Are you petrol headed gamer? Well strap in, because it’s going to be a fantastically plastic ride! LEGO and Visual Concepts have joined forces to create 2K LEGO Drive – the latest installment in the ever popular LEGO video game franchise. In my experience, each LEGO game is as charming as the next, transporting players into its colourful and intricate worlds, and 2K LEGO Drive is no exception.
As GOA‘s resident petrol head, you can only imagine the excitement I felt the moment I stepped into the game. The soundtrack combined with the stunningly fun visuals makes this game an absolute treat for any adrenaline junky gamer. Everywhere you look , the games brick-based genius is a treat to the senses. 2K LEGO Drive oozes charisma in not only its incredibly intricate and exciting world, but in the stories behind the minifigs scattered across Bricklandia. I have never felt more compelled to assist pieces of virtual plastic in my life!
Players embark on an exciting journey alongside the resident minifig, Clutch Racington, as you navigate roads, hills, and even rivers in LEGO 2K Drive. Prepare to encounter and surpass new rivals, construct an array of vehicles, and aim for the ultimate victory of earning the Skycup Trophy. Players engage in races, minigames, challenges, and collectibles to earn XP and progress through the story to become Skycup Champion and take on the notorious no-good champion, Shadow Z. Simplistic and full of the signature cheek we have come to love from LEGO, it’s a whimsical and entertaining racing adventure like no other!
While it delivers thrilling races as expected, it goes way beyond that by offering players the freedom to explore vast LEGO worlds, collect parts, and upgrade their cars. LEGO 2K Drive mixes the open world driving we have come to love in titles like Forza Horizon, and the racing style of Mario Kart.
There are four maps and biomes to unlock as you progress through the games main story, each with a distinct personality. In Turbo Acres, Big Butte, Prospecto Valley and Hauntsborough, you can play, race, and explore to your hearts content! As a more “experienced” gamer, I did find that each area contained a repetitive pattern of levelling up and continuation of the story, however I can see how this predictive nature would benefit a child playing this game. On that note of children, ensure that your account settings are updated to require a password to make in-game purchases. it is extremely easy to access the shop within the game. The shop also includes a game pass, which allows you to access exclusive content that the game intends to release over the next year. If it’s worth the cost, on that I am unsure.
Your victories will depend on an intricate balance between timely powerups during the race and how you tune your vehicles. Don’t be fooled by the bright colours, the amount of customisations possible in the garage is outstanding. Players could spend countless hours making the wackiest, coolest LEGO brick vehicles, even Brickman would be proud! Once you’re happy with your design you can then tune it to your liking, which lends into the strategic racing element of the game.
What sets this game apart from its predecessors, is the refreshing take on the popular Lego destruction and exploration mechanics seen in titles like Lego City Undercover and Lego Dimensions. When changing terrain types, your vehicle changes too! Popping in and out of off-road, racing and even an aquatic vehicle is seamless, and you can even customise your vehicle loadout in the menu. Once you have settled on a loadout, there is nothing more satisfying than speeding through Bicklandia, being showered in bricks as you collide with various temporary environmental elements and even minifigs!
One of the standout features for me in LEGO 2K Drive is its accessibility, in particular for young players. The game’s intuitive controls and user-friendly interface make it easy for even a 4-year-old to navigate and enjoy. Children will be thrilled to join in on the racing action, experiencing the joy of speeding through colourful LEGO worlds alongside their favorite characters (or family member). Both my daughters played the game, and were elated at every twist and turn speeding at full speed through Bricklandia! Needless to say, they have a long way to go before they get their IRL licenses!
LEGO 2K Drive is out today and is available on current and last-gen consoles. The game’s standard edition is priced at $89.95 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One and $99.95 on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. There’s also a more expensive “Awesome Edition” for $149.95 that includes addition in game items and pre release content.
This game is an exceptional pick for family-friendly racing enjoyment. So gather your loved ones, gear up for an exhilarating adventure in the dynamic and lively universe of LEGO 2K Drive!
