For the Xbox, Cars is actually a rather impressive game, graphically. Sure, it won't win any awards, but it still shows that Xbox has some life to it. The simple look of Cars is what really helps out the Xbox. Nothing is overly detailed or requires a huge amount of graphical "wow" to recreate the look of the movie. The result is a huge backdrop to the overworld of Radiator Springs. It really feels like the game world goes on and on when in fact, it is mostly centered around the one location. Radiator Springs in particular is recreated with surprising detail and authenticity. Each locale is exactly where it should be, and looks like it was ripped straight out of the movie. The character animations compliment the world by being very true to the movie, as well. The cars talk, blink, and interact just like they did on screen. One has to give props to a team who can take a vastly superior looking final product (the movie) and use inferior technology to still pull off the same affect (the game). This in essence is what the look and feel of Cars is.
When it comes to the sound department, Cars is pretty much average. The sound effects are pretty much standard for a racing title; skidding, rumbling, and the occasional crash sound effect. The only problem I found with the sound effects was the constant repeat of the same skidding sound, over and over during races. The worst was when the sound played even though I wasn't skidding, and sometimes even when I was racing on dirt. The music of Cars was actually entertaining. Cars doesn't support custom soundtracks, but instead has a medley of kid-safe racing tunes. They are appropriate, and add a good sense of fun into the game.
With all these head scratching gameplay decisions, compact story mode, and simplistic goals, it is very clear the audience Cars is shooting for is kids. Those who consider themselves racing fiends or love games like PGR3 and NFSMW should avoid Cars. The lack of polish in the controls, the simplistic A.I., and abnormal controls will aggravate you. But if you are a parent looking for a game that is quick, easy, and child safe, then Cars is a safe choice--especially when the graphics and sound are considered.
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| The Core Score |
Overall
6.8 |
| Fun |
|
7 |
| Gameplay |
|
6 |
| Graphics |
|
8 |
| Audio |
|
7 |
| Replay |
|
5 |
|
| Kid Safe Score |
| 9 Great |
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| |
Nothing for parents to worry about. |
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