Disney Speedstorm Preview: A Charming Kart Racer That Has Some Baggage
The loveable and charming cast of Disney characters has a particular way of venturing into different genres of games, such as sprawling RPGs or a life-simulation, and making it feel all their own. Now, Mickey Mouse and friends land in the realm of an arcade racer, where they'll compete to see who's the top driver.
Disney Speedstorm sees Disney icons tear through various racing tracks and circuits inspired by the well-loved cartoons and films from across 100 years of the company. I got to spend some time diving into the opening hours of Disney Speedstorm ahead of the early access launch on April 18, and so far, it’s been shaping up to be a fun Disney twist on a kart racer. Unfortunately, some elements overcomplicate what is an otherwise enjoyable twist on arcade racing action.
When it comes to fundamentals, Disney Speedstorm nails the fast pace and satisfying moment-to-moment action of a kart racer. While on the tracks, you'll tear into the asphalt with your chosen driver and their modded-out vehicle, drifting into tight turns, grabbing boosts, and using weapon pickups like bombs and perspective-skewing debuffs to cut down the competition.
It also comes packed with tracks that pull from both classic and modern Disney. Along with levels that reinterpret Pirates of the Caribbean, Monsters Inc., and Mulan into visually stunning and thrilling racing levels, there's even one inspired by the original Steamboat Willie cartoon, which was a favorite track that I got to play.
It's a compelling premise, and seeing the Disney aesthetic at work in a fast-paced racing game gives Speedstorm a unique personality that sets it apart from others like it. However, Speedstorm focuses on an array of solo chapters and modes to dive into, where
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