Cars never get the appreciation it so rightfully deserves. While it’s admitally not the deepest or complex movie Pixar has created, it holds up on its own thanks to its memorable characters and a simple but yet true message that is needed more now than ever before. In terms of its video game counterpart, it provides a solid playing experience that is basically every racing game ever made but with a few twists.
Much like the Over the Hedge video game, The story is completely different from the movie and the events of what happens take place right after the movie’s main plot. Thankfully it doesn't get confusing and nothing will really change regardless whether you have seen the film or not. The new piston cup season has begun and Chick Hicks is trying everything to make sure he takes home the trophy from his rival Lighting Mcqueen. Lighting however has many adventures of his own in the charming little town of Radiator Springs while preparing for the big races at different stadiums.
You’ll see many familiar faces with some new characters too. The writing is decent and sounds like something you would feel would happen in the world of Cars. The gameplay itself play exactly like a typical racing game. You drive around a hub area and participate in races against other cars. There are also fun little mini games that can offer up a decent challenge. Lighting Mcqueen is who you’ll be playing as in the story mode. You can unlock new characters to play as by winning races and collecting points. The game controls mostly well with exceptions of a few minor bugs that may not be extraordinary, but are still noticeable and could have been tightened a little better.
The graphics will depend on which game system you have. The xbox 360 version does have smoother looking graphics and better detail but versions like the PS2 version still look very good in both the environment design and even some of the character designs.Personally, I like how in the hub you can drive around a recreation of the Radiator Springs town and I also like how each Race, Minigame and Piston Cup Race is introduced by well designed title cards. The music is a combination of using familiar radio tunes that fit the spirit of cars as well as an original score by bruno coon which is both thematic and lovely.
The Cars video game is a fun experience especially if you enjoyed the movie. I would totally recommend this game as it offers up a decent challenge and above all is too charming to resist.
(Final Grade: B+)