Disney/Pixar Cars: Mater-National Championship
© 2007 THQ, Inc.
Looking for an easy-to-play racing game that is ideal for younger children or beginning adults? This mostly one-player game features five new international racing competitors, vying for the chance to compete against Lightning McQueen in the First Annual Mater-National Race Festival. Note that there are eight different versions of this game, and features vary according to platform. Our review and ratings refer to the PS3, PS2 and Wii versions, which share a similar design. The Nintendo DS version also offers easy to control cars, 14 tracks and the ability to challenge up to three other DS players using either multi-card or (more limited) single-card play. Players can explore a new world of Radiator Springs (different from the first game, released in 2006), drive a monster truck in a new Monster Mode, play 20 mini-games, and go head-to-head against friends in 10 multiplayer games. If you like the movie, you'll also like the game, with similar animation and narration in the console versions. Drawbacks include a lack of two-player options and trick possibilities in the races. That said, there is a two-player, split-screen race that is fun; although in some ways, can be too easy because there is so much self-correcting. The best part of this game is that the cars are so easy to control, compared to nearly every other racing game. If you're looking for an easy to play racing game that even four-year olds can use, this is a good choice. Prices are $50 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii versions, $40 for the PS2 version, and $30 for the Nintendo DS.
$50, PlayStation 3*, PlayStation 2*, Nintendo DS*, Wii, Xbox 360, Game Boy Advance, Mac OSX, Windows
Teaches: hand-eye coordination, spatial relations, some creativity
CTR Rating: 90%