Hot Wheels Unleashed Review

Reviewed by Luke Reilly on Xbox Series X. Also available on Xbox One, PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
"Fun, fast, and damn near photorealistic at times, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a surprising and brilliant arcade racer. Carefully detailed, highly customisable, and buoyantly uncynical, this toy racer defies all expectations with remarkable attention to detail, excellent track design, and an accessible handling model that still rewards high skill. The racing may be tiny but make no mistake: this game is enormous fun."

[@cole9693]

Damn the attention to detail for the cars are insane, from the kids fingerprint to the air bubbles on the paint

[@robsmall6466]

So..... Do we get that in the PS4 version as well?

[@robsmall6466]

@EmiCubed [GD] Serious question as it's not covered in the review. Do owners of a PS4 or Xbox One have the same details? Am guessing the only difference will be resolution, FPS and lighting. Would like some confirmation

[@jaskirat1999]

@@robsmall6466 of course they do! This isn’t some AAA fps shooter or a graphically intense game. It’s literally just hot wheels haha

[@kozzydreamz]

@@robsmall6466 nope

[@JagsP95]

@@robsmall6466 It's just textures and normal maps so yeah

[@x3no]

It’s always nice when they give the review to someone who is knowledgeable about the genre and an actual gamer

[@lordandroiddystopia5566]

Dude. Absolutely.

[@caseyrice768]

Yeah this guy does all of the racing games for ign, he's a pleasure to listen to

[@PeaceLove69]

Since when has anyone who isn't a "gamer' ever reviewed a game at Ign? You sound ridiculous

[@SidPil]

@@PeaceLove69 you new here?

[@darkJOKESTER1]

Are you able play created tracks?

[@flickering_wick]

"Pedal to the Mattel" "Toy Meets World" Whoever writes this stuff is my hero.

[@mog_3825]

@@jdbruiser "Many people" but not all including yourself. So yes, it's special.

[@ninjascroll1017]

“Die cast and the furious”

[@damedrops8197]

The Deluxo from GTA in the beginning of this video.

[@mog_3825]

@@damedrops8197 No, it's not the Deluxo from GTA V.

[@damedrops8197]

@@mog_3825 They're both based on the Delorean buffoon.

[@spongebobfan78]

The track editor alone already sold me on this game.

[@David-nq8cv]

The BTTF Delorean sold me on it

[@NeedForMadnessAuto]

*Livery Editor FTW*

[@slingshotkurt8474]

@@David-nq8cv ME TOO!!!

[@joseanrodriguez2005]

build track,kitt and delo

[@retrodino1787]

Right. It's a shame level editors are a dying thing. There's so many games that could have one, but don't. Fall Guys comes to mind.

[@Slappaccino]

Luke is the only IGN reviewer that hasn't steered me wrong yet. Gonna have to give this game a go.

[@PRhymeExample]

He seems to be their "Racing Game" guy.

[@alexsilva28]

Lol steered

[@PRhymeExample]

@@alexsilva28 Pun intended lol

[@disappointedvirgil7847]

Why bet against a streak amr?

[@mr.coolio4321]

Yeah, he's the only relevant journalist at IGN.

[@andrewstafford123]

Ok let me be honest; this was one of the BEST reviews you’ve ever done. Not because you praised the game, but you related it to your family and how they play it, which made me want to share it with my family. Great job! Keep that relatability comin!

[@CrewDrastically]

Luke Reilly great reviewer

[@declanruhle2336]

@@CrewDrastically yeah best IGN reviewer for sure

[@xplicitmike]

Yup. Definitely gotta pick this up for the PS5 for some couch coop shenanigans.

[@mooganify]

Well tbh this guy always does the best reviews and they’re always racers lmao

[@francuscaetus]

Same feeling

[@bennettwaisbren]

I'm sitting here just baffled that this amount of effort was poured into a Hot Wheels game. You won't find me complaining though. Just pleasantly unexpected.

[@tomasby7659]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one!

[@bz3086]

Baseballrunner, If only they'd put this much effort into Mario platforming games 🤔

[@zephyr6927]

@@bz3086 ...they do?

[@Elesarr]

This game is literally 10 year old me's dream. Hot Wheels cars racing, track editor... yes please!

[@NogCube]

Same.

[@k1ng_koopa13yt7]

Did y'all not play the toy hot wheels game as a kid for the ps2

[@HorrorWorldx]

The track editor got me very intrigued

[@duffman18]

@@k1ng_koopa13yt7 no, cos Hot Wheels are for kids, which means kids hate them and adults love them. Kids always wanna pretend to be older than they are, so they pretend to hate fun things like hot wheels and pokemon and spongebob. But once they become adults, they realise that that attitude is just silly and daft, and so they just start enjoying things that they like, instead, with no mind as to how mature they make them look. But yeah that's why the Sega mega drive and then later the Sony ps1 succeeded so well. Because they all had "attitude" and were "totally rad" which meant that kids thought these consoles and their games were mature (even though actual adults saw how cynical that advertising theme was, and never saw them as "mature" consoles). The best way to sell something to kids is to market it to adults. Always works. But yeah as a result, you have very young kids into games like this, and you have adults who are into games like this. But there's a big age gap from like age 8 to age 18 where they refuse to play games like these or even admit they enjoy them, because they're scared of being called a baby or a little kid by their friends, even though they ARE little kids.

[@atmywitsend1984]

@@duffman18 Well said. Couldn't agree more.

[@Kevin_M312]

Im so glad games like these are doing great. It's like a big throwback to the PS2 and original Xbox eras.

[@ahmadrafi8087]

Like they using toy races,fast arcadish racing games,and some split screen,CMIIW?

[@kspro7574]

Ps2 one was way better the power ups is what made hotwheels better but now its boring

[@ahmadrafi8087]

@@kspro7574 they just following trend okay,what make hw is best is the orange track,always returning back the roots,custom track,toys to life system in showdown and ID,but yeah power ups what make one game being famous

[@BryanX64]

Gamecube > PS2 and Xbox

[@JesseWhiteman117]

Finally. A arcade racing game with pure fun and wackiness. Sometimes you got to take a break from the realism.

[@dariusroberts4919]

You are so right

[@deziboy5150]

🎯🎯

[@zach7165]

Exactly correct

[@BirdmanVeganFuture]

Trackmania as well. BIRDman 🐥 VEGAN 🐟 Future

[@reinforcedpenisstem]

Other way around. If you're coming to games for realism, you're confused.

[@dhruvholla9090]

This guy is the best mass appeal racing game reviewer

[@LucieOne]

Racing games always get really repetitive to me really quickly, but this looks fantastic.

[@DV-ou1yu]

Life is freaking repetitive lol

[@tropixx_xlr1549]

Maybe because its fast paced fun, and lots of things going on, like f zero gx and rollcage/GRIP

[@pla6ue]

So something that's really repetitive gets boring to you, but something new thats really repetitive looks interesting? Lol ok.

[@ebm4205]

@@DV-ou1yu True we go to work and do the same thing every day lol

[@Tempest10588]

Sounds like you want super powers in real life

[@MalibuRacer102]

Woohoo!! 9/10 let’s go!!!!! So glad this game came out with this kind of quality!

[@pla6ue]

Would have thought you'd want it to get a 7....

[@djtoxicdhg]

@pablo t 90$ for all the content but 90$ well spent if you can aford it tbh

[@thedarkknightman6150]

Do these cars have special abilities in the game like for example Kitt in Knight Rider can he turbo boost and leap over cars

[@papastalin1543]

It's only 20usd in my region

[@superlight1999]

@Fitzy we'll see. To me it's just a better forza horizon 4 because it didn't have anything exactly new except new location and better car sounds.

[@takeshi01]

This is the kind of game the industry needs, games that are actually about having fun, having a strong core that everyone who picks it up could enjoy, simple but entertaining for both kids, teens and adults.

[@efrainovalles5301]

“Barn sized basketballs and boom boxes as big as buildings.” Whoever wrote this is awesome

[@jevonjackson4236]

Top Ten Best Quote Ever

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

I’ve put nine hours into it so far and I’ve never seen a game come even close to the ridiculous level of customization there is in this game it’s awesome

[@dimas44444]

It literally looked like what's inside my imagination when I'm playing with their Hotwheels in my living room back in the days :")

[@NogCube]

Same.

[@scottd7222]

This game is such a gem. Got me back into racers for the first time in 10 years.

[@damitbegone]

Honestly. This reminds me of being a teenager and playing Rush 2049 with my friends. That game was insanely fun and this looks to be something that will bring back that same.. no pun intended, but, rush. Haha.

[@firebolt2775]

Loved all the Rush games on N64!

[@burningknuckle26]

Those games were so fun for some reason 😭

[@SIMIFU]

Im so happy to see the return of arcade style racing. This and Crusin blast are awesome!

[@ahmadrafi8087]

Stunt course and track,crazy vehicle selection,customization,multiplayer system,music which both of this game has it

[@metalmadness6665]

The pc game 20 yrs ago was sick.

[@DBTHEPLUG]

@@AJ-dx6bn no sh!t

[@tchitchouan]

i'd rather play newer games

[@mog_3825]

@@AJ-dx6bn You are so smart. Big genius.

[@gnarly_charley]

It was and it was neat with the outdoor courses

[@Largentina.]

@@tchitchouan That's because you weren't alive when the first one came out.

[@Wildchildinc]

Really hoping they do a World Race & Acceleracers full line up tribute of the main cars

[@itsmeaspara_gus]

with the track editor id hope to play peoples custom levels online. Im tryna see someone recreate the HW Stunt Track Driver tracks!

[@Butterx22]

Yeeeees and World Race 🥳

[@damiennroddy]

@@Butterx22 lets hope we get some acceleracer themed maps!😭

[@fungi265]

And hot wheels beat that

[@darkfrost2222]

Played the HECK out that game as a kid. Would love a race through a backyard garden like the old game :D

[@steelcity4123]

Can we play other people's created tracks?

[@HazimWAE]

no lootboxes/microtransactions in this game is really nice

[@muhammadgheith2492]

well there actually IS lootboxes, you just cant buy them with real currency lol

[@HazimWAE]

@@muhammadgheith2492 still better tho

[@RebelTitan]

it's gonna be epic if they made new cars redeemable when you purchase toys in real life

[@PRhymeExample]

Yes HotWheels has the best chance to implement the "Toys-To-Life" genre and no one would bat and eye at the model. 👍

[@635574]

NFT code inside every car box to claim in game would work.

[@blackmanta2527]

Like Skylanders

[@Nujamper]

You are into something 👀

[@conndor2753]

That actually sounds like an amazing marketing schtick. It's like Webkinz or Tamagotchi. EDIT: or Skylanders, even!

[@j.columbus9240]

My dad was a collector of hot wheels cars, this game reminds me a lot a him. Always telling me the whole difference of cars, he even had the same model but they where different because one was build in Malaysia and the other in Taiwan for example. He would love this one so much.

[@leucifer2]

Never heard a better IGN review. Finally someone the company can hang their hat on. Great job!

[@oberontheparagon5973]

That track editor really reminds me of ModNation Racers back on the PS3, and that's a fantastic system!

[@Tangeni.]

This is an excellent game!, It passed all my expectations of it. Give it up for the creators of this game (Hot Wheels Unleashed). 👏

[@jdbruiser]

Wait, you've played it already?

[@angelserrano9049]

@@jdbruiser a bunch of ppl said they played already and exceeds expectations.

[@thedarkknightman6150]

Do these cars have special abilities for example Kitt in Knight Rider can he turbo boost leep over cars in this game

[@DMPREC0RDS]

@@jdbruiser if you get the ultimate edition you get 3 days early access. I've been playing it all night, it's so much fun!

[@CaptainGameSlayer]

Finally a worthy sequel to the N64 Hot Wheels game from 1999. Looks amazing

[@edddiej8320]

Luke car reviews are always top notch!!!! I’m so glad he reviewed this!

[@VGMR]

We've come a long way since Turbo Racing. I'm glad to see this franchise finally thrive!

[@phatphuk420]

I've never been excited for a hot wheels game until now

[@SupaRush]

Between this and Cruisin' Blast theres some really great fresh arcade style racing games to play now.

[@Matsilagi]

As a HW collector, seeing the details on the redlines and the minis makes me wanna buy it for those alone. Seems like the gameplay is a bonus considering the quality of those virtual minis.

[@TattooGames]

I'm 1 week in. It's hands down the most addictive videogame I've played ever. It's actually what I've always wanted....a grown up version of micromachines. It's a skill game, with strategic boosts, and epic tracks. Gorgeous graphics and an immersive progression system. There's nothing quite like getting 1st place in two new tracks back to back, right before bedtime 🌙. Gaming perfection 🥰.

[@SamBuilds]

I've been having a heap of fun with the Track Editor, it's been a while since we've had a decent track builder on console!

[@divinitymode9364]

My favourite reviewer. Seriously happy this turned out well. Can’t wait :)

[@BrewersArcade]

Considering ordering the Switch version over the PS4 version for portability options. Is there much graphical difference?

[@kassperplus]

This has to be on GOTY list, more excited for this than FH5, this is so fresh

[@randyk_18]

Not even remotely close. 🤦‍♂️

[@williamdunbar2449]

@@randyk_18 dude, what is your problem with hot wheels ? Did you just have a horrible childhood void of fun or something ?

[@glenwarne6492]

This year is not a strong year for games so yea this is on goty list

[@CrewDrastically]

Racing GOTY hopefully

[@kassperplus]

@@CrewDrastically yeah

[@akilclark2827]

Wow I’m impressed. Lots to play so I’m going to grab this on sale.

[@jayh1246]

Don’t be so tight buy it day 1

[@Whirrlz]

@@jayh1246 you and the people who upvoted your comment are weird af. Why you telling people to buy something? It's a rhetorical question because you're just weird.

[@Jamtastic]

@@jayh1246 Lmao why should he, games are rarely worth the full price they charge these days...

[@BigBoyz33]

@pablo t i rather wait for a sale and use some of the money saved on car parts irl. Some of us dont have time to game so why not pick it up when its on sale so you could play it later?

[@themodestpineapple9236]

Yeah no point on buying a game full price if it’s gonna go on sale for half in a few months

[@jacobrichardson1952]

As a Hot Wheels collector since 2001 my childhood is coming back.

[@Bcharlez]

Reminds me of playing Stunt Tack Driver as a kid. Loved that game and love the way this game looks! Really brings me back!

[@earpyde5825]

This honestly looks so fun!

[@Di3gonx_]

Milestone did a dream job! So proud of them, believe one day to work for them as 3D Artist!!

[@neelthewiz]

For someone like me who have grown up playing with Hotwheels, this game is true to its nature & justify the name "Hotwheels" 🔥

[@tjgordon5]

Wow. What a great review for a great game. Need more of this guy for your reviews. Can't wait to play this tomorrow!

[@Distriived]

Brings me back to the many hours spent playing Stunt Track Driver on my computer as a kid.

[@solidarityz6217]

They should definitely do elimination races that would definitely be awesome to see and it would make everyone want to be first and actually try their best to win

[@larryhouse8358]

AMAZING game! Best arcade racer in years (maybe ever!). Graphics and frame rate hold strong playing split screen too. No complaints at all! Decal editor is a little bit confusing. But if you understand the decal editor on Forza Horizon you get an idea of what to expect here, just a learning process.

[@legendofswoop0986]

Thank you so much you just showed me the short cut I've been needing

[@JoeSchaller]

Looks amazing! Even for someone who doesn’t play racing games this much. Is it possible to play the campaign mode in split-screen?

[@wingsofsilver]

An Acceleracers DLC with cars and track editor stuff would complete me. Just imagine a full acceleracers game mode with timer and different teams!! And the finish line being a portal.

[@himangshumahanta5398]

Wow a Milestone game getting 9/10. Definitely picking it up. 👌🏽

[@NeedForMadnessAuto]

@Maccer from the north They did make Gravel in 2018

[@tropixx_xlr1549]

@@NeedForMadnessAuto gravel was awesome

[@meyers0781]

Ride series was amazing though, sports bike simracing series

[@clipsolo]

So cool that they took this and made a great one! So much DLC -options and maybe the future Hot Wheels series toys will have redeem codes etc?

[@AKTheMenace]

Stunt Track Driver and Beat That were always two of my favorite games and this right here, I’ve been waiting years for.. Instant Classic

[@ghivifahmi4252]

Finally something fresh to the racing genre

[@bengejuknowit3048]

Yeah, I've been crying out 4 a proper arcade racer too!

[@rasinshuriken]

Remember modnation racers?

[@wanderer4178]

We need a new Burnout

[@waled7564]

@@wanderer4178 With real cars and need for speed mw 2012 physics

[@CrewDrastically]

@@wanderer4178 Dangerous Driving 2 is in the works

[@stephenz.ridley3192]

Love this reviewer. Always does a great job.

[@liddz434]

The best game reviewer hands down and one of his best reviews yet! Kudos!

[@adrianbelgrave4123]

Wowww.... This might be added to my Racing Collection... Didn't expect that... The attention to detail is amazing

[@jayh1246]

Same here , I’m on series x and have 25 racing games this looks like a worthy collection

[@georgesmith6356]

To think that this game barely got promoted at all and it turns out to be a possible sleeper game of the year

[@jeremyroberts8822]

Right?!! This is the first time I’ve even heard of this game

[@robsmall6466]

Um.... It's been promoted extensively on Push Square, Pure Xbox, Nintendo Life and many more

[@MtbAddict109]

Finally a spiritual successor to F-Zero GX

[@xxbrkdwnxx]

just seeing the track builder and hearing him reference Stunt Track Driver makes this an instant buy for me.

[@thatpalletguy5352]

Been watching reviews on this all day and this is the one to finally make me bite the bullet

[@deathVIAavatar]

I've been looking for an arcade racer that would possibly compete with Sonic All-Stars Racing Transformed. This looks close thanks to the air and magnetic mechanics.

[@derrickshowproductions3010]

You should try the distance It's a really fun platform racer with magnets like ur describing. Just make sure to give the sprint and time trial missions a shot.

[@jamesmcload1137]

One of the best reviews I've ever seen. Truly a 10/10 IGN.

[@Chicken_Rump]

Have this guy do every review. Ever. From here on out.

[@DEVILTAZ35]

What are the 2 different versions of this as far as what they offer though?. There is a significant price difference between the base and deluxe version but very little real info on what you get in the more expensive version over the base?

[@chrisc4843]

They nailed this game from the graphics, controls to gameplay. It’s a fun game especially the drifting!

[@Brutalcel]

Ps plus struck gold on this one

[@Ty-douken]

Hearing this is great is music to my ears! Was really hoping this could take over for that OnRush itch Ives got after Plating it!

[@stepladder3257]

This is why Luke is one of the best reviewers out there

[@peterGchaves]

Wow... This looked great since the first reveals and *IT IS* actually great! 😃 What a time to be alive, added to my wishlist already!!

[@michaelshaffer1201]

Luke is the best reviewer on IGN. Always fair, fun and thorough.

[@rodgyretrogamer3334]

Awesome review and this is a must get for me & my lad... Can't wait 😉

[@ThisLadWayne]

Does the switch version have all the same features and multiplayer?

[@myarmfell0ff]

Well done to Milestone on this one. Considering they're usually the ones behind MotoGP and Ride

[@MexhomieXlll]

The collectors edition is 48.99 on psn atm. Originally 69.99. Im going to get it after watching this review

[@Skull19O1]

Gotta say one of the better reviews ign has had in a long time

[@huzaifaKhan-sv5vs]

how did you unlock the back to the future car??

[@alexyeager7995]

This game could have flopped so hard, glad to see they actually nailed it

[@emmabowen8205]

I'm so pumped for this game, I'm definitely picking it up

[@bengejuknowit3048]

Hope my pre order turns up on time! lol. Well excited now!

[@thedarkknightman6150]

For those that got the game and are playing it do these cars have special abilities like for example Kitt in Knight Rider will kitt be able to turbo boost and leap over cars in this game or no?

[@Embarkation1]

Arcade racer with this much love put into it. I’m really pleased!

[@MiLK-oj3cj]

No Elimination? That was my favorite mode from the old game such a shame won’t be getting it now

[@aidedflyer173]

It can be added on a future update, there's hope

[@fictionforeternity8926]

you can tell the developers loved hot wheels when they we're kids themselves. this makes me want to play hot wheels beat that PS2 again.

[@kenjisakamoto1993]

Regarding unlocking the car, he says in-game currency so do we have to use real life money to buy in-game or can you earn by just playing?

[@Fanchus]

Are you able to upload and play other player's custom tracks???

[@theblindracer6364]

Yeah, nah, mate! Hotwheels Turbo Racing was definitely not a dud. Especially on the N64! 🤔 Most were definitely sub-par though, but this arguably looks to be the best Hotwheels game to date. 🏎

[@kaloifortich4491]

no mention about the music though.

[@yu_uhglee]

went ahead and bought ride 4 too after seeing how well milestone did with this game, cant wait to play 👏

[@RobotPlaysGames]

I’m so glad this turned out well. Can’t wait to play it!

[@stansb37]

10/10 will play because of RD-02! Acceleracers fans!!!

[@angrynerd2103]

Is that the only acceleracers/world race branded car?

[@farhanshameel7810]

Yesssss, Luke Reilly is back, nice to hear him again, best reviewer on IGN

[@GAMECLOSET]

This looks so fantastic! This makes me want a remake of Toy Commander for Dreamcast even more.

[@YosafatNugraha]

Give this reviewer a raise. Other reviewers could learn a thing or two from him, this is how you review games.

[@pnwajs3532]

This looks amazing. There are 2 dlc packs scheduled so far, let's hope those are new maps and modes.Still, it's a must buy for me.

[@iankantrara7756]

There's actually 3 dlc set to come out so far

[@Ninjakiller5776]

1 of the dlc is acceleracers

[@iankantrara7756]

@@Ninjakiller5776 like a dedicated dlc? Would be cool to get a racing drone factory map that is dynamic

[@Jounzey]

Oh my gosh I'm *so* glad it's actually looking to be every bit as great as the marketing looked! I'm ready to return to my childhood days!

[@Kulj_No1]

Always look forward to a Luke racing game review, can't wait for your Horizon 5 review.

[@rainierzx9677]

What should you get it on