(Rated E. $20 - $50) A THQ presentation of a game developed by Rainbow Studios
and licensed by Disney/Pixar for the PC, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Wii and
Xbox 360. Reviewed on PS2.
THQ takes the checkered flag with
"Cars: Mater-National," the inevitable sequel to last year’s hit
"Cars" game based on the 2006 Disney/Pixar animated film of the same
name.
Game is clearly geared towards tots, but even mature gamers will find parts
challenging, especially when battling it out in multiplayer mode, and also
eye-pleasing with top production values in graphics, music and voice talent.
Racer arrives on retail shelves just in time for the holiday shopping frenzy
and is sure to speed into many stockings.
Single player story mode transports racers to the movie’s setting of
Radiator Springs, where players start out driving as main character Lightning
McQueen. Larry the Cable Guy is his hilarious hick self as he voices the rusty
old tow truck named Mater, who is hosting the "First Annual Mater-National
Race Festival." While driving around the expansive open world of Radiator
Springs, McQueen is introduced to five new international racers, a nice addition
to shake things up a bit from the original.
Players must qualify in some races to advance the story and others simply to
accumulate points or gain stickers. With rookie, pro and champion skill levels
to choose from, kids and older gamers can find an appropriate level of
challenge. In-race graphics are nicely rendered and there is a good variety of
race tracks to choose from.
Multiplayer races and unlockable mini-games provide some replay value after
the brief story is finished. In "Filmore's Fuel Frenzy," for instance,
players have to pick up gas canisters along the race track or they will run out
of fuel and lose the race. "Monster Mode" is another fun new feature
in which players are able to race with giant tires attached to their vehicles.
Gameplay is hardly as sophisticated as "Gran Turismo," but simple
controls will please the younger demographic. Even with turbo boosts, the speed
never gets so fast that players will lose control. Since it is impossible to
crash, the worst racers can do when not taking a turn tight enough is slam into
a barrier and get knocked back on the track.
Game is able to capture the look and feel of Pixar pic through colorful
animated backgrounds and an ear-pleasing country-tinged soundtrack. Voice
talent is top-notch, with many of the actors from the film returning to bring
out the quirky humor in each character.
Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/story.asp?l=story&r=VE1117935373&c=1023