As sure as night follows day, the summer presents yet another big screen CGI
animation blockbuster, and following the ubiquity once more is the video
game adaptation. From the people who brought you The Incredibles, Toy Story
and Finding Nemo comes Cars.
I haven't seen it of course, because despite the usually delivered promise
of fun for all ages, I can't stand a movie theatre occupied predominantly
by 10 year olds. I'll wait for the dvd thanks. But the characters look
cute enough that's for sure.
Previously one of my biggest complaints of these animation movie adaptations
is that whilst their big screen brother's generally appeal to everyone, the
video games were usually very much focused on the younger player. But what
struck me immediately about Cars is how similar some of the mini games are
to classic video games, which just might pique the interest of an older
gamer. I mean, two of the three available at the start are in my opinion
directly derivative of such decrepit titles Spy Hunter and Tapper. Not that
it's a good thing at all. I just said the resemblance was striking.
The biggest problem with all this is also quickly apparent. Some of these
games are easy, but others are downright devilish. The third remaining
opening game, itself entirely based on that old chestnut Simon Says,
prevents the player from unlocking anything further until it's completed.
And despite us all knowing how to play it without much instruction, it's
hard enough to make you want to give up. Almost.
Because if you do complete the opening set, you get to take part in the
Piston Cup race - itself another seemingly complete update of 80s racer
Pitstop. Dodge oncoming traffic whilst avoiding direct opponent Chick Hicks.
Colliding will cause tire wear, forcing a pitstop, which requires some quick
stylus action to change the wheel nuts before racing can restart.
Despite how ordinary and obviously unoriginal the actual substance of Cars
is, the presentation, visuals and audio is quite marvelous. Races are
rendered in a very pretty pseudo 3D, and all characters are beautifully
drawn. But then considering the inspiration you wouldn't expect anything
less.
But unfortunately, it all makes for a disappointing package. What most
definitely works for mini-game compendiums like Wario Ware or Mario Party
certainly doesn't work for Cars, because of its complete lack of variety and
quantity of individual levels, not to mention the wild variation in
difficulty. And as a result Cars is barely worth leasing, let alone a
purchase.
WHAM! Rating: |
4 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: |
E (Everyone) |
Official Web Site: |
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