Review by Jon Donnis
Tie-in games don't always have the smoothest track record, but Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions makes a solid attempt at bucking the trend. Released alongside the animated film GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, and celebrating 50 years of Germany's Europa-Park, this cheerful kart racer brings two of the park's well-known mascots into a fast-paced, family-friendly spin across Europe.
The game lets you pick from eight playable characters, including Ed and Edda, each with their own vehicles, strengths and quirks. That makes the choice of driver more than just cosmetic. Some racers feel nimbler, others heavier but harder to knock off track, and that variation keeps things reasonably fresh across the different race modes. There's a basic but decent mix on offer: standard races, point-based competitions, time trials and the full Grand Prix circuit.
Visuals are bright, punchy and colourful (They do feel a little last generation though). Each track is themed around recognisable European landmarks, and though the detail isn't exactly stunning, it works well for the game's tone. It's clearly aimed at a younger audience, but not in a way that excludes older players from getting something out of it. The music's catchy too, and the general presentation is polished and lively enough to feel welcoming.
The game's strongest point is its simplicity. If you've ever played a kart racer before, this one won't take long to learn. Drift, boost, pick up power-ups, dodge hazards, then try to hold your position until the final lap. It's easy to get into, especially with the option for up to four players in local multiplayer. That mode alone adds a lot of value for families, especially younger kids who just want a quick and silly race with familiar characters.
That said, the simplicity is also part of the problem. For all the charm, Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions doesn't really bring anything new to the table. The boost system leans a little too heavily on endgame bursts, which means most races come down to timing your final sprint rather than outdriving the competition. For younger players, that's not necessarily an issue. For anyone older or more experienced, it gets predictable fast.
There are also some noticeable performance hiccups. Frame rate drops do show up, which is frustrating on a console release, especially one priced at £34.99. Considering there are free kart racers offering similar gameplay, the price feels steep unless you or your kids are already invested in the GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE film or Europa-Park itself.
Still, for what it is, the game does a decent job. The tie-in angle is niche, especially outside of Germany, but if the film lands well, there's every chance kids will want to jump in and play as characters they've just seen on screen. It's a colourful, well-intentioned racer with a few technical stumbles and a price tag that could use a second look.
Ed & Edda: GRAND PRIX – Racing Champions won't knock Mario Kart off its podium, but as a themed kart racer for younger players, it crosses the finish line without too many bumps. A few updates could smooth it out further. For now, it's a decent if slightly overpriced entry in a crowded genre.
I score it a safe 7 out of 10.
Pre-Order from Amazon now at https://amzn.to/3UcSIdK
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