Hot Wheels: Rift Rally
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Racing, cars, toys, augmented reality, for 2 players, splitscreen, multiplayer, singleplayer, hot seat
OpenCritic
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.
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).
Technical aspects
Hot Wheels: Rift Rally uses AR technology; the virtual elements shown on the screen are colorful, cartoonish and appealing.
Videos and Screens
[1:08] Hot Wheels: Rift Rally trailer #1
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.
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.
ZTGD: 7 / 10 by Ken McKown
I love a lot of what Rift Rally is offering. There is a healthy amount of content and the setup is fairly painless. It is worth mentioning though this is not a cheap entry. The standard edition clocks in at $130 which feels steep for those only mildly interested. There is also a Collector’s Edition that comes with a special RC car, a Hot Wheels Die-Cast car, and a special unlockable car in the game for $150. The price is fair, but be sure you have the interest and more importantly the space before diving in. It is a ton of fun and my son and I had a blast checking it out (outside the cat interference of course.)
Hot Wheels: Rift Rally Summary
Platforms:
PlayStation 5
PlayStation 4
Apple iOS
Developer: Velan Studios
Publisher: Velan Studios
Age restrictions: none
