After spending a good deal of time on Steam with a free-to-play format, Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks (yes, that’s how it’s spelled) has finally arrived for consoles. However, Wired Productions has chosen to take a shift here, going with a Premium model for $20 with…two modes?
The game does feature some awesome vehicular combat, something we’ve been aching for since Twisted Metal went out to pasture years ago. And the Ork attitude is definitely present and accounted for, especially as you soup up your vehicle to most destructive manners.
But the big problem here is the lack of content for what you’re getting. There are two modes, and a handful of vehicles, but honestly, more is needed. I suspect that the developers will support this game with add-ons aplenty, or, at the very least, more stuff we can do with friends locally.
That said, it does look and sound good, and the chaos is fresh if you can find enough online players to join the fray. Speed Freeks does have the means to crush vehicles under your tires, but I can’t help but wonder if the free-to-play approach should’ve stuck around.
Speed Freeks Gets Its Motor Runnin’ – To a Certain Point
If you’re familiar with the Warhammer 40,000 universe, then you know about Orks. (Or maybe it’s Orcs? Whatever, they’re nasties.) The racing formula bases itself on the board game Gorkamorka, but takes the Twisted Metal style approach. You set out, crush enemies within your path, and go for the gold. Or pewter, depending on these guys’ perspective.
The game has been making the run on Steam for some time, and arrived a bit ago for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The only thing, however, is the way it arrived. See, on Steam, it was in a free-to-play mode that garnered a large audience. On consoles, however, it’s got a Premium Edition for $20.
That’s fine and all, except the game is still kind of a work in progress. So far, there’s only a handful of vehicles, although there is a fine array of items you can add to them. There’s nothing like a personable touch with the right kind of weapons.
The big letdown, however, is that there are only two modes in this multiplayer romp. No story mode, no genuine attachment to Warhammer 40,000 lore in terms of getting to know the characters better. But the modes that are here are fun, provided you find the right players.
My favorite is Konvoy Lethal. In this, you have two teams, guiding their Stomper as they try to destroy the other. There’s some excellent strategy here, and we got into a few good match-ups. I’m also a big fan of Death Race, which is as simple – and destructive – as it sounds.
Alas, that’s it. At least, for now. I believe Wired Productions has a plan in place to add more content over time. But some players may be wondering just where all the action is.
At least the game handles well. The chaos is handled nicely, and your vehicle controls come across smoothly. Plus there’s some really mean attacks you can deliver if you time your hits just right. I just wish there was more offline stuff. In due time, I suppose.
If you like online mayhem – or just dig the Warhammer universe in general – Speed Freeks might be a good meatstick to chew on. But I can’t help but want a little more, or, at the very least, wonder if the free-to-play model would’ve fit better.
How Does Speed Freeks Perform Under the Hood?
Now we get to the presentation. And honestly, the game is a looker.
The devs did a great job placing a racing game in the Warhammer universe. The tracks themselves are nicely designed, with plenty of twists, turns and ‘splosions. Plus the vehicles and the Orks (Orcs?) themselves have that ruined charm to them, although I do wish there were more. The animations are good, too.
As for the sound, you’ve got lots of Ork chatter, which is hilarious as always. And the music isn’t bad either, carrying a rustic metal sound to it as you clash with enemies. It’s not anything that’ll replace Twisted Metal’s epic soundtrack, but it fits the mood.
Should You Put the Pedal To the Metal With Speed Freeks?
I see a lot of potential with Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks. There’s some wild driving here, and with the right players, you can have a good ol’ time. Plus it looks and sounds great. But for a game that’s riding on a Premium model, it seems to be missing some of the goods. I do know the devs are working on new stuff for it, but, as Tom Petty once said, the waiting is the hardest part.
If you’re down for a test drive, you might just get your money’s worth here. But methinks the Orks should’ve left it in “free-to-play” mode until the rest of the game got delivered.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Wired Productions for providing us with a review code! Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks is available now forPlayStation, Xbox, and Steam!
Need more racing adrenaline in your system? Check out our review of Forza Horizon 6!
