Buckle up for a wild ride with DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing, where the likes of Shrek and his crew swap fairy tales for fast lanes on the PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Xbox One, and PS4. Dubbed the ‘Mario Kart of Shrek,’ this game dives headfirst into the crossover kart racing trend, competing with the big players like Disney Speedstorm and Nickelodeon Kart Racers. Developed by Bamtang Games and backed by GameMill Entertainment, DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing faces the daunting challenge of squaring off against the undisputed king of the genre – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
In a collision of universes featuring Shrek, Madagascar, Boss Baby, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls, and more, DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing attempts to carve its niche in a world dominated by Nintendo’s iconic characters. While the roster boasts characters from recent DreamWorks hits, the game introduces a unique twist with the mischievous Trolls, who spice up races by altering the environment based on your chosen character.
Yet, for all its attempts at innovation, DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing often falls short of hitting the mark. Creative ideas, like the Trolls’ influence on gameplay, seem diluted and underutilized. Even the classic starting boost involves a rhythm game that, unfortunately, doesn’t sync seamlessly with the acceleration button.
The game’s Achilles’ heel, however, lies in its lack of polish and uneven design. Gameplay lacks precision, collisions feel off, and information about vehicles, animations, and power-ups is sorely lacking. While the graphics aren’t entirely subpar, with detailed scenarios and well-crafted character models, the overall execution leaves much to be desired.
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing struggles to find its footing, with gameplay flaws and a lack of attention to detail marring the experience. While fans of DreamWorks characters may find joy in the crossover races, those seeking a top-notch arcade racing experience may be left wanting.
Comparisons to the juggernaut that is Mario Kart are inevitable, and DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing falls short of matching its greatness. However, it’s worth noting that compared to its disappointing predecessor, DreamWorks Super Star Kartz for the PS3, this sequel is a marked improvement. Developed by the Nickelodeon Kart Racers team, the game surprises with its challenging difficulty levels and visually appealing track designs, complete with clever shortcuts that elevate the frantic gameplay.
Playing on Turbo difficulty provided a real test of skill, and the game’s expansive cast of iconic characters, tricky power-ups, and entertaining special moves create a fun racing experience for the whole family. DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing may not dethrone the reigning kart racing champion, but its engaging track designs shine as the star of the show in the realm of recent kart racers.