Cars Race O Rama (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi)

common sense media says

Racing with Cars buddies teaches kids how to compete.


parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say it's educational

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this entertaining racing game features the characters from the Disney/Pixar Cars movie  Cars Race O Rama offers a story mode where you take on Chick Hicks and his team of racers, as well as a nice collection of mini races and activities. With the DS version, two friends can play using the DS local wireless with only one game cartridge needed.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Even though there are "bad" cars in the game that try to force you off the road to win, you play as the "good" and noble character (Lightening McQueen) who always tries to put positive messages in, such as winning without cheating, and emphasizing fair play.
Positive role models: Lightening McQueen does a great job of taking the high road in confrontations and not resorting to cheating or trying to harm other characters.
Ease of play: Very easy to pick up and play for kids of all ages, regardless of the platform. On the console versions, buttons are mapped to make it easier for younger gamers to be able to play it easily, and controlling the DS version is also very simple. Most functions are performed using the control pad and face buttons. Game mini-map is displayed on the bottom screen to show your location, as well as screen taps can be used to navigate menus. Multiplayer racing is shown on a split screen.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Inside the game, vehicles are based on real world cars, like the Mazda Miata, Mack truck and Cadillac. This game is based on the Cars brand.

More on Cars Race O Rama

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Since this is a game based on the Cars licensed brand, families can talk about consumerism and how companies are trying to sell items to kids.
  • Families can also talk about setting time limits when it comes to game time.

What's the story?

What's the story?
CARS RACE O RAMA is the latest in the Disney/Pixar series of games based on the popular Cars movie. You control Lightening McQueen and friends as they race, bump, and jump their way to winning the Race o Rama Trophy. The main story mode has you racing across a fairly large world tracking down racing events where you must place in the top three in to advance to new locations. Along the way, other mini-games are also available, such as tractor tipping, and racing as Mater through a junkyard. While racing, collecting various items scattered around the game world will unlock new characters to race with in multiplayer modes, as well as paint jobs and visual enhancements for your racers such as spoilers and tires.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Cars Race O Rama is sure to keep young Lightening McQueen fans entertained for a very long time. Even without the Cars tie-in, the gameplay and mini-game collection would be entertaining for the younger gaming crowd, but the inclusion of these always-entertaining characters really adds to the appeal of the title. The characters are immediately recognizable, and the forgiveness of the game makes it still entertaining and exciting for even the youngest fans of the movie. The multiplayer aspect makes it great to play with family in the split screen mode, and being able to not only pick but to customize your favorite character makes this a win for any Cars fans out there.

Online interaction: No online play for console versions, but wireless DS to DS play is available using a single cartridge.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
Not available online
Genre: Racing
Developer: THQ
Released on: October 13, 2009
Price: 39.99
ESRB Rating: E for No Descriptors
Screenshots

This review was written by Jeff Paramchuk
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say it's educational

Most useful reviews by all members

F-Zero studios
teen, 14 years old
 
good job
amazing

CRAWFORD R.
parent of 5 year old
 
good for children 7&up
everyone likes a car game

mrbookworm01
teen, 13 years old
 
Very glitchy
I have the Playstation 2 version and when I was playing, there were major glitches on the track. Disappointing game. But I still want to thank the person who gave it to me.

Antonin
parent of 5 year old
 
Operationally ok for kids, but a poor game overall
My four year old had no problem playing the game, but it's cheap - poor graphics, poor handling, too many courses that you have to unlock in story mode. Also, the characters in their monster truck mode have very aggressive attitudes and speak in angry tones.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age