Prerelease:Hot Wheels: Velocity X (PlayStation 2, GameCube, Windows)

This page details pre-release information and/or media for Hot Wheels: Velocity X (PlayStation 2, GameCube, Windows).

Development Info

After THQ acquired the Hot Wheels license from Mattel, Beyond Games was approached to develop the next Hot Wheels game. Unlike any Hot Wheels games up to that point, Beyond Games were given permission by Mattel to depict Hot Wheels cars being destroyed.

(Source: IGN)

Using their internal game engine, the Brainstorm engine, development likely began sometime around late 2001.

Early IGN Gameplay Footage

From IGN's YouTube channel, dated as early as January 30, 2002.

January Footage

Many notable differences from the final game can be seen in footage above.

• Performing a stunt does not show your points increase in real time, only when you land it.
• No sound effect is played when landing a trick.
• Placeholder text "You've Been Darylized!" displays when landing a trick.
• The HUD design is completely different.
• The Sonic Boom weapon has a larger model, and uses a different sound effect.
• There is an unused model for a point pickup.
• A different explosion animation and sound effect is used when a car is blown up.
• The navigation arrow has a different model and texture.

Later Footage

These two videos appear to be from a later build of the game; one is dated June 7, 2002. The undated footage is similar and is presumed to be taken around the same date.

Notable differences from to the final game:

• Landing a trick plays a different sound effect.
• A firework sound effect for a stunt ramp is played.
• More variations of particle effects when landing a trick are used.
• A different sound effect for explosions is used.

Cut Vehicles

At least five vehicles were removed at some point in development, only one of which is known to have been implemented into the game.

Slingshot

Featured in an early screenshot.

(Source: Giantbomb)

Sweet 16 II

Multiple renders of vehicles from the game are featured on Ken Bishop's website. Due to the Sweet 16 II's detail and its being grouped with renders of playable vehicles, it can be presumed that this was meant to be a playable vehicle.

(Source: Ken Bishop's website)

Purple Passion

Multiple vehicle renders are featured on Manuel Rangel's portfolio website. Included with this is a model for the Purple Passion (which, for some reason, is orange):

Monoposto

The concept art section of Manuel Rangel's portfolio features concept art of an unused character alongside the Monoposto.

Slightly Modified

On the same page as the Monoposto vehicle is similar concept art for another unused character alongside the Slightly Modified.

(Source: Manuel Rangel's Portfolio)