Cars Race O Rama

Common Sense Media says

Racing with Cars buddies teaches kids how to compete.

Age(i)

2
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Quality(i)

 
(i)
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Cars Race O Rama gallery

What parents need to know

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.

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.

Parents say

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AGE
8
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Kids say

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AGE
5
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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?

QUALITY
 

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.

Families can talk 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:Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
Price:$39.99
Available online?Not available online
Developer:THQ
Release date:October 13, 2009
Genre:Racing
ESRB rating:E for No Descriptors (Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

This review of Cars Race O Rama was written by

Jeff Paramchuk

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-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.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

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Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

Find out more

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Teen, 13 years old Written byF-Zero studios August 21, 2010
AGE
2
QUALITY
 

good job

amazing
What other families should know
Too much consumerism
Great messages
Great role models
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Teen, 13 years old Written bymrbookworm01 July 8, 2011
AGE
7
QUALITY
 

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.
What other families should know
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much consumerism
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Parent of a 3 year old Written byCRAWFORD R. December 17, 2009
AGE
3
QUALITY
 

good for children 7&up

everyone likes a car game
What other families should know
Educational value
Great role models
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