Nintendo's first Direct of the year was absolutely packed with announcements, and with heavy-hitters like Splatoon 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 being showcased, some of the smaller reveals may have slipped through the cracks. However, there's one cart racer that peaked many fans' interest, and it isn't Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's new DLC tracks; it's Disney Speedstorm.
Disney Speedstorm, a Disney and Pixar-themed cart racer, is heading to Nintendo Switch at some point this Summer, and it's the game Disney fans never knew they wanted. With some iconic faces and tracks based on beloved properties, Disney Speedstorm is very likely to swoop in this Summer and become a go-to family game-night favorite.
Getting Players in the Door With a Free-To-Play Model
With the game being developed by Gameloft, mostly known for their work on mobile titles, those watching the Direct may have been a little hesitant to give the game any real attention. However, with the announcement that the game is going to be free-to-play, Disney Speedstorm has certainly become one to keep an eye on. Gameloft's previous work on the Asphalt series of mobile racing games, which are also available on Switch, should be a good indicator of this game's quality. Though these games are a little barebones, the visuals and gameplay are solid enough, especially for a free-to-play title.
Switch owners are much more likely to give a Disney cart racer a chance if they don't have to drop any cash. Hopefully, Disney Speedstorm's gameplay will be able to keep those players interested after the initial allure has worn off.
A Large Cast of Iconic, Upgradable Characters
Undoubtedly, the biggest draw of this game is the Disney and Pixar brand. In the reveal trailer, Disney fans were shown some iconic faces, with the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow, Mickey Mouse, Sully, and Mulan all being present as competing racers. This is sure to draw in a great deal of Disney and Pixar fans, and it may even be enough to keep them engaged for the long-term.
It was also revealed that players will be able to upgrade their racers over time, giving them unique skills that will help them on the track. This has the potential to keep players invested in the game for a while, as a strong source of progression is key to maintaining a free-to-play model.
Disney Speedstorm's tracks are also going to be using the brand to its best ability, with a wide range of tracks being included in the game that all take great inspiration from various Disney properties. In the trailer, fans were able to spot a Jungle Book-themed track, as well as a Pirates of the Caribbean map that saw players zoom past battling ships. Keeping every inch of the game Disney or Pixar-themed is a great way to ensure that Disney fans are immediately won over and kept on board.
The Promise of More
As the best free-to-play games do, Disney Speedstorm will apparently be releasing a consistent stream of updates after the game's release. New Disney and Pixar characters will be added to the game as racers, along with new tracks that are directly inspired by those beloved properties.
If Disney Speedstorm is sufficiently successful, and fans resonate with it, then it seems likely that it could have a very long life - perhaps even rivaling Mario Kart 8's extensive 5-year lifespan. With crossplay capabilities, split-screen and online multiplayer, constant updates, and a free-to-play model, Disney Speedstorm has the potential to be the next big family-friendly cart racer.
Disney Speedstorm will be available on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
