When it comes to toy-inspired video games, there’s nothing better than some good old Hot Wheels content. Their latest title, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem, is a bold attempt to capture the adrenaline rush of oversized trucks while still keeping that Hot Wheels fun in mind. Developed by 3DClouds and published by GameMill Entertainment, the game promises flashy stunts, chaotic destruction, and iconic vehicles brought to life. But does it deliver the thrill? Let’s find out!
Simple but fun
The gameplay is simple and you can really get into it right from the start. You take control of a selection of monster trucks from the beloved Hot Wheels brand, performing a series of tricks and destruction challenges across different arenas. The events are divided into categories like Career mode, Destruction challenges, and Boss battles against huge competitors such as Crushzilla. On paper, it sounds like a blast. Who doesn’t love smashing through barriers and flipping through the air in an over-the-top monster truck? However, the excitement tends to wear thin quickly, largely due to repetitive objectives and a lack of variety in execution.
Performing stunts is straightforward, thanks to responsive controls that let you steer, spin, and flip with ease. Trucks have signature moves to spice up the action, triggered after filling a meter through consistent performance. It’s a nice touch, adding a bit of flavor to the core gameplay loop. However, the physics can feel a bit floaty, making landings unpredictable. Sometimes, what feels like a perfect trick ends in a frustrating crash, and the game doesn’t always explain why.
The arenas, while colorful, don’t do much to inspire creativity either. Most challenges boil down to either earning points by performing tricks or destroying as much of the environment as possible. Occasionally, there’s a twist, like requiring specific tricks or defeating a boss using clever maneuvers, but these moments are the exception.
Toys come to life
Visually, Stunt Mayhem leans heavily into its toy origins. Each truck looks like a die-cast replica, complete with a shiny, plastic finish that is undeniably charming. The arenas offer vibrant themes like neon stunt parks and desert scrapyards, but there’s little to distinguish one from another beyond cosmetic changes. After a few hours, the environments start to blend together, leaving you longing for something more dynamic or inventive.
One of the game’s strongest assets is its roster of trucks. Iconic designs like Bone Shaker and Tiger Shark make an appearance, each with unique traits and signature stunts. Unlocking new vehicles and skins provides a mild incentive to keep playing, though it’s not quite enough to mask the lack of depth in the overall experience. The same can be said for the local split-screen multiplayer. It’s a nice feature for casual competition, but the absence of online multiplayer really limits the game’s appeal in the long run.
While Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Stunt Mayhem clearly aims to appeal to a younger audience, its simplicity might leave even kids wanting more after a few sessions. The forgiving difficulty and vibrant presentation make it an accessible pick for family gaming nights, but it doesn’t offer enough substance to keep older players or serious stunt enthusiasts engaged.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, Stunt Mayhem feels like a game that relies too heavily on its brand recognition. It’s fun in short bursts, and its toy-like aesthetic will undoubtedly resonate with Hot Wheels fans. However, the shallow gameplay, repetitive design, and lack of meaningful variety hold it back from being anything more than mediocre. For a franchise with such potential, this game doesn’t quite have the horsepower to deliver lasting memories.
