Hot Wheels: Rift Rally

Release Date: March 31, 2023

Racing, cars, toys, augmented reality, for 2 players, splitscreen, multiplayer, singleplayer, hot seat

7.5

OpenCritic

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An augmented reality racing game. Hot Wheels: Rift Rally has us control a real RC car, driving around any area, shown on the screen as a track filled with turns, obstacles and power-ups.

Videos and Screens

[1:08] Hot Wheels: Rift Rally trailer #1

7.5

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 63% of Critics. There are 5 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Screen Rant: 4 / 5 by Deven McClure

At a $129.99 price point - or $149.99 for the Deluxe edition - Hot Wheels: Rift Rally may not be worth the investment for those without ample course space, particularly because making varied track layouts is a big component of keeping the game interesting long-term. However, the title's incredibly varied campaign and diverse environments pull a lot of weight in this regard as well, and the way it manages to transform a room is truly impressive. For any long-time fans of the toy brand or players looking for a new kind of racing experience, Hot Wheels: Rift Rally is a perfect fit.

Full Review

Video Chums: 8 / 10 by A.J. Maciejewski

I'm delighted with what Hot Wheels Rift Rally has to offer and it's by far the most enjoyable mixed reality gaming experience that I've played yet. Whether you're a fan of Hot Wheels or just want to build race courses around your home, you'll have a great time with it.

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PlayStation Universe: 7 / 10 by Timothy Nunes

Hot Wheels Rift Rally brings a lot of interesting ideas to the mixed reality formula, maximizing its potential despite its limitations. Nonetheless, the cost involved coupled with camera spatial issues and real world demands for playing the game all come together to create a deeply niche product.

Full Review

Hot Wheels: Rift Rally is a racing game making use of Augmented Reality. It was developed by Velan Studios, also responsible for Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit using the same kind of technology.

Mechanics

Hot Wheels: Rift Rally is played with the use of a real, remote-controlled toy which can move in a chosen area (like a room or a frontyard) serving as a track. The car, Chameleon, comes with an installed camera, letting us view it from behind (TPP) as we play.

During the game there are virtual elements overlaid onto the track, such as turns, additonal obstacles and decorations, boosters and other power-ups. Chameleon itself represents one of over 140 available machines, including brand new cars and cars already known to Hot Wheels fans. The player can also customize their colors to suit their preferences.

Game modes

Hot Wheels: Rift Rally offers two primary gameplay modes. The first is the campaign, during which we must set up special checkpoints (Rift Gates) around the area to create a track before participating in various racing challenges (as well as more unusual challenges, such as fighting monsters or destroying robots wandering around the track). The second mode is the stunt module, letting us freely drive around the area performing various stunts, such as one-wheel driving, drifting or burnout. During subsequent challenges we can show off our skills and unlock better cars.

The game suppors singleplayer, co-op (with players taking turns behind the virtual steering wheel) or competitive racing for up to four people (each of whom must own their own Chameleon).