Cars Race O Rama

Racing with Cars buddies teaches kids how to compete.
Cars Race O Rama
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
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.
Community Reviews
Report this review
Operationally ok for kids, but a poor game overall
Report this review
What’s It About?
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?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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.
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: THQ
- Release date: October 13, 2009
- Genre: Racing
- ESRB rating: E for No Descriptors
- Last updated: August 31, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love movies and racing
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate