LEGO and racing games? It might seem like an odd pairing, but after three decades of Mario Kart dominance, LEGO 2K Drive emerges as a refreshing and surprisingly robust contender in the all-ages racing genre. While initial impressions might suggest another Nintendo clone, 2K Games has crafted a unique experience drawing inspiration from various successful racing titles while retaining the signature LEGO charm and humor. This game isn’t just a pile of familiar bricks; it’s a well-constructed, engaging racing experience.
This open-world racing adventure takes players on a journey through Bricklandia, striving to conquer the Sky Cup Grand Prix and become the ultimate racing champion. The path to victory involves competing in three Grand Brick Arenas, preceded by numerous races against rivals across diverse open-world environments. From the mining town of Prospecto Valley to the spooky Hauntsborough, each location offers ample opportunity for exploration, discovering races, and completing various tasks. Progression hinges on leveling up, achieved by tackling challenges that range from delivering flowers to rescuing townsfolk from robot cowboy invasions.
A LEGO car racing off-road.
The core of any great racing game lies in its mechanics, and LEGO 2K Drive shines in this department. Races are fast-paced and exhilarating, offering a genuine sense of accomplishment with each victory. Power-ups and strategically placed shortcuts keep the competition tight, ensuring a comeback is always within reach. However, this dynamic can be a double-edged sword. While it prevents complacency in the lead, it can also lead to frustratingly close losses, especially when opponents exploit the seemingly overpowered boost function in the final moments. These near-misses, though a common trope in kart racers, can feel a bit less earned in LEGO 2K Drive than the strategically devastating blue shell in Mario Kart.
A unique feature of LEGO 2K Drive is the seamless vehicle transformation. Players control three different vehicle types simultaneously: a standard car, an off-road vehicle, and a boat. Transitions between these forms occur automatically, adapting to the terrain, creating a fluid and dynamic racing experience. Unlocking new builds through races allows players to customize their loadouts, optimizing their vehicle combinations for different locations.
A player customizing a car in the LEGO 2K Drive garage.
Embracing the LEGO spirit, the game offers extensive customization options. While several pre-built vehicles are available, players can modify existing designs or create entirely new vehicles brick by brick. Unlockable decorative items further personalize creations, offering endless possibilities for creative builders. The depth of the building mechanics might be overwhelming for some, but it holds great potential for imaginative players to showcase their unique designs.
Two commentators in LEGO 2K Drive.
The signature LEGO humor remains intact, with groan-worthy puns and over-the-top gags permeating the storyline and character names, adding to the game’s lighthearted charm. While the all-ages humor might not resonate with everyone, it undeniably contributes to the overall LEGO experience.
LEGO 2K Drive is a testament to the enduring appeal of the LEGO brand, skillfully blending elements from various racing games to create a fun and engaging experience. While occasional losses can feel somewhat unfair and the building mechanics might be daunting for some, these minor shortcomings don’t detract from the overall enjoyment. LEGO 2K Drive is a worthy addition to the racing genre, offering a brick-built adventure that will satisfy racing fans and LEGO enthusiasts alike.
Rating: 4 out of 5
LEGO 2K Drive is available now on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. A code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review, and it was reviewed on an Xbox Series X.
