Explore Radiator Springs with Lightning McQueen and race for the Piston Cup
- NA release: 6th July 2006
- JP release: 6th July 2006
- EU release: 14th July 2006
- Developer: Rainbow Studios
- Publisher: THQ
- NGC Magazine Score: 60%
- Mods Used: Widescreen Hack
Based on the Pixar film, all this needed to be to cash in on the film was just make a standard racing game with the characters from the film. Perhaps add a few minigames based on scenes from the film, throw in some clips and down. But developers Rainbow Studios weren’t happy with just doing the bare minimum, they clearly wanted to make a video game based on a film rather than just a film tie-in.
Set after the film, this game is about Lightning McQueen competing for the next Piston Cup. He’s living in the small town of Radiator Springs and needs to train and prepare, which is where most of the game takes place. It’s an open world you can explore, with more missions opening as you progress through the game.
The racing feels good as well, with good handling. There are two special types of turning, such as using L for a power slide to drive around corners and or a tilt function which lets you make a quick 90 degree turn. The only let down are the tracks themselves, which are either all set around the desert town of Radiator Springs or are NASCAR-like ovals for the piston cup races.
Still, there’s plenty to like about the game and with solid core gameplay, it’s something that can both take a decent amount of time while being enjoyable the whole way though.
Fun
Concessions to young gamers are Cas’ fialing. Its NASCAR-ish protagonist talks of going as fast as possible, yet it feels like you’re driving Herbie the tootling wondercar. It’s not helped by the cutesy missions set. collect that helpless old lady car’s postcard collection, you badboy speed demon! You can’t quite escape the felling that it doesn’t quite gel.
Matthew Castle, NGamer Magazine #5 (Wii Review)
Remake or remaster?
The game being available is good enough.
Official Ways to get the game
Cars is available on Steam.
Europe
Japan
North America
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