Matchbox Driving Adventures review (PS5)

Matchbox Driving Adventures brings the iconic miniature cars to life in a family-friendly racing and mission-based game. Developed by Casual Brothers for Outright Games, this title is aimed primarily at younger audiences, but it delivers enough variety and charm to keep players of all ages engaged. Set across six distinct environments, from city streets to volcanic landscapes, the game offers an accessible and straightforward take on vehicle-based gameplay, though it doesn’t completely escape some limitations typical of its genre.

The premise of Matchbox Driving Adventures is simple yet inviting. Players assume the role of a skilled driver recruited by the Matchbox Adventure Squad to tackle various missions across expansive environments. Each mission offers a different challenge, whether it’s delivering packages, extinguishing fires, or chasing down runaway cars. While the campaign isn’t groundbreaking, short narrative elements provides a fitting backdrop for the various missions and objectives scattered throughout the game. The six dynamic environments, ranging from the City Center to the Arctic, each have their own charm, even if the designs largely tend to fall into familiar racing game tropes.

The core gameplay of Matchbox Driving Adventures features two main modes, Adventure and Competition, where players can choose between open-world mission-based gameplay and traditional races across 14 different tracks. The Adventure Mode focuses more on completing tasks, such as rescuing citizens or making deliveries, while the Competition Mode brings a more standard racing experience with leaderboards to compete against others. The missions are varied enough to keep things interesting, but some can feel repetitive over time, especially in the more open areas of the game.

Control-wise, the game keeps things simple and accessible. Vehicles are easy to handle, which is essential considering the game’s target audience. However, the simplicity might also be a drawback for more experienced players who are looking for depth in driving mechanics or something like the recent Hot Wheels games. There’s little in terms of advanced controls or physics here, so don’t expect drifting or complex maneuvers. That said, the controls feel responsive enough, and the game’s slower pace ensures that younger players won’t get frustrated. The local co-op mode adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a great choice for siblings or parents and their kids to play together.

Visually, Matchbox Driving Adventures does a solid job of bringing the miniature world of Matchbox cars into a 3D space. Each environment is bright and colorful, capturing the lighthearted nature of the game. The visual variety across the different locations, from bustling cities to snowy mountains, helps break up the monotony, though none of the levels are particularly detailed or overly expansive. The PlayStation 5 version benefits from sharp visuals and smooth performance, but the graphics remain fairly basic compared to other racing games on the platform. The real highlight for fans of the IP, however, is the ability to unlock and customize your vehicles, adding a personal touch to your favorite Matchbox cars.

On the audio front, the game delivers a serviceable experience. The soundtrack is upbeat and in line with the game’s playful tone, though it’s far from memorable. Sound effects, from engine revs to sirens, get the job done but don’t particularly stand out. The lack of voice acting is noticeable, especially when characters like the Chief of the Matchbox Adventure Squad are giving you missions. Having some more dynamic audio feedback could have elevated the experience, especially for younger players who generally thrive on audio-visual stimulation.

In terms of progression, Matchbox Driving Adventures gives players the opportunity to unlock new vehicles and customize them with different paint jobs, adding a sense of accomplishment. However, the vehicle roster, which boasts over ten cars and trucks, may feel a bit limited for those hoping for a larger collection – especially if you’re been collecting Matchbox cars for years. While each vehicle has its own stats, they only slightly change how the game is played because of the simplified controls, making the differences more cosmetic than practical.

While Matchbox Driving Adventures doesn’t offer the complexity or depth of more sophisticated racing games, it succeeds in providing a fun and accessible experience for its intended audience. Younger players will enjoy the ease of controls and the variety of missions, while the addition of local co-op ensures it’s a great option for family gaming sessions. However, the simplicity of the gameplay and the lack of substantial depth may leave older players wanting more. Overall, it’s a well-crafted and enjoyable game that knows exactly who it’s made for, but don’t expect it to shift gears into more advanced territory.

Score: 7.0/10