One uncommon sort of licensed
videogame is the game that features multiple licensed properties at the same
time. Nintendo’s “Super Smash Brothers” series is at its core not like these
games, at least until they began adding characters and series from other
companies. Bandai-Namco’s “Super Robot Wars” is a more textbook example, with
its mashing multiple mecha anime into a single game narrative. While not
impossible, such games are even rarer in Western markets due to more stringent
licensing issues between IPs. Many were surprised with the recent announcement
of “Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl.” Now, even Mattel is getting into the groove
with a videogame featuring its die-cast “Hot Wheels” toys.
IGN tells us that a new videogame based on the Hot Wheels die-cast
toy car line from Mattel is coming to multiple platforms this coming September.
Developed by Italy-based Milestone Team, “Hot Wheels Unleashed” is a frantic
high-speed stunt-racing game much in the vein of similar gimmick racers like
those created by Nintendo. While at first look it might only imply that the
game will feature CG recreations of vehicles depicted in Hot Wheels over the
decades, it does have some licensed franchises increasing their available rides
for the players.
As seen in the trailer above, “Hot
Wheels Unleashed” has some interesting additions to its racing garage. Fans
from the 1980s will appreciate having AI-powered supercar K.I.T.T. from “Knight
Rider” as a selectable vehicle, or the DeLorean time machine from “Back to the
Future.” Cartoon viewers will go “Cowabunga!” at the sight of the Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Party Wagon/Turtle-van, and for more oldie content Snoopy
is also present with his hot-rod doghouse. Of course, being Hot Wheels there
are some toy replicas of actual real-life cars in there, from the 1932 Ford
Deuce to the limited-edition 2020 Koenigsegg Jesko.
Much like most racing videogames
in this vein, players of “Hot Wheels Unleashed” would probably start their new
games with a limited initial pool of cars, with more being unlocked by racing
through all game modes, in fantastical environments such as a full-scale home interior.
There is even the possibility that more cars will be added via DLC. Hot Wheels
enthusiasts can probably check out more once “Hot Wheels Unleashed” is released
on September 30, for PlayStations 4-5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo
Switch, and on Steam or Epic Games Store for PC gamers.
Image courtesy of Echo Boomer
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