Cars 2 lets players race as various characters from the movies in this kart-racing style game which combines racing action with over-the-top items that can help equalize the action in a hurry. 

Set as an extension of the movie’s plot, Cars 2 let’s players race as Mater, Lightning Queen and more as part of CHROME, an international automotive spy agency.  In all, there are more than 20 different characters to choose from, including Holley Shiftwell and Finn McMissile.

As a “kart-racing” style game, Cars 2 lets player use various high-tech gadgets and items to evade or help destroy adversaries.  There are also a number of special moves possible, such as backwards driving, two-wheel driving, sidestepping and more.

Multiplayer mode really shines in Cars 2, allowing up to four players at a time to race together.  The graphics are obviously better in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, but all versions are a great choice for competitive families who love to battle all the way to the winner’s circle.  We recommend Cars 2 for kids ages 6 and up.

The game also features seven different way to play: Race Mode, Battle Race Mode, Hunter Mode, Attack Mode, Survival Mode, Battle Arena Mode and Disruptor Mode.  Each offers a slightly different way to race, whether it’s a battle to not be last, attempting to take out all the other cars or even a capture-the-flag style mode.

INFORMATION FROM ANNOUNCEMENT PRESS RELEASE:

Disney Interactive Studios today announced that Disney-Pixar’s Cars 2: The Video Game will feature full 3D support exclusively for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.  From the start, players will be immersed in a 3D experience as Cars 2: The Video Game detects a connection to a 3D TV and automatically adjusts settings. Cars 2 fans will then experience 3D in every aspect of gameplay, including action-packed combat racing and all menu interfaces. In addition, the multiplayer functionality of the game will allow for four players to compete against each other in full 3D, utilizing a 4-way split screen.  

“The advancement of 3D technology will allow us to immerse the player into the Cars 2 game environment in a whole new way,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software, developer of Cars 2.  “The 3D effects will ratchet up gameplay in ways that will have fans’ hearts pounding when they embark on dangerous spy missions, while our innovative multiplayer with four simultaneous 3D ports will bring a whole new dimension to PS3™ gaming.”

Cars 2: The Video Game is inspired by the upcoming Disney Pixar animated film. The game allows players to dive into the Cars 2 universe alongside some of their favorite Cars personalities in exotic locations spanning the globe. Cars 2: The Video Game expands beyond the movie’s storyline as players take on the role of one of more than 20 different Cars characters and train to become top notch spies at the international spy training center, C.H.R.O.M.E. (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage). Over the course of their training, players take on dangerous missions, compete to become the fastest race car in the world and use their spy skills in non-stop action packed combat racing and battle arenas.

Cars 2: The Video Game launches on June 21, 2011 on all major gaming platforms.  The game is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.