Hot Wheels Infinite Rush Delivers True Thrill, Not a Forza Clone

Hot Wheels stands among the world’s most iconic toy lines, a fact that hardly surprises anyone. From the thrill of collecting to the endless hours of imaginative play, these miniature cars have gifted us with epic tracks, quirky wash‑room races, and countless moments of joy. Mattel’s timeless creations have always found a way to keep us entertained, no matter the setting.

Today that excitement carries over into the digital realm. Over recent years, Hot Wheels has ventured into gaming with original titles, downloadable content collaborations, and more. Yet the franchise had been missing a core element: a fully realized open‑world racing experience that lets players tear through expansive landscapes at full throttle.

Enter Hot Wheels Infinite Rush, a new racing title from Italy’s Milestone S.r.l., the studio behind Hot Wheels Unleashed and this year’s hit Screamer. The game promises to transport the beloved toy brand into a Forza Horizon‑style adventure, blending the franchise’s signature flair with the freedom and scale of open‑world gameplay.

After spending roughly an hour behind the wheel, I’m left with a genuinely positive impression. The title is straightforward, arcade‑driven, and, most importantly, captures what a Hot Wheels game should feel like—fast, fun, and unmistakably nostalgic.

When Hot Wheels Infinite Rush premiered at Summer Game Fest 2026, many of us anticipated the familiar: another title attempting to emulate the wildly successful Forza Horizon formula. While the influence of Playground Games is undeniable, Infinite Rush distinguishes itself with a distinct identity that goes beyond mere aesthetics.

It’s more than a visual homage; the game feels genuinely rooted in Hot Wheels lore, from the way the cars handle to the playful, oversized tracks that echo the toy’s signature style.

The driving experience is blisteringly fast, with lightweight cars that feel effortless to maneuver. This design choice instantly immerses players in a rebellious, rule‑breaking mindset, celebrating the thrill of unrestrained speed.

What immediately hooks you is the freedom to tear through open levels like a lunatic. Infinite Rush embraces speed as pure fun, rewarding players for venturing off the beaten path. While vehicles may slow slightly on rough terrain, this is presented as an inevitable, almost natural consequence rather than a punitive measure. The physics and velocity are calibrated so that spectacular crashes feel like chaotic spectacles, not tragic mishaps—mirroring the way a child revels in sending their Hot Wheels barreling across a bedroom floor at full throttle.

Hot Wheels Infinite Rush delivers an exhilarating exploration experience, brimming with engaging activities and collectible treasures at every turn. As you progress, you’ll encounter the fearless Daredevil, a rival driver ready to challenge you in high‑speed street races. The game also offers simple yet entertaining object‑destruction challenges and time‑attack races that push you to reach specific map points before the clock runs out. Overall, it’s a robust package that keeps players entertained.

While the game boasts an “open” structure, it’s not a sprawling open‑world sandbox. Instead, each zone is self‑contained, and you can hop between them via fast‑travel points. In my demo experience, I only had access to one level, so the full breadth of content beyond the initial area remains to be explored.

Beyond its open‑world feel, Infinite Rush remains firmly rooted in competitive racing. Throughout the map, you can register for a variety of events on different tracks, including quick races that reward drifting and tire collection, elimination duels, one‑on‑one showdowns, and classic time trials.

The core issue with these events is that they can feel remarkably similar. Sure, drifting and collecting tires are distinct tasks, but if you end up drifting the same way around the same corners to achieve both goals, the line between them blurs. Admittedly, there are subtle nuances that differentiate them, yet I wish those differences were more pronounced.

Now let’s talk about the tracks. Some are straightforward, others branch out only to converge back, and a few are simply breathtaking. Track 10 in Wheelswood is a standout, fully exploiting the Hot Wheels aesthetic with a visual spectacle that, at times, even lets you see the city from a bird’s-eye view. The track also features moments where the plastic becomes magnetic or slick, adding unique and entertaining twists.

While I thoroughly enjoyed Hot Wheels Infinite Rush, the game’s scale is evident when you notice its seams. Coming from Forza Horizon 6, the production differences between the two titles are unmistakable.

Infinite Rush captures the charm and magic of Hot Wheels, but minor details such as the interface and pacing in its presentation hint at a polish that falls slightly short of blockbuster standards. It doesn’t detract from the core experience, but it’s worth acknowledging.