LEGO 2K Drive – Game Review

Building the Ultimate Racing Adventure

For decades, LEGO has captured our hearts with its video games, whether through original creations like LEGO Island or even Bionicle titles, or through third-party licenses like Star Wars and DC Comics. However, most of these games have stuck to a similar formula, based on exploration and action. Luckily, in recent years, LEGO has shown an interest in developing games from different genres, such as LEGO Bricktales, LEGO Brawls, and today’s featured game: LEGO 2K Drive.

LEGO’s big leap into racing

Developed by the sports game experts at Visual Concepts alongside 2K, LEGO 2K Drive offers a wide variety of gameplay modes that cater to both casual racing fans and seasoned enthusiasts. From thrilling races to off-road challenges and even stunt-filled trials, there’s something for everyone, including those who prefer exploring the vast open world the game provides.

The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing for precise handling and satisfying drifts. The inclusion of power-ups and items during races adds an extra layer of excitement, making each race a dynamic and unpredictable experience. Borrowing the best elements from various racing titles, such as a sense of speed, diverse terrains, and quirky items, LEGO 2K Drive delivers a varied and entertaining gameplay experience.

A whole LEGO world to explore

While LEGO 2K Drive doesn’t focus heavily on storytelling, it provides a framework for progression. Players embark on a journey to become the ultimate LEGO racing champion, unlocking new vehicles, tracks, and challenges along the way. The story elements are lighthearted, serving more as a backdrop to the gameplay than a driving force. Although the characters can feel a bit over-the-top at times, their charisma is undeniable. There are plenty of side stories to uncover, some of which are genuinely entertaining.

That said, the game offers an extensive world to explore, meticulously crafted with LEGO’s signature charm. As expected, you’ll find hidden collectibles scattered throughout. Additionally, a wide range of events is spread across the map. These varied events help break the monotony of exploration and racing, providing plenty of fun. On top of that, LEGO 2K Drive also includes different mini-games for group enjoyment.

But I just want to race…

Those who prefer a more “classic” experience need not worry. In addition to the story mode with its open world, LEGO 2K Drive also features additional modes. In the “Cup Mode,” players can take part in a series of races and compete in a tournament. There’s also the option to race individually at any time. So, if you just want to jump into a quick race or two, this is an option without needing to unlock any tracks. Of course, this means missing out on much of the content, such as the side events.

Brick by brick vehicle creation

LEGO 2K Drive wouldn’t be a LEGO game without a building system. One of the main attractions of the game is the vehicle-building feature. As you progress, you’ll unlock different pre-built vehicles. However, you’ll also unlock new pieces to create your own custom builds. Depending on the parts you use, the stats and functions of your vehicle will be affected. It’s important to consider the type of vehicle you’re building and not let your imagination run completely wild—though that’s sometimes hard to resist.

A particularly welcome feature is the Creator Hub, which allows players to share their creations with the community. This way, everyone can share and download vehicles made by other players. If your imagination is running low, you can always check out others’ creations! Alternatively, you can look into the available DLCs or the Drive Pass, which unlocks content over time. That said, it’s worth noting that the game offers plenty of content without requiring additional purchases.

Exquisitely and “Cubically” crafted

Visually, LEGO 2K Drive is a delight. The LEGO aesthetic is beautifully recreated, with vibrant colors, intricate details, and a charming blocky art style that captures the essence of the LEGO universe. The environments are diverse and well-designed, from bustling city streets to lush green countryside landscapes. The attention to detail in the vehicle designs is commendable, with every LEGO piece meticulously placed. On next-gen consoles and mid-to-high-end PCs, the game runs smoothly, maintaining a stable frame rate even during intense races to ensure an immersive and visually pleasing experience.

The sound design, while not groundbreaking, is solid. The sound effects are generally good, though the soundtrack isn’t particularly memorable. The game features energetic and lively voice acting, adding even more charisma to the characters, who already shine thanks to their animations.

Conclusion

In summary, LEGO 2K Drive is a solid racing game that captures the essence of the LEGO universe while offering an entertaining and immersive racing experience. With its variety of game modes, polished graphics, and adequate sound design, it provides hours of fun for players of all ages. While it may not revolutionize the racing genre, it certainly stands out as a valuable addition to any LEGO fan’s collection.

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