Blaze and the Monster Machines have been tearing it up for 7 years as a Nickelodeon television series and now Blaze and the gang have finally raced onto consoles and PC in Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers.

Featuring eight characters from the show to race as, Blaze and friends take to the track in an extremely family friendly racer with accessibility options to allow even the youngest of players to enjoy the fast and chaotic nature of the races.

The game opens with a brief tutorial that explains the gameplay and introduces the mechanics such as boost pads and the unique skills that each of the characters possess.

After learning the basics the player is free to choose from any of the three game modes to play in.

• Quick Race – Custom Race, Random Race, Random Championship and Tutorial sub-modes are available
• • Custom Race allows players to choose from the 10 available tracks from the 4 locations, set the race to be between 1 to 5 laps and either Easy, Medium or Hard difficulty
  • Random Race will choose a track at random and allow the player to select a difficulty
  • Random Championship will place players in one of the three championship series’, consisting of 3 laps each
  • Tutorial will let players revisit the opening tutorial mode to refresh their memories if necessary

• Play with Friends – Custom Race, Random Race and Random Championship sub-modes are available, each with the respective settings as mentioned above for Quick Races. Up to 4 players can compete against each other in local multiplayer

• Adventure – This mode is the equivalent of a campaign or career. Three Championships, each consisting of three 3-lap races are available as well as a final 5 lap event.

Regardless of the game mode, players can choose from the eight playable characters. Each of their unique skills are fun to experiment with such as Blaze’s turbo ability, Pickle’s shield to protect him from projectiles or traps and Crusher’s earthquake ability that slows down the other racers. The action on track is playful and friendly for younger players, not to mention fun!

Wrenches concealed inside green orbs are littered throughout the track and players need to collect 10 of them to access their characters unique skill. There is a very generous amount in each instance, allowing multiple players to pick a few up each time. Using the drift feature is a great way to collect multiple at once and successful drift also award the player with a brief speed boost to gain the edge over the competition.

The races are all relatively short which is great for younger players who don’t necessarily have the attention span for longer races, experience with racing games and to help keep the young one’s play sessions tight. One of the greatest features in this title is the inclusion of auto-driving. Players can simply access the pause screen and with the tap of a single button, they can activate the feature which automatically accelerates and steers, though players can still steer while the feature is active if they wish.

The simplicity of the gameplay is great for younger players as the core gameplay consists only accelerating, braking, drifting and using the skills. It is easy enough for them to pick-up and play and enjoyable enough to entertain older players or parents who may be sharing the experience with them.

Beautifully faithful to the art direction of the hit television series, Axle City Racers looks and feels like the show. The environments are bright, colourful and charming and the characters are just as vibrant and endearing. There is joy to these types of experiences that are aimed at younger players that are inescapably joyful to its entire audience, regardless of age. The playful chaos that each of the character’s skills bring to the racetrack keep each race entertaining and fun.

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers is a fun little kart-racer that is wonderfully charming to look at and offers such great accessibility options that the youngest of players can enjoy without the pressures of complex controls. It’s simple, it’s fun and the competitive local co-op should inspire some fun competition between the whole family. With accessibility in mind, and some fun educational facts that serve as the load screens, this title doesn’t overcomplicate anything and that’s what helps it stand out in the kart racing genre as more than just a licensed title.

+ Very simplistic gameplay

+ Great accessibility

+ Charming presentation

+ Races are short and sweet

+ Character skills give it just enough edge

– Older players may find the Adventure mode a little short

– A few more locations and modes would have been nice

The post Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

For those unfamiliar with Outright Games, they have playfully dominated the licenced and family friendly title space in recent years with a publishing catalogue of some of the most beloved franchises in children’s television. Titles such as Adventure Time, Ben 10, PAW Patrol, Gigantosaurus, Trollhunters and Ice Age are just the tip of their publishing iceberg. YouTube child sensation Ryan from Ryan’s World, the recent iterations of Jumanji and even the iconic Transformers also have the Outright Games stamp in recent years.

Outright Games have curated a portfolio of powerhouse licences that have been adapted into experiences that can be enjoyed and made accessible to younger players while also remaining enjoyable for parents or older players. The first word that comes to mind when I think of Outright Games is ‘family’, and by publishing titles that in most cases can be played co-operatively, are inspired by beloved franchises and are developed with the most casual of accessibility and gameplay options, these titles offer a little of something to everyone.

Below you can find a brief overview of the titles from the event and a link to my full write-up for each, in order of their release dates.

PAW Patrol the Movie: Adventure City Calls

Developed by Drakhar Studio | Release Date: August 13 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

This is the only title of the showcase that has released, albeit recently. It is a tie-in of the film PAW Patrol: The Movie that released in cinemas August 21. This marked the third PAW Patrol title to be published by Outright Games and was developed by Drakhar Studio, who also published the previous entry, PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay.

Drakhar Studio are also developing the upcoming Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures, to be published by Outright Games, which was absent from this presentation.

My full review of PAW Patrol the Movie: Adventure City Calls can be found HERE. I reviewed this title prior to this event.

The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem

Developed by PHL Collective | Release Date: September 24 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Inspired by the 2019 animated film, and its upcoming sequel, The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem utilises a similar art design that allows for a greater connection between players who have seen the film. This title is a 3D platforming adventure full of exciting minigames that can be played alone or co-operatively with up to three other players, each taking the role of Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley and Wednesday.

PHL Collective previously developed Ben 10: Power Trip, published by Outright Games.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem can be found HERE.

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers

Developed by 3D Clouds | Release Date: October 1 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Blaze and the Monster Machines is a CGI-animated show that premiered on Nickelodeon back in 2014. Led by the monster truck and driver tag-team of Blaze and AJ respectively, this kart racer can be played alone or in 4-player split-screen.

3D Clouds are no strangers to developing titles to be published by Outright Games. The development team are responsible for 2019’s Race with Ryan and are also developing Fast & Furious Spy Racer: Rise of SH1FT3R.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers can be found HERE.

My Friend Peppa Pig

Developed by Petoons Studio | Release Date: October 22 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

One of the most beloved children’s shows in recent years is being adapted by Petoons Studio. My Friend Peppa Pig is a fun-filled adventure full of activities, character customisation and the playful charm that’s made the television series a smash hit for years.

Petoons Studio are also developing the upcoming PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of My Friend Peppa Pig can be found HERE.

PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night

Developed by Petoons Studio | Release Date: October 29 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Based on the popular animated show that premiered in 2015, PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night puts players in the roles of Catboy, Owlette and Gekko in the platforming adventure that takes place in familiar locations.

Also charged with the development of My Friend Peppa Pig, Petoons Studio are tackling TWO of the most popular children’s shows. It’s no small feat but from my hands-on experience with both, these beloved properties are in capable hands.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night can be found HERE.

Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Rise of SH1FT3R

Developed by 3D Clouds | Release Date: November 5 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-Off Demo

This was the only title in the show that was hands-off, with the game being showcased with commentary and a Q&A from members of Swipe Right, Outright Games and the development team from 3D Clouds.

Inspired by the animated Netflix series, Fast & Furious Spy Racers, Rise of SH1FT3R exhumes a visual flair and engaging style that is certain to appeal for audiences of all ages.

3D Clouds are also developing the upcoming Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Rise of SH1FT3R can be found HERE.

This was my first digital showcase and I couldn’t be happier that it was one for Outright Games. Their catalogue of titles are yet to disappoint, even as a 30 year old player, each one has managed to trigger the child within that still enjoys the simple, accessible and relaxing experiences Outright Games can deliver. As I have introduced my 3 and 5 year old sons, Hunter and Lachlan, to video games, these titles are fast becoming a staple at Games of DAYNE HQ, offering a vast array of family-friendly experiences that we can share together, either playing co-operatively, taking turns, or watching each other.

As a father, I can’t stress enough how great the value of titles published by Outright Games are in terms of fun and simple experiences for the kids. With almost every title recognisable with their television counterparts, most available on Netflix or other accessible streaming services, these are great gateway gaming introductions.

As a 3o year old gamer, I am still pleasantly surprised with how much I am able to enjoy these games. There’s something so relaxing and enjoyable about being able to kick back, switch off a little bit and simply play a game that isn’t constantly asking me to react with instinct or challenge me in some capacity. The Xbox Achievement Hunter in me also enjoys the achievement lists as they aren’t remotely taxing or time-consuming.

Outright Games tick the children, parent, gamer and Achievement/Trophy hunter boxes with flying colours. With the great experiences I’ve had in the past and present, and with the opportunity to play some of what’s to come in the very near future, I can’t wait to play the titles from this event in full and I’m even more excited for the surprises that are inevitably cooking away.

To keep up with everything Outright Games you can follow them at the links below;

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

The post OG Unwrapped 2021 – Outright Games Digital Showcase first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Blaze and the Monster Machines have been tearing it up for 7 years as a Nickelodeon television series. In just over two weeks however, Blaze and the gang are racing onto consoles and PC in Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers!

With two young children that are obsessed with cars, whether they are toys, on-screen characters and even the real things, this title I can say with certainty is going to hook my boys, 3 and 5.

The loading screens between races have fun facts that are a nice little addition to keep the experience as informative as it is enjoyable.

The official synopsis for Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers reads;

“On your marks, get ready to race with Blaze and the Monster Machines! From Axle City to the Monster Dome, the world of Blaze is yours to explore! So buckle your seatbelts and take control of Starla, Pickle, Crusher, and more friends. It’s time to race at blazing speed for the championship or play with up to 4-players in split-screen mode! The fun keeps on rolling. Boost and drift around classic Blaze tracks. Power-up with special abilities or customize Blaze in the garage. And with STEM education features, plus accessible options like Auto-Drive, kids will love learning as they race for glory!”

Each of the playable characters/vehicles have a unique ability that are simple to activate and fun to play around with. The simplicity to the gameplay is incredibly well though out as there is even an option to auto-drive which allows the player to steer while the car auto-accelerates or vice versa. This accessibility will be a great tool for helping younger players adjust to the multi-tasking required with this type of game.

Supporting 4-player local split-screen, Blaze and friends can race it out while all members of the family jump in and try to take their cute characters to the finis line first. It’s certainly not as chaotic as a Mario Kart type game for example but it offers the same sense of playful mayhem in the most accessible of manners.

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers feels like a fun little kart-racer that is wonderfully charming to look at and offers such great accessibility options that the youngest of players can enjoy without the pressures of complex controls. It’s simple, it’s fun and the competitive local co-op should inspire some fun competition between siblings. This dad still needs to learn to let the kids win more and I feel like the joy they will feel when they’re able to control the characters they enjoy watching on TV just might motivate me to let them win… maybe.

To keep up with everything Outright Games you can follow them at the links below;

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

The post OG Unwrapped – Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers Preview first appeared on Games of DAYNE.