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Cars Race O Rama

(2009, Video Games - Racing, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DSi)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Racing with Cars buddies teaches kids how to compete.

In this game kids can:   play in a virtual world, race

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • 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.

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.

  • Online interaction:

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

  • 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.

  • 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Cars Race O Rama was written by Jeff Paramchuk

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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.
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More on Cars Race O Rama

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. Close

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. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/13/2009, price $39.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for No Descriptors)

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