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Cars 2
(PSP)
By
Reardon Jones
Lightning McQueen is back in another film-turn-game adventure based on the Pixar sensation, Cars 2.
Released at quite a strange time considering the release
of the film across Australian cinemas, Cars 2 sees Lighting McQueen and
Mater training to become spies at the Command Headquarters for Recon
Operations and Motorised Espionage. C.H.R.O.M.E. Clever.
On the hunt to stop the Evil Professor Zundapp and
all of his little bad guys, the lead stars undergo this training with
the help from new comers Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell.
The basic concept of the game is to race through
different locations and complete missions. Sounds perfectly fine as a
racing game, however this is where the frustrations begin.
The game is over complicated by the use of strange
camera angles. Players are also forced to deal with lane changing
manouvres rather than the standard free driving found in most racing
games.
Shifting lanes is the only way to progress. With
cars deliberately placed to prevent progression, the left and right
shifting of lanes is a very annoying way to race (You can boost or blow
up cars nontheless).
As you go through the C.H.R.O.M.E missions you
gain higher levels of clearance, which enables tougher tracks and
opponents. Ultimately however the game changes very little, more time
needed to be spent on the racing style and mechanics.
Other modes in the game include "Multiplayer" with
up to three players and "Beat the Clock".
The AI is surprisingly difficult considering the
nature of the gameplay. That's an interesting positive as there is
nothing worse than an annoying game that is easy.
Some of the films actors have lent their talent to
the game include Michael Caine, Larry the Cable Guy and Eddie Izzard.
Together they bring some star talent to Virtual Toys spin off of the
film.
Over 20 characters can be unlocked which makes for
some variety in game. Each character has their own level of ability and
weapons.
What we found quite strange is that it seems none
of the characters are a higher level than McQueen. Despite unlocking
numerous characters as you progress, McQueen who is a free character
from the start of the game is the most accomplished you can get. Why
would you want to use a lower level car?
The only reason we can think of is to keep the
little tackers happy by letting them control their favourite characters.
It’s a tough job making a game based on a movie
sequel that was nothing like it’s predecessor and while this is a
valiant effort, I wouldn't be rushing to the shops anytime soon.
I applaud the difference in gameplay to most other
racing games, however the reason people buy racing games ins't simply
for lane change manouvering.
Game: Cars 2
System: Sony PSP
Developer/Co-Developer: Virtual Toys
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Disney Interactive
Studios
Rating: 60%
(Ratings
Key/Explanation)
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