Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem might just be GameMill's best offering yet. Known for their budget-friendly, kid-focused titles, this game delivers exactly what you'd expect: fun, accessible gameplay, a colorful visual style, and plenty of over-the-top stunts, all wrapped in a modest, budget-friendly package. It's a limited experience in terms of depth, but it still manages to be a solid and enjoyable arcade racer, especially for younger players.

Gameplay: Big Trucks, Bigger Stunts

At its heart, Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem is all about getting into the action quickly and having a good time. With a range of iconic Hot Wheels monster trucks to choose from, players are thrown into vibrant arenas filled with ramps, loops, and destructible elements that allow for plenty of jaw-dropping stunts. The game's arcade-style physics make it easy to pull off ridiculous flips, twists, and massive airtime, even if you're new to racing games. This accessibility makes it perfect for younger players or casual gamers.

That said, the simplicity of the gameplay is both a strength and a limitation. After several races, the repetition starts to creep in as the game doesn't offer much in terms of variety or challenge. While smashing through obstacles and pulling off stunts is undeniably fun, the lack of different modes or more complex objectives makes the experience feel a bit shallow over time.

Visuals: Bright and Bold

Visually, Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem is exactly what you'd expect from a Hot Wheels game: colorful, exaggerated, and full of chaotic energy. The arenas are packed with vibrant tracks, flaming hoops, and destructible set pieces that create a visually dynamic racing environment. The monster trucks themselves are detailed enough to make Hot Wheels fans smile, and the smooth animations help keep the action fast and fluid.

While it may not be a visual powerhouse compared to more expensive games on the Xbox Series X, it looks great for a budget title, and the lively aesthetic fits the game's playful tone perfectly.

Sound: Revving and Roaring

The sound design does a good job of capturing the excitement of monster truck racing. The roar of engines and the crash of smashing through obstacles keeps the action feeling intense. The game's soundtrack, which features rock-infused tracks, helps keep the energy high, even if it's not particularly memorable. It gets the job done, contributing to the fast-paced nature of the game without ever standing out too much.

Fun for Kids: Limited But Enjoyable

Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem knows its audience well. This is a kids' game through and through, and it doesn't try to be anything more than that. The gameplay is straightforward, the controls are easy to grasp, and the bright, engaging visuals make it a blast for younger players. It's a game made on a budget, but it was also released at a budget price point, and for what it aims to be, it does a great job.

However, for older players or those looking for a bit more complexity, it might fall short. The limited variety of modes and challenges, combined with the relatively low difficulty, means that the game doesn't have much longevity for more experienced gamers. But for its target audience, this won't be much of an issue.

Final Thoughts: GameMill's Best Yet?

Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem is perhaps GameMill's best game to date. It's fun, accessible, and has enough charm to keep younger players entertained for hours. Yes, it's a limited experience, but it's also one that knows what it wants to be: a lighthearted, budget-friendly game that's all about having a good time. And in that sense, it succeeds.

While it doesn't offer the depth or polish of higher-budget racing games, its simplicity and ease of play make it a solid pick for kids or anyone looking for a quick, fun, stunt-filled racing experience.

Reviewed by: David Cameron