There’s nothing quite like the thrill of video game kart racing: the screech of tyres, the chaos of power-ups… Unfortunately, Hot Rod Mayhem captures none of that energy. It’s the gaming equivalent of lukewarm tea – technically fine, but you’re not exactly going to write home about it.
Gaming Heaven
Let’s start with the positives. The game does run. The tracks are colourful, there are obstacles, and if you squint just right, you might mistake this for fun. Customising your racer can be entertaining for five minutes. Split-screen is available, which means up to four people can share in the mediocrity together. That’s always nice.
Gaming Hell
Now, the racing. It’s about as thrilling as a Sunday drive behind a tractor. You drift to build boost, but so slowly it feels like the game is rationing your fun. There’s no reward for jumps, no inventive tricks, just… driving. Boosting. Occasionally throwing things.
There’s no online multiplayer, which is a bold choice in 2025. Bold in the same way as wearing socks with sandals.
Final Judgement
A kart racer that politely asks you to have fun, then apologises when you don’t. If you’ve exhausted every other karting option on the planet…
