Common Sense Media Review
By Jonathan H. Liu
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sandbox-style game works best with additional toy purchase.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Cars 2 AppMATes
Is It Any Good?
The CARS 2 APPMATES is two things in one: a free app and a set of toys (purchased separately) shaped like various characters from the Cars 2 movie. The app allows kids to drive around the fictional town of Radiator Springs, participating in races and doing short "missions" for some of the other characters in town. Winning races and completing missions earns hubcaps, which can then be spent on buying things like new tires, horns, and accessories for the cars.
Although the app can be played without the toys using a "paper toy" version of Lightning McQueen, it really shines when paired with the toys. They are placed on the iPad screen, and the landscape moves beneath the toys, making it feel like the toy car is really in the world. The onscreen graphics and sounds coordinate with the toy with great results. The only problem is that sometimes if the connection is weak then the iPad doesn't detect the toy, which breaks the spell as you try to get the connection back.
App Details
- Device : iPad
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : October 21, 2011
- Genre : Kids' Games
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Publisher : Disney
- Version : 1.0.3
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 4.0 or later
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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