You can also tie into your World of cars Online account. World of Cars Online is a virtual world based on the hit Disney/Pixar animated feature CARS. Get ready for a high-octane ride full of fun and adventure where YOU are the Car. Design your car, play games, and make new friends. Learn to race like a pro from Lightning McQueen or cruise around and tip tractors. Why? Because you can! Now’s your chance to hang in the Cars world - it’s free to play but access to special features requires a subscription.
There are a couple flaws in the game that could have been corrected. For example, when you’re in some races there will be computer-controlled cars that are using the same character as you are, so you might not be sure what position you’re actually in (especially when you’re one and two with the same characters and the other one is not on screen). To get a boost of speed at the start of the race to have to quickly and repetitively jam on a button which gets tiring and the best way to do it, I’ve found, is to use the other hand. It’s just not really a fun gameplay mechanic and the standard press accelerator at "GO!" would have been better.
Disney works around the ’violence in video games’ well by stating that all of the levels are actually simulated hazardous environments and that it’s all just holographic. I’m not sure how well that will be understood by children at age 6 but it’s the parent’s responsibility to explain it all at that point. I do know some 6-year-olds that would get it though. However, the game is rated E-10+ so if your child is in the 6-11 range you should take a look at some gameplay footage before purchasing. As every parent and child are different, the rating is just a guideline to give you an idea as to the game’s content.
The variation in the gameplay keeps the game from getting repetitive and there are numerous things that players can do in the game like driving backwards, jumps and flips and even some drifting to keep the interest level high. Some of the levels to feel repetitive in the gameplay, but again, it’s a kart racer and you can only do so much with that. I think Disney and Avalanche Software did a good job of getting diversity into the gameplay overall.
The game was fairly entertaining and has a great amount of replay value. It’s also available in full 3D if you have a PS3 and capable TV. It also offers 4-player split screen local multiplayer as well as online play against strangers or friends via the console networks. The multiplayer comes in both co-operative and competitive versions giving lots of options.
Overall, Cars 2: The Video Game does a great job of giving players a well-rounded and entertaining package with loads of options for both single and multiplayer. The replay value is pretty high with the range of gameplay modes and number of characters. While there are a few minor flaws they don’t hinder enjoyment of the game and it feels easy to play and pick up meaning that even children under the ESRB-rated 10 should be able to play the game.
� Prev | 12 For more reviews on this game and many others head to Game Rankings
Our Rating for Cars 2: The Video Game Review (PS3)
9.0
Replay Lots of game modes for both single player and multiplayer give this title a good amount of replayability especially for children.
8.0
Graphics I did not test the 3D but the game�s graphics on the PS3 are not mind-blowing and I would not say even on par with the film quality. However, they were quite good and were in no way detrimental to the game experience. After all, it�s animated cars, right?
9.0
Sound In classic Disney Pixar style, all the voices are straight from the film and so bring a good amount of quality with them. The same goes for the sound effects and music in the game.
8.5
Gameplay While it can be repetitive feeling at times, it�s mostly an enjoyable kart racing experience and definitely complements the film for those that are big Cars film franchise fans.
9.0
Multiplayer/Online Content A good amount of modes in both cooperative and competitive versions make this a great local and online multiplayer experience (up to 4-players).
9.0
Overall Cars 2: The Video Game seeks out and captures a gold medal with its high quality graphics and sounds, loads of options and modes. If this were an actual car, this would be the premium options package and you�d be driving in serious style. Remember, the game is aimed at the 6-11-year-old market and for that demographic, it�s fantastic. But adults should be satisfied with the game experience as well.
CARS. Get ready for a high-octane ride full of fun and adventure where YOU are the Car. Design your car, play games, and make new friends. Learn to race like a pro from Lightning McQueen or cruise around and tip tractors. Why? Because you can! Now’s your chance to hang in the Cars world - it’s free to play but access to special features requires a subscription.
