Play Hot Wheels - Battle Force 5 (E) Online

Game Overview

Hot Wheels - Battle Force 5 on the DS is basically what happens when you mix racing with light combat—like Mario Kart if the shells were actual weapons and the karts could get seriously upgraded. You start by picking one of the Battle Force 5 vehicles (I went with the red one because, well, red goes faster), and then you're thrown into these chaotic tracks where half the challenge is dodging enemy fire while trying not to wipe out on tight turns.

The terrain changes a lot—one race you're speeding through a desert canyon, the next you're sliding across icy ruins—and you can tweak your car with better armor, weapons, or speed boosts between races. The controls take a minute to get used to, especially drifting, but once it clicks, weaving through missiles while lining up your own shots feels pretty satisfying. Not the deepest racer out there, but it’s a solid pick if you want something fast and a little explosive for short bursts.