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We have good news for fans of racing games and childhood nostalgia alike, as Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is officially on the horizon. In an announcement from Mattel and developer Milestone, details of the new kart racer were unveiled, along with a cinematic trailer, and a release date for consoles and PC set for October 19, 2023.
The sequel comes two years after Milestone’s original Hot Wheels Unleashed, which released to generally favorable reviews from critics. GameSpot’s Hot Wheels Unleashed review gave the game a 7/10, praising its fluid gameplay and car variety, while criticizing the variety of its set pieces.
Milestone has said that Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged will include “greater diversity of vehicles and environments,” including–if the trailer is any indication–off-roading (or, in this case, off-tracking) through rugged outdoor terrain. They have also added two new gameplay mechanics: “Dash,” which can be used to dodge incoming objects or ram opponents off the road, and “jump,” which can help “uncover hidden shortcuts” and “discover new track sections.” Motorcycles and ATVs will also be making their debut in the 130-vehicle starting roster, though it’s unclear if–or how–the handling of these will differ from the more traditional, four-wheeled options.
The Track Editor tool from the first game, where players can create original racetracks from scratch, will be returning in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, as well. According to Milestone, there will be an even deeper wealth of options this time around, including a number of new features that “increase the diversity of player-generated tracks.” Cross-platform sharing of user-generated content is set to be available from day one.
While the original game received some criticism for its lack of play modes, Milestone has promised “a variety of new game modes” in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, including “events that push drivers’ skills to the limit or teach them how to master the art of drifting and avoiding crashes with speed and precision.” Two-player split screen mode is back, as well, though this time with “the ability to create a party with friends and the addition of cross-play.” Cross-play will not be available on Nintendo Switch.
One of the most notable new additions in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a more in-depth story mode, featuring four original characters whose backgrounds and personalities “will be presented through animated cutscenes that immerse racers in a captivating narrative…” Whether these character are normal-sized humans playing with toys, or themselves exist in 1/64 scale, remains to be seen.
