Season 18 of Disney Speedstorm, “Piston Cup,” is now available, adding new racers from the beloved Disney and Pixar film Cars, along with a new racetrack, and brand new ranked league.
Color me shocked that it took three years and 18 updates to finally bring the most obvious Disney IP to a Disney racing game!
The Piston Cup update adds three new racers from the Cars franchise: Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, and Cruz Ramirez.
Lightning is obviously a Speedster class who specializes in drifting. He can also summon Guido for a quick tire change and a speed boost (while leaving old tires behind as obstacles), and blind opponents with a sudden photo op. Ker-chow!
Mater is a Defender who uses his two hook to grab any opponents in front and sling them behind him. He can also litter the race track with tractors to slow others.
Finally there’s Cruz, another Speedster, and a revelation that I apparently never saw Cars 3! Cruz can use her virtual treadmill to get a speed boost, and spin like a tornado slow and stun others who are too close.
The new racing environment is Radiator Springs, the charming, rural town from the original Cars film.
Season 18 is also adding two more racers as mid-season additions: Go-Go Tomago from Big Hero 6, and Mabel the beaver from upcoming Disney and Pixar film, Hoppers.
New ranked Leagues also arrive in the new update. By competing and climbing the rankings, players can earn exclusive rewards.
Speedstorm currently holds a dubious Mixed user rating on Steam, with many users complaining of overly predatory monetization in the free-to-play live service racing game, whether inability to get the new characters without paying, or upgrades and boosts creating a pay-to-win atmosphere. It’s a shame, as we really liked the basic kart racing gameplay and excellent use of the Disney IP.
Disney Speedstorm is available on PC, PlayStation, Switch, Xbox, and mobile devices, and rated E for Everyone.
