For whatever reason, Lego games are back. Not that we’re complaining. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. In years past, the games became shadows of their former selves, with the higher-ups pumping out as many movie tie-in games as it possibly could. The Lego Movie Videogame, really? That changed when The Skywalker Saga launched in 2022, switching out the stale formula for something fresh. That mindset is seemingly sticking around for Lego 2K Drive, releasing on; PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X. Oh, and the Nintendo Switch.
Lego 2K Drive takes a few of our favourite things; Burnout Paradise, Mario Kart and… well, Lego, and melds them into one glorious-looking game. The open world of Paradise, the power-ups (and subsequent ending of friendships) of Mario Kart, and Lego’s “unprecedented cultural impact.” Their words, not ours.
The Fast and the Furious
We’re actually rather surprised that it took the brickmaker as long as it has to bring out another fully-fledged racer. The last, Lego Racers, was released over 23 years ago. Lego has formed a partnership between 2K, bringing with it Visual Concepts, the developers behind the NBA and WWE 2K games. Why 2K? Your guess is as good as ours.
2K Drive isn’t just a racing game. There’s a main story, which pits players against other racers across the open-world map of Bricklandia’s many biomes to eventually win the Sky Cup trophy. Those looking to hone their skills or wander aimlessly throughout Bricklandia can do so, with challenges, minigames, and collectibles dotted across the seemingly vast map.
If a straight-up Mario Kart sim is what you’re after, don’t fret. It’s here, and it’s available through standard online play or local multiplayer. 2K hasn’t forgotten the lost art of couch split-screen play either. Online, local, or couch co-op are available too.
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Whether it’s story or online racing you’re after, the game promises a “diverse customization system” that’ll allow players to build their cars using the over 1,000 unique pieces at their disposal. To drive home that fact, the trailer showed off players driving around in chickens, tortoises, and burgermobiles (we’re not joking). We’re sure that 2K’s odd designs will pale in comparison to those that the community thinks up once the game releases in a couple of months.
Speaking of which, Lego 2K Drive is coming to consoles sooner rather than later, on 19 May. Anyone that pre-orders any of the three editions available will unlock three days of early access. Each edition that stretches beyond the standard edition comes with extras that… add stuff. Whether you think it’s worth the R2,140 price tag (on PlayStation), is up to you.
