Every time I play a new “kart” racing game, I'm always disappointedly surprised at the lack of innovation within the genre—and Lego 2K Drive is nothing new in that respect. Every drift around a corner, every boost off a ramp, I had the same thought: I've played this game before. You've, undoubtedly, played this game before. This is Mario Kart. This is Crash Team Racing. This is Garfield Kart.
The humour in Lego 2K Drive does feel a little bit more juvenile than your standard Lego game—they seem to be targeting an even younger demographic than usual. The story missions have the sort of quirky flair and silly jokes that have come to be expected of the Lego brand. Players above a certain age will most likely find themselves groaning through endless puns in an attempt to skip to the next race. Kids will absolutely love the never-ending stream of gags however, and they'll especially love the main villain and star of the show, Shadow Z.
But to get the most out of build mode, you’re going to need the best parts—parts that are only available to buy with real money. The coolest engines, the best looking tyres, and the sharpest-dressed drivers are all locked in Unkie’s Emporium, a colourful-looking storefront that allows you to use the Brickbux you’ve spent real money on. The micro-transactions in this game are predatory, and I don't use that term lightly.