Cars is
based on the recently released Pixar movie of the same name. The story is
about Lightning McQueen, a rookie race car who’s on his way to California to
enter the Piston Cup Championship race. He gets sidetracked in the town of
Radiator Springs, where he meets new friends who help him learn some valuable
life lessons. The game Cars takes place a year after the big race, and
Lightning McQueen has returned to Radiator Springs to hang with his friends
while he gets ready to compete again. The game has been released to all
consoles and handheld systems. The main console versions plus the PC game
version are essentially the same game, but the handheld versions are all
different.
The format
of the game is an open-ended adventure set in the town of Radiator Springs.
Players can drive around and explore the town, or choose to play various
events that are either races or mini-games. While exploring, players can pick
up bonus points that will earn cutscenes and new bodypaint art. Initially,
there are only a few races and mini-games available, but as these events are
successfully completed, new races and games will become open.
The main
flavor of this game is essentially a racing game, which is to be expected
considering the characters and movie theme. Most of the time, racing games for
kids just don’t deliver in terms of solid design and compatibility, as the
game designers try too hard to keep common racing elements from adult games,
while dumbing it down to make it easier for kids. The end result usually
pleases no one. This time, though, Rainbow Studios fashioned a good game that
doesn’t try to be what it isn’t, but instead is a fun family game that is
right on target for kids of all ages, and also for most casual game players.
The story
mode is the main mode of game-play, and lets players choose either the full
story mode, or the shorter, more condensed version for younger players.
Essentially, players can drive around town at their own pace, racing around
and picking up bonus points, or they can choose events that are marked by
huge, floating icons. These events will either be mini-games or races. The
mini-games are a varied assortment of arcade or racing type games, some of
which may require picking up items around town like postcards or hubcaps, or
completing some type of task during a race against the timer. Completion of
these events will open up more events.
This
open-ended play is an excellent format for kids and really allows them to take
their time enjoying the game. However, this same open-endedness is almost too
laidback, in that there isn’t a clear set of instructions on just what it is
that players are supposed to be accomplishing. Completing various events is
necessary to open up more of the game, but which ones? What order? Especially
in the beginning, there is just too much guesswork, which may discourage
younger players.
Besides the
story mode, there is also an arcade mode where players can play unlocked races
and minigames, and a versus mode, where players can play with their friends in
certain races and games.
Racing is
well designed for the most part and is a lot of fun. It’s all pretty easy, and
the opposing cars are sometimes not much of a challenge. However, it’s just
right for most kids, and as the game progresses, power-ups become available
that ante up the excitement a bit, such as the ability to powerslide. The cars
handle well, and the controls direct the action nicely. The general races
allow players to use these power-ups and generally horse around a bit, but the
Piston Cup races are more rigid. There are also mandatory pit stops in the
Piston races that are essentially mini-games. The races are mostly pretty
forgiving, but if players stay off the track for too long, they will be forced
back to a pre-designated point of the race to continue racing.
The camera
viewpoints can be problematic at times, and one time at the start of a race, I
was actually facing backward for some reason! Needless to say, this didn’t
auger well for my winning that particular race. It’s almost like the camera
has a life of its own at times. The camera angle can be toggled with the
C-stick, but after moving the car around a bit, the camera angle will adjust
back to where it thinks it should be. Looking up and down could be better,
too. However, these are just niggly things, it doesn’t really affect the
game-play as such.
Graphically,
everything looks pretty good and all the cars look exactly like they do in the
movie. There are a few instances of driving through the scenery, and sometimes
cars can get stuck in corners, but this doesn’t happen too often. There is a
good sense of the same overall look and feel of the movie, which kids will
enjoy.
Surprisingly, all the voice actors are present! That’s not that usual, and it
really does help make the game. Hearing Paul Newman, George Carlin, Bonnie
Hunt and Cheech Marin make their trademark comments from the movie is neat.
There could have been more of a variety of dialogue, though, and adults will
find some of these remarks a little tedious after hearing them for the
umpteenth time. Kids won’t mind, though.
The music is
wonderful; I just wish there were more tracks. However, these tracks can be
set manually for each race in the options department. For some strange reason,
the type of music and having a driverless car was reminiscent of the Stephen
King movie, Christine. It must be my twisted mind, as there isn’t anything
similar in these two movies.
A short note
about the manual, it’s probably the most useless manual I’ve ever read in
terms of actually helping people become familiar with how to play the game.
There isn’t anything about the various missions, or any details about the
power-ups or characteristics of the different cars in the game. It lists the
controls in the front and the credits in the back with some very brief
game-play descriptions in the middle, and that’s about it.
The bottom
line on this game is that it is a good racing game for the family, and one
that kids will really enjoy. It is designed well, with lots of variety and
hours of game play. The open-ended format, coupled with the races and
mini-games, really contributes to this being an infinitely re-playable game.
The game handles well, and is not frustrating. While the racing begins slowly,
the game speeds up enough later to become more enjoyable for adults. A really
nice choice for families, especially for fans of the movie.
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Gameplay: 8.0
A truly enjoyable
game that offers a nice variety of game play elements. Players can cruise
around town, or play any number of mini-games and races. They can also spend
bonus points spiffing up their cars. The amount of races and games means there
are several hours of play in this game. Replayability is a definite plus.
Graphics: 8.0
Nice graphic
detail. However, there are some issues of driving through the background
scenery.
Sound: 8.0
The music is too
cool, there should be more of it, though.
Difficulty: Medium
There are various
difficulty settings which range from easy to medium in practical terms.
Concept: 8.0
These people were
radicals who actually wanted to design a fun kids game.
Multiplayer: 7.0
Overall: 8.0
This is a good
game for families in that it really does offer a lot for many different ages.
While hard-core racing gamers won’t get much out of it, everyone else will
enjoy it. The lack of direction is really the only thing holding this game
back, too bad the designers didn’t include a task list feature, which would
have been a simple fix for this problem. Also, the manual could have offered a
lot more information than it does. But overall, a great game for families with
children. Great job Rainbow, THQ and BVG!
