Among the barrage of recent video game announcements we have received, the one that has got me the most excited has to be from 2K Games and the LEGO Group as they unveiled the release date of their upcoming AAA driving adventure game, LEGO 2K Drive. The game will be available on May 19, 2023, and is an open-world racing game where players can “build any vehicle, drive anywhere and become a LEGO racing legend.”
LEGO 2K Drive is the first release in a multi-title partnership between 2K and the LEGO Group to develop AAA LEGO Games. So we can definitely expect more games to be announced and released in the coming months and years. This is excellent news for gamers and fans of the colourful building bricks as this will allow us to indulge in our favourite hobbies without taking up too much space in our living spaces to the ire of our spouses and parents.
You can't have an arcade racing game without a spooky map. | 2K
Of course, there also has to be some dinos roaming around. | 2K
At least, there is a map that is somewhat 'conventional.' | 2K
This isn’t the first LEGO racing video game available but it is easily the most ambitious and impressive effort yet. This is developer Visual Concepts’ first go-round at the racing genre as they are more well-known for their sports simulation titles, mainly the NBA 2K and WWE 2K franchises. However, they do promise that LEGO 2K Drive will deliver the best elements of open-world driving and fast-paced competitive racing while introducing a diverse vehicle customisation system.
Similar to most racing games, LEGO 2K Drive will come with a serviceable story where you will journey across the colourful biomes of Bricklandia and compete against charismatic rivals with hopes of one day winning the coveted Sky Cup Trophy. The open world will be filled with racing, minigames, challenges, collectables, things to destroy, and well-known vehicles from LEGO themes like City, Creator, Speed Champions and more. One can only hope that they will also add in vehicles from the DC, Marvel and Star Wars sets.
Sate your hunger for creativity and build a vehicle that you can be proud of. | 2K
This one is for those who prefer more realistic looking vehicles. | 2K
Let us hear that engine roar. | 2K
Now that is a classic! | 2K
Races won't just be on land, there will be races in the water as well. | 2K
However, if that does not happen, I am sure the more creative individuals will find a way to build the vehicles they like from the missing sets. The customisation system features over 1,000 unique LEGO pieces , in addition to a wealth of colour designs, stickers, flairs, and more.
When it comes to the racing side of gameplay, LEGO 2K Drive is influenced by the Mario Kart series as races are fast-paced and action-packed as you will be able to take advantage of unique power-up abilities that can easily supercharge you to the front of the pack. Like the real thing, LEGO 2K Drive is also more fun when you play with others and the game features co-op and competitive multiplayer. You can play the game via local, 2-player split-screen or match with other racers of similar skill levels online.
LEGO 2K Drive looks to be one heck of a fun arcade racer. | 2K
Protect it as much as you want, but your creation is bound to get smashed by rivals. | 2K
Yup! Smashed. Just like that. | 2K
Finally, the game features a collaboration with supercar and hypercar company McLaren Automotive to bring the McLaren Solus GT and McLaren F1 LM into the world of Bricklandia so you can use them to blitz past your opponents.
LEGO 2K Drive will be available for PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch and comes in three editions, Standard, Awesome and Awesome Rivals. The Awesome and Awesome Rivals editions will feature a Year 1 Drive Pass (season pass), which will introduce an all-new biome, in addition to four individual post-launch seasons of Drive Pass content, each with new vehicles and themes.
