Hot Wheels Infinite Rush for PS5 review: open-world drift racer

Milestone released Hot Wheels Infinite Rush for PlayStation 5 as an open-world arcade racing game built around the Hot Wheels license. The game features four unlockable islands that host races, drifting trials, collectibles and special events. A review assigned the title an 8 out of 10.

Core driving uses a drift-and-boost system: performing clean driving and sustained drifts builds boost for straightaways. Players can use the controller’s square and circle buttons to ram and side-swipe opponents. Races occur directly in the open environment and can include oncoming traffic and civilian vehicles.

Events appear in the world rather than on separate tracks. Types of activities include standard races, timed drifting challenges, collectible hunts and pink slip races that allow players to win rival cars by beating them. The game contains hidden items and unlockables across its islands and a progression loop based on unlocking and trying new Hot Wheels vehicles.

Vehicles are divided into four classes: standard versatile cars, titans that can smash through obstacles, dedicated drifters and lightweight speed-focused cars. Specific events may require a particular class, encouraging players to collect and tune cars across those roles.

The review reported that the driving feels consistent with Milestone’s previous arcade entries and highlighted a large roster of cars and many secrets to find. Criticism in the review focused on the islands’ design, describing them as serviceable but lacking the miniature-scale presentation associated with earlier Hot Wheels titles. Reviewers said traveling between events can feel repetitive and suggested adding more interactive in-world elements such as speed traps or billboards to improve variety.

The review noted later islands include more Hot Wheels-themed landmarks. Reviewers also suggested that downloadable content or a future sequel could introduce more imaginative island designs and additional in-world activities.