Christmas may be behind us, but the gift-giving continues on the Epic Games Store as Hot Wheels Unleashed is available for free for one day only. This exhilarating racing game, based on Mattel's iconic line of collectible toy cars, invites players to relive their childhood nostalgia and indulge their competitive spirits.
Originally released in 2021 by Italian developer Milestone, known for their detailed motorsport titles, Hot Wheels Unleashed surprised both critics and fans. Merging the fantastical track designs and distinct cars of the Hot Wheels brand with fast-paced racing action, the game has garnered attention as one of the few racing titles to capture its audience's affection. Currently boasting a "Fair" rating on OpenCritic, review highlights focus on the pleasant nostalgia attached to the childhood experience of playing with Hot Wheels, with many saying it’s genuinely fun.
The game typically retails at $39.99, but as part of the holiday promotion, players can download it for free on the Epic Games Store until December 28, 2024. For those who sip their coffee at the Xbox tables, the sequel is also available on Xbox Game Pass, so there are plenty of options across platforms.
According to Video Game Chronicle, Hot Wheels Unleashed presents various features, including unique vehicle designs and expansive track-editing capabilities. Users can create their own imaginative courses filled with loops, obstacles, and boosts. It's this unique element of player creativity, mixed with vibrant graphics, that's managed to charm so many users.
Polygon's reviewer, upon the game's release, recommended it for players seeking both nostalgia and thrill. They noted, "It is pure fun, bringing back the joy of playing with Hot Wheels but with fast-paced racing and wild, vibrant tracks." This sentiment validates the game’s appeal, especially for adults who enjoyed racing toy cars as children.
Sadly, the launch for Hot Wheels Unleashed hasn’t been without controversy. Following the announcement of the free offer, users flocked to the Epic Games Store, only to encounter frustrating technical difficulties. Many players reported issues such as internal server errors and notifications stating, "Sorry, you have been blocked," when attempting to claim their free copy.
From the player support site, it is clear Epic Games is aware of the difficulties, stating, "We are investigating the problem." Many users have noted their experiences mirrored each other, stressing the challenge they faced when trying to claim their copy. One player recounted, "I was unable to close the Epic Games Store launcher when this occurred. Instead, I had to manually restart the device." Such technical complications, coupled with the excitement surrounding the game, have raised concerns over reliability during these promotional windows.
The festival of free games is scheduled to continue through to January 1, 2025. Aligning with this timeline, numerous titles have already become available, including The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, Control, and Ghostrunner 2. With the next free game yet to be disclosed, users are left wondering what will come after Hot Wheels Unleashed.
Despite the current server issues, the excitement around Hot Wheels Unleashed highlights the general appeal of such nostalgic games. A Steam reviewer articulated this point succinctly, saying, "This game is made solely to sell toys; the last games in the Hot Wheels series have had some of the most mid reception since the Commodore 64." This perspective reflects the mixed sentiments within some gaming communities but cannot overshadow the widespread joy the game continues to deliver.
With only hours left to capitalize on this unique opportunity before it disappears, gamers should be sure to download Hot Wheels Unleashed from the Epic Games Store. Unfortunately for those facing issues, the question remains whether Epic Games can resolve the situation swiftly enough to allow users to enjoy their free game without hindrance.