Game Review

Lego 2K Drive

There are many things in life we don’t need to fully understand, like why we love Lego games or why they’re so successful even though they often feel similar.

And it’s not just the games; even Lego movies are hits. Movies like *Lego Batman Movie*, *The Lego Movie*, and *Lego DC Comics Superheroes* are great fun to watch. Today, I’m here to talk about a very different Lego game: a racing title called *Lego 2K Drive*. Developed by Visual Concepts, a studio known for wrestling and NBA games, this is a fresh take on the Lego world. I was eager to see how it turned out since this concept isn’t done often.

*Lego 2K Drive* is primarily a Lego game. So, you can expect a child-friendly story, characters, a world made of Lego bricks, and simple gameplay. However, what sets it apart is the inclusion of racing in a semi-open world. Races transition smoothly between land, water, and air. Your vehicle automatically transforms into a boat, plane, or car, depending on the environment. It’s a unique idea handled by Visual Concepts, a studio new to Lego games.

Let’s talk about the game’s story. It’s simple and childlike, much like Lego movies. You play as a racer trained by Clutch Racington, who aims to win the Sky Trophy. The story unfolds through light cinematic cutscenes, with minimal effort put into writing detailed dialogues or a complex plot. While it works for younger audiences, it might not appeal to anyone over 15 due to its overly simple humor.

Gameplay, however, is more enjoyable. There’s a mix of story missions and side quests, all revolving around racing. Story missions focus on Sky Tour races, which unlock as you level up. To progress, you might need to engage in side activities, which can be hit-or-miss.

Side quests include races where you might defend an area, chase aliens, or destroy Lego structures. Other tasks involve using special abilities like launching missiles or webs to slow competitors. These are fun at first but can get repetitive over time due to their abundance on the map.

The semi-open world features four large maps connected by fast travel. Each map is visually distinct, offering colorful and well-designed environments. This variety enhances the experience.

Visually, the game is stunning. It’s arguably one of the best-looking Lego games yet, with vibrant designs, destructible environments, and seamless transitions between land, water, and air. However, the simplicity affects gameplay depth.

Skill isn’t much of a factor here. Unlike more challenging games like *Crash Team Racing*, *Lego 2K Drive* feels forgiving. Races are easy to win, and even if you fall behind, competitors don’t pose a real threat. It feels tailored for kids, maintaining an illusion of competition without real stakes.

Multiplayer is a highlight, supporting up to six players online or two players locally via split-screen. This is an excellent way for kids to enjoy the game together.

One fun feature is the garage, where you can customize cars like Lego sets. Designing your dream vehicle adds a creative aspect to the game.

But is it worth $70? It depends. The game offers a casual, non-competitive racing experience with excellent visuals but repetitive content. It might be better to wait for a subscription service or a discount before buying it.

Rating

7.5/10