LEGO 2K Drive Review: A Smashing Driving Adventure

LEGO 2K Drive features plenty of racing, side quests, humor, and creativity using the iconic LEGO bricks in a virtual format. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Games, this LEGO adventure gives players the tools to create their own racecars, off-road vehicles, and boats, with plenty of options for wild imaginations to be unleashed. The open-world design features destructible LEGO elements and tons of side objectives and collectibles that make exploration a pleasure, while 2K Drive supplements this with a fun story campaign.

Despite a heavy emphasis on racing, LEGO 2K Drive is actually described by developers as a driving adventure game. Building cars and boats with an endless supply of pieces, minigames, races, exploration, collectibles, and more are each fun in their own way. Put together, 2K Drive delivers a cheerful time for players of all ages.

Related: “It’s Going To Create All Kinds Of Memes” – Developers Discuss LEGO 2K Drive

A Great Gameplay Experience

The main open-world story campaign of LEGO 2K Drive gives players a chance to drive around various biomes of Bricklandia and explore at their own pace. Everything in this world is made from LEGO pieces, which means that nearly everything can be destroyed by running into it, and this chaotic demolition is encouraged as the best way to repair a vehicle. In typical LEGO-game fashion, the NPCs provide a lot of comedic relief, and the entire world is filled with silly things to find through exploration. There are also many collectibles hidden in various areas, which provides completionists with countless engaging hours of searching.

One innovative feature that LEGO 2K Drive has included is that the vehicle being driven will automatically switch between racecar, off-road vehicle, or boat depending on the terrain. This seamless transition can be equally hilarious and satisfying, and makes it fun to drive straight into the ocean or explore off-roading easily without any cumbersome switching mechanics.

Frequently, players will come across minigames and quests from NPCs in the LEGO 2K Drive world. These can include anything from protecting citizens from hordes of malfunctioning robots to racing as fast as possible only to crash into a wall that’s painted to look like a tunnel. Each of these side objectives provides Brickbux and other rewards – sometimes even vehicles – and always includes a large amount of comedy.

Creative-minded players will love the freedom that the Garage allows them in LEGO 2K Drive. In this mode, players can choose from basic frames and then choose from over 1,000 unique LEGO pieces available to build with, for free. Pieces are sorted by type and category and can be painted using dozens of paint options and stickers. Placing the pieces is impressively smooth with the systems in place in the game. Additionally, any player-created vehicle can be used in online multiplayer, but must first be submitted for moderation approval to ensure that the online play is a safe and clean environment.

A Satisfying, Comedic Narrative Campaign

LEGO 2K Drive‘s narrative campaign is fueled by laughs, as players take on the role of Clutch Racington’s newest protégé. He and his robot assistant S.T.U.D. provide the player with helpful hints and tips while giving them race objectives that will progress the story. Ultimately, the goal is to defeat the antagonist of the game, Shadow Z, who will regularly call up the player to taunt them with some classic, amusing LEGO-style insults as they play.

Players will have to earn checkered flags from numerous small-time races throughout each area in order to qualify for the three major LEGO 2K Drive Grand Prix races. After winning these Grand Prix races, they can then move on to the ultimate race: the Sky Cup. Races are fairly straightforward for racing video games with drifting, speed boosts, and obstacles. Similar to Mario Kart games, each track has a theme to it and there are power-ups that can be obtained and used on opponents and rivals throughout the race.

Microtransactions Are Inoffensive

Microtransactions in LEGO 2K Drive give players a wealth of options for cosmetic items such as new vehicles, drivers, and customization options for their vehicles at the in-game store: Unkie’s Emporium. The store uses a currency called Brickbux, which can be earned through playing the game or purchased using real money. Unkie’s Emporium has far more items available than most players will ever be able to earn enough for through playing the game; however, earning enough for a few favorite vehicles and a driver or two doesn’t take very long to accumulate.

Multiplayer Options

LEGO 2K Drive gives players a wonderful single-player campaign and plenty to do alone, but as with many racing games, the game is even more fun when played with friends. There are several options for multiplayer action:

• Local Play: Two-player Splitscreen that gives two players the chance to not only race in the Cup Series and Race modes together, but they can also play co-op through the Story mode.
• Local Play: The Nintendo Switch will allow two players to link up for Local Play with two Switch consoles on the same wireless connection to play together.
• Play With Friends Online: Up to 6 friends can join up online to race around Bricklandia at the same time or play in the Cup Series and Race modes. Crossplay is supported.
• Play With Everyone Online: Race against anyone from around the world. LEGO 2K Drive‘s matchmaking system will put players of similar skill levels together to compete in Cup Series or Race modes.

LEGO 2K Drive may seem like a simple racing game on the surface, but it has surprising depth with its layers of comedy, clever Easter eggs, and creativity. It’s also safe and fun for children and adults alike. LEGO 2K Drive may not be a serious adventure title, but it is certainly a must-play experience for anyone interested in a good time.

LEGO 2K Drive releases on May 19, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. Screen Rant was provided with a PS5 digital download code for the purpose of this review.