Review: Anki Overdrive is the awesome DIY racer that could spell the end for Scalextric

Anki Overdrive is a little pricey – but a lot of fun

ANKI OVERDRIVE is the next generation of Scalextric-style racing – and we love it.

• Pros – Clever New Track Tech Means You Can Completely Customise Your Race, Dukes of Hazzard-esque Jumps, Weapon Upgrades
• Cons – Bit Pricey, Intelligent Cars Can Leave You Feeling Like a Backseat Driver in Your Own Race

AnkiDrive first launched in 2014 and quickly became one of the most exciting toys of the year.

A year later – the smartphone-powered mini racers are BACK with the launch of Anki Overdrive.

Anki’s new invention comes with a slew of updates and tweaks but the biggest change comes in the form of the racer's all-new track tech.

Instead of last year’s mat-style speedway, which has just one configuration, the Anki Overdrive circuit can now be fully customised with separate pieces of track slotting together magnetically.

Anki has done a fabulous job with its new racing road and building a track across your takes mere minutes.

 

Inside the starter pack are 10 pieces of track which can create eight different circuit combinations.

And, if you get bored of that, Anki is also selling extra track so your races can become as big as your house.

These bonus packs include some very cool extras including lane crossings, bridges and even Dukes of Hazzard-style jumps.

Once you’ve built your ultimate customer track it’s time to race and here’s when things get exciting.

 

Anki also sells additional cars and pieces of track – although this can quickly become expensive

  

The starter kit is a little expensive at £149, but has more than enough components for your races

All the cars are intelligent and powered by your smartphone or tablet.

Each mini motor is packed with a tiny computer and camera that recognises player-built courses, mapping tracks at 500 data points per second. 

This technology allows you to race against your mates or take on the test of beating artificially intelligent drivers.

And the racing doesn’t stop there as the Anki app allows you to upgrade your supercars with hundreds of new virtual weapons, upgrades and special items for all-out vehicular mayhem.

This gives Anki Overdrive plenty of longevity as the more you win, the better your cars become.

Anki Overdrive could be the toy everyone wants this Christmas. However, you will need deep pockets to fully enjoy it.

Firstly, to race against other people you’ll each need a decent smartphone or tablet.

Then there’s the price of the starter kit which will set you back a rather hefty £149 – prices for extra track and cars start from £9.99.

 

Other than the price our only criticism of Anki Overdrive is you don’t always feel entirely in control of the cars.

Because they learn how to get around the track you don’t have to steer the cars and they even know how fast to head into corners.

This reduces the skill level although it does give you more time to take aim at the competition with your virtual weapons.

However, if you splash the cash Anki Overdrive is fast, furious and a whole lot of fun.