Hot Wheels: Beat That! (Wii) Review
A racing game based on miniature vehicles racing around real world locations such as bedrooms, kitchen tables, and so forth is not a new idea. I remember way back when Micro Machines graced the Sega Mega Drive. It may not be a new idea, but it is certainly a nice one. Racing games are perhaps one of the most populated genres on any console, so choosing a good racing game is made even more difficult due to their abundant numbers. So a racing game that tries to spice things up a little bit is bound to set itself out from the crowd. Youd hope so, but it isnt always the case. In Hot Wheels: Beat That, the miniature car theme, which isnt even novel these days, is branded with the Hot Wheels license. Therein might be the problem – a licensed game, an issue I addressed in my Simpsons Game review. The outcome is a decidedly average game that fails to impress on a number of levels. However, whilst the game does do the average thing very well, it doesnt necessarily fall into the abysmal category. Read on to find out the verdict on Hot Wheels: Beat That.
I discussed the apparent problems with licensed games recently, and thus will not do it again. The fact is, for whatever reason you might propose, licensed games are generally of very poor quality. Some are ok, and a rare few are actually really good. HWBT falls into the ok category. Its a playable game and it does entertain at times. Its pretty basic, but that is probably more of a good thing then anything. The reason it doesnt fall into the really good category is because just about every aspect of the game fails to rise above an average quality. Graphics, sound, gameplay, replay value – the whole lot – it is all standard affair with nothing particularly special happening. It is shame really, because it has the foundations of a pretty entertaining racer. With a little more developmental time (effort more likely), HWBT couldnt been much better, but it isnt. Simple as that.
As mentioned, HTBW is a racing game involving miniature cars that can be raced over a few different worlds. Similar to Mario Kart, you can pick up weapons in the game which can be used to your advantage (think rockets, mines, shields, etc). There are only four worlds in the game made up of the bedroom, attic, mini-golf park, and bowling arena. A few more worlds would have been welcomed, but at least what is on offer is varied somewhat. Within each world are four tracks, though because each track is on the same world, they look and feel pretty similar. Basically, each track is just a different route through that world. When beginning the game, you will find that just about everything is locked and must be opened my proceeding through what challenges are open. In each world, you must complete every track on three different modes – quick race, eliminator, and rampage. You can also race through each track in succession in tournament mode. Doing your maths will find that this equates to 17 challenges in each world, which over 4 worlds, isnt a great deal. The quick race mode is just your standard race in which your aim is to come first. Eliminator has the car coming last eliminated every 30 seconds so your aim it to stay in front of at least one other racer until youre the last one standard. Rampage mode sets you up with a time limit in which you need to destroy a certain number of rival racers using your rockets.
On completion of each challenge, you will be awarded with Hot Wheels tokens which are used to open up further challenges. There are also secondary challenges within each race which have you performing tasks such as scoring a certain number of Hot Wheels points (which are achieved through drifting, jumping, and drafting) or finding secret routes. The gameplay itself plays ok. You can race using just the Wii-mote or by using the control stick on the nunchuk. Which mode you use will depend on your preference, but I personally felt I had better control using the nunchuk. Controls are responsive enough and the actual racing is entertaining enough. Its very simple though and offers nothing new in the genre. There are a number of vehicles to choose from, though they all feel and control much the same. The three different play modes allow for some variety in the gameplay, though having to race on each track at least 4 four times (quick race, rampage, eliminator, tournament) becomes a bore and further highlights the need for some more worlds and tracks. There is a decent variety of weapons at your disposal allowing some strategic racing to come into play. One concern I had was with the physics of the game. It was common to find myself stuck behind something that wasnt even really there. It also seemed to easy to be sent airborne resulting in your car just bouncing around as if it were a bouncy ball or something. Not a major problem, though it certainly was strange and detracted from the racing experience.
The multiplayer mode is another disappointment, mainly because it only caters for two players. You can play on any of the tracks using any of the modes in multi-player, which is ok for a while but would have been made better had it allowed for four racers. In this generation of gaming, there seems to be little excuse not to include up to four players in a racing game. For whatever reason, only 2 players can duke it out in HWBT. You can have computer controlled opponents, but we all know that playing with friends is always superior.
Graphically, the game looks incredibly dated and fails to push the Wii to any limits whatsoever. In fact, I dont think HWBT would push the N64 that hard to be honest. The cars lack detail, and suffer from somewhat blocky visuals. The scenic environments are also dull, and although there you can interact with some parts of the environment (e.g., youll find erasers and cards in the bedroom level), everything is a bit bland and boring. The music is very repetitive and whilst the rock tracks fit with the games theme, there isnt enough variety and they loop several times per race, making them annoying after not long. The replay value isnt particularly encouraging either: it wont take you too long to finish each world, though you can try again on harder difficulties. But that isnt really necessary nor will it be likely. A lack of 4 player support hurts as playing though 2 player support at least gives some reason to come back for further play.
Ultimately, HWBT is an average game that is best suited to younger gamers, particulary those who might enjoy the Hot Wheels license. If you can look past the dated graphics, repetitive, uninspired music, and lack of four player support and you will find an ok game. The core gameplay is fun enough and though it offers nothing new and could do with some more polish and more tracks, there is something worth looking at here. Until Mario Kart Wii is released, HWBT offers enough to at least warrant a look for those who really enjoy non-serious racing combined with weapons. It is particular suited to younger children who are sure to be able to look pass the games obvious flaws and enjoy what is good about the game.
