Cars
SCORE: 89
The Disney Pixar movie Cars has been a mega hit in the theaters, and
will definitely tear up the charts whenever the DVD is released. The ‘G’
rated film is exactly the kind of movie that we like to see here at
Family Friendly Gaming. THQ has produced quite a few versions of the
Cars games on almost every console currently on sale. The Nintendo DS
version utilizes the functions, and features of the machine quite well.
This version uses the bottom touch screen quite often for the mini games
that are found within. Plenty of friendly faces appear from the movie,
along with their voices. The mini games also directly link to certain
areas, and/or comments from certain characters.
Graphically the mini games range from pretty good 3D models to boy
those are tiny graphics on the DS. The graphics are generally pretty
bright and colorful. The WMG did notice some pixilation in some of the
mini games. The artwork is classic images from the Cars movie. Wholesome
images are used quite appropriately in this game. The WMG just wishes
there was more in this game, especially when compared to the Sony PSP
version.
The sounds come across quite well in Cars DS. The music is nice, and
works quite well with the subject matter. This music is cheerful, and
not offensive in any determinations we use. It is always nice to see
some good production value in regards to the sounds department.
The replay is really going to depend on the person playing this game.
Cars DS seems geared towards the younger gamers with a Simon says kind
of mini game, tapping the lug nuts (during a pit stop), changing lanes,
etc. If you are into the Wario Ware kind of mini games, (just quite a
few less) then Cars DS is certainly up your alley. If you are into
racing games, then don’t expect to find a deep, or involved racing game
here. The WMG has to admit personal disappointment in this game,
especially after getting to see the Sony Playstation Portable version,
and playing the console versions. Then reality set it, and it hit the
WMG that this is a different kind of game. The target audience is
different, and it suits that audience quite well. There are quite a few
extras that can be unlocked; mainly in the way of mini games, or harder
levels of the same mini game. The mini games are fun, and anyone can
pick up this game and start playing. The worth of this game goes back to
whether or not you are into this kind of game.
The controls are quick, and responsive in Cars DS. The control design
works well with the touch screen. The levels are themed quite well for
this game. The WMG had fun for a little bit while playing this game, but
honestly got bored with it after awhile. Again though the WMG is not in
the target audience.
Cars DS teaches some wonderful pattern recognition, and planning
ahead. The DS version does not teach as much as some of the other
versions (editor: console versions mainly). There are a couple of good
lessons in this game, but it would have been nice to have some more.
This is the kind of game that is safe for the entire family, even if
some of the older members of the family may not be interested. The WMG
enjoyed his time with Cars DS, and a lot of that has to do with the
subject material. This is not the worst game out there, and is actually
decent for the kind of game that it is. If you have a child who enjoyed
the Cars movie, and want them to have a simple game that is right up
their alley, then take a good look at Cars on the Nintendo DS.
- Working Man Gamer
Graphics: 88%
Sound: 91%
Replay/Extras: 87%
Gameplay: 94%
Family Friendly Factor: 87%
System:
Nintendo DS
Publisher: THQ
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
{Comic Mischief}
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