Game Review: Cars 2 for Nintendo Wii

Exclusively on: Wii
E10+ for Everyone 10+: Cartoon Violence
Genre: Action
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Developer: Avalanche Software

Inspired by the upcoming Disney/Pixar animated film, Cars 2: The Video Game lets players jump into the Cars 2 universe with some of their favorite Cars personalities in exotic locations around the globe.

Continuing the storyline from the upcoming film, players can choose to play as Mater and Lightning McQueen, as well as some brand new characters, as they train in the international training center – C.H.R.O.M.E. (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage) to become world-class spies. They’ll take on dangerous missions, compete to become the fastest race car in the world, or use their spy skills in exciting, action-packed combat racing and battle arenas. Players can race against friends and family in either single or multiplayer modes with up to four players to unlock challenging new tracks, characters, events and thrilling spy missions. Rated E 10+.

Key Features:

• Cars 2: The Video Game introduces the international training center – C.H.R.O.M.E. (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage) that expands upon the film storyline
• Choose from more than 20 different characters, such as Mater, Lightning McQueen and the newly introduced Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell, and train to become world class spies
• Participate in simulated hazardous missions using high-tech gadgets to evade and impede adversaries
• Perform maneuvers only Cars characters can do, such as backwards driving, air tricks, sidestepping to avoid obstacles, two wheel driving and more
• Connect with World of Cars Online, a free-to-play browser-based virtual world based on the Cars universe, to gain rewards in the video game and then use them to unlock new items  in the virtual world

Our Thoughts:

My boys LOVE the movie Cars.  We watch it on an almost daily basis.  We listen to the soundtrack in the Car (which is actually a great mix of music, so Mommy doesn’t mind).  We play with our little Lightning McQueen, Mater, Doc, Sally, and the rest of the gang.  Both boys have Cars shirts and jammies.  We even have a few pieces of Radiator Springs incorporated into our Geotrax train set.  Yes, we love Cars in this house.  That being said, we were super excited to try out the Cars 2 game for the Nintendo Wii.

Photo courtesy of Disney Interactive Studios

Jack has recently discovered a love of video games.  While I don’t let him play on a daily basis, it is a nice little treat for him once in a while.  He is still working on the fine motor skills it takes to wield the Wii remote like a pro, but I’ve found that his coordination has improved and he gets better every time he plays.  He has also really been into racing lately, so I knew he would love a game that involved racing his favorite Cars characters.

We fired up the game on a rainy Saturday afternoon and got to racing.  The game is rated for everyone 10+, and seeing as Jack is 4 ½, it was slightly above his ability level.  However, he was still able to play and have a blast.  In the game, you pick your car and are led through a series of classes taught by Finn McMissile to learn how to drive, as well as how to perform racing maneuvers like drifting.  Then you can put your skills to the test during races.  Jack needed a bit of help from me in the beginning to get used to driving his car, but he did pretty well on his own after a bit of practice. Drive on two wheels, do tricks and more! He ended up having a great time and highly recommends the game to all his fellow Cars lovers out there!

As a mom, I’d recommend the game for kids who are familiar with the Wii system already.  The remote is very sensitive in this game and requires pretty good fine motor skills.  The 10+ rating is probably pretty accurate, but I definitely think younger kids can enjoy this game too.  The graphics are sharp and colorful, and the storyline of the game nicely compliments the plot of Cars 2.  All in all, it’s a cute game and would make a great addition to your Wii lineup!

You can find the game anywhere Wii games are sold.  It retails for $39.99 on www.gamestop.com.

– Kelly

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received Cars 2 from Disney Interactive Games free of charge to facilitate this review. Giveaway item will be provided by sponsor. Sponsor has the right to refuse filling prize for duplicate winners from other blogs. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.