moments fall flat, and dialogue lacks wit. Overall, while the audio creates a lively atmosphere, improvements are needed for a standout experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of LEGO 2K Drive have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting several positive aspects. Many reviewers noted the cheerful and bombastic sound design, which complements the chaotic racing experience, as mentioned by Digital Trends. The inclusion of full Korean voiceovers, as pointed out by INVEN, adds depth and immersion to the gameplay, enhancing the overall enjoyment. Critics like New Game Network appreciated how the soundtrack reinforces the thematic elements of different areas, creating a delightful atmosphere for exploration. Additionally, several reviewers, including Worth Playing and Hardcore Gamer, commended the quality of the voice work and sound effects, suggesting that they contribute positively to the game’s overall experience. However, the critiques also reveal notable shortcomings in the sound design and music. Impulsegamer found the music lacking and felt it could have been better, while TouchArcade noted that although the music was good, the voiced dialogue around the store became grating. GamersRD expressed disappointment over the sound design's impact, particularly during destruction and collisions, which are crucial elements for a LEGO game. Furthermore, some critics, such as Metro GameCentral, criticized the humor in the script, indicating that it fell short of being clever or witty, which detracted from the overall experience. Press Start Australia pointed out technical issues with voice work, describing it as tinny and suffering from volume inconsistencies. Overall, the consensus among critics is that LEGO 2K Drive features a sound design and music that are generally enjoyable but not without their flaws. While many reviewers appreciated the cheerful atmosphere and immersive voice acting, there were consistent mentions of a lack of memorable music and impactful sound effects. Critics like Atomix and Gfinity recognized the sound design as decent but noted that it did not particularly stand out. The mixed feedback suggests that while the game succeeds in creating a fun and family-friendly environment through its audio elements, there remains room for improvement in both the quality of the music and the cleverness of the dialogue.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive's voice acting is largely praised for its humor and charm, with standout performances from Will Arnett and Dave Fennoy enriching the experience. Critics highlight engaging characters, like a sarcastic talking horse, that enhance the game's whimsical tone. However, some critiques point to grating dialogue and poor audio quality in parts, leaving mixed feelings. Overall, the voice work is deemed a key asset that elevates gameplay, despite a few shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in LEGO 2K Drive has garnered a largely positive reception from critics across various platforms. Reviewers like INVEN and IGN praised the execution of the voice acting, highlighting its contribution to the game's light-hearted atmosphere and overall charm. Critics such as PC Gamer noted that the portrayal of the main villain, Shadow Z, was particularly well done, adding humor to the experience. The inclusion of talented voice actors, including Will Arnett and Dave Fennoy, was also appreciated, with Cultured Vultures and XboxEra noting how their performances enhanced the game's appeal. Overall, the voice work has been described as engaging and humorous, with characters like the sarcastic talking horse mentioned by GameCritics adding to the whimsical tone. However, not all feedback was entirely favorable. Some critics pointed out specific shortcomings in the voice acting. TouchArcade mentioned that while the voiced dialogue is generally good, certain dialogues, particularly around the store, were grating. Additionally, Hobby Consolas criticized the script for lacking engaging or witty dialogue, which detracted from the otherwise solid voice acting. Press Start Australia went as far as to describe the voice work as sounding "tinny and awful," which negatively impacted the audio experience. These mixed opinions indicate that while the voice acting has its strengths, there are notable areas where it falls short. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in LEGO 2K Drive is a significant asset to the game, contributing to its humor and charm. While there are criticisms regarding certain dialogues and audio quality, the majority of reviewers, including Game Informer and GamingTrend, found the performances to be entertaining and effective in enhancing the gameplay experience. The positive remarks about the voice actors and the humorous character interactions suggest that the voice acting successfully aligns with the game's playful tone, making it a highlight for many players despite some noted flaws.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive shines on PC and Xbox Series X with smooth controls and solid performance, while the Nintendo Switch suffers from major technical issues like low resolution and freezes. The PS5 version offers mixed results, with some praising its performance but others noting bugs and a critical save-wiping issue. Despite these flaws, the core gameplay remains enjoyable across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The technical performance of LEGO 2K Drive varies across different gaming platforms, with generally positive feedback on PC and Xbox Series X. On PC, critics like INVEN and PC Gamer noted smooth controls and good performance across various hardware configurations, with no significant issues reported. TouchArcade highlighted that the game runs well on the Steam Deck, although it faced issues when launching offline. For Xbox Series X, reviewers such as Pure Xbox and IGN Spain praised the game for its solid 60 FPS performance and smooth gameplay, with no major technical issues, indicating a stable experience overall. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and GamesRadar+ also echoed these sentiments, noting that the game runs smoothly with only minor pop-in issues in split-screen mode. However, the negatives become more pronounced on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Critics like Nintendo Life and Vooks pointed out significant technical shortcomings on the Switch, including low resolution, pop-in, occasional freezes, and long loading times, which detracted from the overall experience. On PS5, while many reviewers like Atomix and GamePro Germany reported smooth performance, several others, including BaziCenter and GamersRD, highlighted issues with bugs, texture pop-ins, and frame drops during races. Additionally, the PS5 version has been criticized for a major save-wiping issue noted by VGC, which could severely impact player experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while LEGO 2K Drive performs well on PC and Xbox Series X, offering a stable and enjoyable experience, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from notable performance issues that hinder gameplay. The PS5 version presents a mixed bag; while many report solid performance, the presence of bugs and save issues raises concerns about its reliability. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Press Start Australia emphasize that despite some technical flaws, the core gameplay remains enjoyable across platforms, suggesting that players may still find value in the game, albeit with varying experiences depending on their chosen platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive offers a mix of engaging content and extensive vehicle customization, praised by many critics for its replay value. However, concerns about repetitive gameplay, grind-heavy progression, and microtransactions dampen the experience for some, leading to a consensus that while it has potential, its structure may limit long-term engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of LEGO 2K Drive present a mixed bag of sentiments, with several critics highlighting the game's strengths. Many reviewers, such as Gamersky and Press Start Australia, appreciate the variety of content available, including standalone races, cups, minigames, and online multiplayer modes. The extensive vehicle customization options are frequently praised, with critics like GamingBolt and Digital Trends noting that the ability to create and experiment with vehicles adds a layer of depth that enhances replayability. Additionally, titles like Hardcore Gamer and XboxEra emphasize that the game offers significant replay value through a robust post-launch plan and a wealth of collectibles and challenges that can extend playtime beyond the main story. However, a substantial number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value being undermined by various factors. Reviewers such as Eurogamer and SECTOR.sk point out that the grind required to progress and unlock content can lead to a sense of tedium, making the experience feel repetitive. Furthermore, the presence of microtransactions, as noted by Slant Magazine and Ragequit.gr, is seen as a detractor that could push players toward spending real money, which may impact the enjoyment of the game. Critics like Gfinity and Impulsegamer also mention that after a certain point, the gameplay can become monotonous, with limited rewards for completing side quests and missions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while LEGO 2K Drive offers a variety of activities and customization options that can enhance replay value, the game is hampered by repetitive gameplay and a grind-heavy progression system. The presence of microtransactions further complicates the experience, as noted by multiple reviewers, including PC Gamer and Eurogamer Poland. Critics like Vandal and GamingTrend acknowledge the potential for replayability, but many agree that the game's structure and design choices may limit long-term engagement for some players. Ultimately, while there are elements that can keep players invested, the concerns about repetitiveness and monetization suggest that the replay value may not be as robust as it could be.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

37%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding LEGO 2K Drive reveals a mix of appreciation and criticism among the reviewers. Many critics highlight the game’s vibrant visuals and creative gameplay, emphasizing its appeal to younger audiences and families. For instance, IGN Spain describes it as a "fun family-oriented game," while Eurogamer acknowledges its "colorful and creative experience." Additionally, several reviewers, such as God is a Geek and Xbox Tavern, commend the game for its engaging customization features and the enjoyable racing mechanics that resonate with both kids and adults. The multiplayer modes are also praised, with GamersRD noting them as a highlight, suggesting that the game does provide entertaining experiences in a social context. Despite the positive aspects, a significant number of critics point out various shortcomings that hinder the game’s overall quality. Many reviewers, including SECTOR.sk and GamersRD, express disappointment with the lackluster story and gameplay depth, labeling the experience as tedious and unremarkable. Furthermore, concerns regarding aggressive monetization tactics and microtransactions are frequently mentioned, with critics like Digitally Downloaded and Metro GameCentral noting that these elements detract from the overall enjoyment and may frustrate players. Technical issues and a convoluted open-world structure are also cited as drawbacks, with Nintendo Life and PlayStation Universe highlighting these problems as barriers to a more fluid gaming experience. The consensus among critics indicates that while LEGO 2K Drive has the potential to be an enjoyable racing game, it ultimately falls short of expectations set by previous LEGO titles. Many reviewers appreciate the creative elements and family-friendly nature of the game, but the recurring themes of gameplay flaws, narrative weaknesses, and monetization concerns suggest a missed opportunity for a more polished experience. Critics such as Press Start Australia and GamesRadar+ acknowledge its charm and recommend it for LEGO fans, yet the overall impression leans towards a cautious endorsement, particularly for younger players or those seeking a casual racing experience rather than a deep and challenging game.

TL;DR

LEGO 2K Drive presents a colorful, family-friendly racing experience with engaging visuals and customization, hailed by some reviewers like IGN Spain and Eurogamer as fun for all ages. However, it’s marred by a weak story, shallow gameplay, and aggressive monetization tactics that frustrate many critics. Issues like technical glitches and a convoluted open world hinder the enjoyment, leading to a mixed reception. While it has charm and appeal for younger audiences, it ultimately falls short of the high bar set by previous LEGO games, earning a cautious recommendation mainly for casual players.

MONSTER

Reviews

144 reviews found

Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

May 19, 2023