Cars 2

UPC: 712725021252

Platform: PlayStation 3

Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios, Inc.

Developer: Avalanche Software

Category: Racing

Style(s): Sports Car Racing

Synopsis: Based on Pixar's computer animated film, Cars 2 follows the exploits of car characters Lightning McQueen and Mater as they train in a secret facility known as CHROME, short for Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage. They are joined by Finn McMissile, Holley Shiftwell, and others as they attempt to become the car-equivalent of spies. Unlike the original Cars game, which featured an open world version of Radiator Springs with missions to complete, Cars 2 emphasizes weapons-based competition across 15 tracks. Choose from over 20 vehicles, each individually rated in speed and power, before outfitting them with such spy-themed armaments as machine guns and oil slicks. Complete training missions and battle rivals in six areas across the globe, from London to Tokyo. Cars 2 also interfaces with the free-to-play World of Cars Online, allowing players to unlock rewards in both versions by completing specific tasks. In addition, Cars 2 includes local multiplayer support for up to four vehicles via split-screen display. The PlayStation 3 version of Cars 2 adds full 3D support throughout all play modes and menu screens for specially equipped television sets. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 12-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

Disney and Pixar's worst movie adaptation to date, at least in terms of overall critical reception, turns out to be one of the better video game adaptations at the time of its release. The original Cars was notable for offering a wide-open Radiator Springs to explore as players visited different locales around the Arizona-like setting to complete missions and compete in some rather easy stock car races. Cars 2 features a more streamlined design, opting to concentrate its efforts on the races themselves rather than the world. While the loss of exploration is lamentable, the result is a far more engaging time on the track. The spy theme not only allows for a more diverse roster of vehicles to choose from, including the James Bond-like Finn McMissile, but also supports more aggressive racing styles. You'll sideswipe into other vehicles, for instance, and acquire rocket launchers and machine gun variants to blast the opposition out of the way. Stunts and tricks performed during each race, from riding on two wheels to flipping in the air, allow players to max out their vehicle's boost capabilities to gain an edge on their rivals. The unusually wide courses incorporate plenty of shortcuts and obstacles to smash or jump your way through. The computer AI also attempts to use the same techniques you do to win each race, so you're not automatically at an advantage the moment the action begins. To keep players glued to the screen, a simple progression system is included that has you earning points to level up your profile. The higher your level, the more vehicles and courses you'll be able to unlock, enhancing the game's replay value. Alas, there are no new events as you progress, so you'll be completing the same match types over and over again, just in different locales. In addition to "normal" races, there are attack races, which involve trying to eliminate as many vehicles as possible within a time limit; survival races, which have you trying to collect batteries to maintain your shields; and battle races, where you can use weapons against your opponents in Mario Kart-style competition. The game also supports up to four simultaneous racers, but it's limited to local players only. In addition, Cars 2 offers the opportunity to customize missions, allowing players to choose the match format, number of laps, weapon types, difficulty setting, and track before they begin. Multiplayer-specific options include competitive arena battles, a team-oriented defend-the-base mode, and a cooperative survival mode that involves eliminating waves of enemy vehicles. All things considered, Cars 2 is a surprisingly entertaining racer whose appeal goes beyond its target audience. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.