REVIEW: Hot Wheels Let’s Race™: Ultimate Speed (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed from Bamtang Games and GameMill isn't trying to be the next Forza or Gran Turismo. It's loud, colourful, and proudly aimed at the younger crowd who already adore the Netflix series it's based on. And in that regard, it mostly succeeds.

The first thing that hits you is how slick everything looks. The bright, looping tracks feel like they've been pulled straight off a living room carpet and dropped into a video game. Each course pops with colour, wild shapes, and over-the-top jumps that make even adults grin the first few times around. The cars themselves, from classics like the Super Twin Mill to the daftly charming Duck N' Roll, look fantastic and all have their own distinct handling quirks. It's the kind of game where even just picking your vehicle feels fun.

The handling is pure arcade. You'll be drifting around corners with ease, collecting flames, and boosting through loops before you know it. It's very forgiving, which makes sense given the target audience, but there's still a nice sense of speed and flow once you get the hang of it. Boss battles are a neat surprise too, especially when you're racing a giant cobra or dodging a fire-breathing dragon. They bring a bit of spectacle to the usual lap racing formula and help break up the action.

Track Builder mode is another highlight. It lets players create their own chaotic circuits filled with loops, jumps, and tight corners. It's not particularly complex, but it gives kids the freedom to make something that feels like their own. Add in four-player split-screen and you've got a setup that's perfect for family sessions, especially when siblings are involved.

Of course, it's not all perfect. If you're an older gamer hoping for a deep, skill-based racer, you'll be disappointed. The AI is simple, the challenges are fairly easy, and the whole experience is built to be accessible rather than demanding. There's also the fact that, outside of the Hot Wheels branding, it doesn't do much that's new. You've probably seen all these ideas before in other arcade racers, just dressed in different colours.

Still, that's not really the point. This is a kids' racer that does exactly what it sets out to do. It looks great, plays smoothly, and keeps little players entertained for hours. The £30+ price tag might raise an eyebrow for parents, but considering the quality and the tie-in appeal, it's hard to complain too much.

For younger players, Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is fast, flashy, and genuinely fun. For everyone else, it's a charming but forgettable detour.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Xbox, PS5 and Switch

https://amzn.to/4qslOVi

REVIEW: Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi (2025 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi is a 2025 fantasy adventure from MarsLit Games, inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli and Studio Chizu. The game tells the story of Lili, who has no wish to follow her late mother's path as a Guardian, and Sadi, a Monk-in-training who believes their traditional partnership is the only way to stop the spreading corruption of the Void. Their reluctant alliance takes them across Atarassia, a world filled with corrupted shrines, dangerous monsters, and spirits waiting to be freed.

The narrative builds on themes of loss and reluctant duty, with Lili's grief and hesitation clashing against Sadi's belief in tradition. Their journey is framed through dungeons that combine puzzles, combat, and exploration. Players are encouraged to use both Guardian melee abilities and Monk magic to progress, with enemies and challenges often requiring both to overcome. The partnership is central to the design, and when it works, it gives a satisfying sense of cooperation and growth between the characters.

The visual style is one of the strongest aspects of Altheia. Its hand-painted look and expressive character designs capture the charm of the animation studios it draws from, giving Atarassia a rich and memorable atmosphere. The story has appeal too, offering emotional weight while still leaving room for moments of lightness and hope. Unfortunately, the technical side holds it back. Bugs are common, sometimes leaving players stuck without clear direction, and the control system often feels unintuitive. These issues are frustrating in a game so focused on dungeons and puzzles, where precision and flow are essential.

Sound design also needs more refinement. While the music supports the mood well enough, sound effects are inconsistent, with some environmental noises far too loud and others barely noticeable. These imbalances, combined with control and stability problems, make the experience feel rougher than it should be so close to release.

There is clear potential in Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi. The idea of pairing a Guardian and Monk to fight against the Void is strong, and the world itself is beautifully presented. Right now though, the game feels unfinished. Unless the upcoming update addresses the bugs, improves the controls, and balances the audio, it risks disappointing players who are drawn in by its promise. It is a fantasy adventure with a lot of heart and a striking style, but one that urgently needs polish to reach its full potential.

Fingers crossed for a nice big day one update.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1638160/Altheia_The_Wrath_of_Aferi/