Like THQ's previous Pixar-related DS title Finding Nemo, the Nintendo DS version of Cars isn't a recreation of the film, or even the same game as the console renditions -- Cars for the Nintendo DS is a collection of race missions and character-inspired minigames based on events that took place in the animated feature film.
Cars for the DS is a quality product, but in terms of gameplay presentation it's a bit of a mess, and overall it misses some key opportunities to extend the gameplay beyond an hour diversion.
Mini-games in Cars are all over the gauge, it shouldn't take an average player more than two hours to unlock every minigame and see every story scene. Some of the best include a tire-stacking challenge where players have to flick the stylus upwards to fling the ring of rubber to land flush with the rest of the tires - the timing and momentum based control makes it a pretty tough challenge.
When you finish those three, a Piston Cup race opens up. Winning the race will unlock three additional minigames, which you then must complete to unlock the next race, and so it goes, until you've unlocked all four races and 12 minigames.
The only multiplayer option in Cars is in this racing mode, but because it requires two cartridges to play we didn't have the opportunity to give it a whirl. But if single player is any indication, we're not missing much here. Race levels are viewed top-down across both screens. The other minigames employ side views and behind-the-back views.
Cars, visually, looks great on the Nintendo DS. Most of the challenges utilize smooth, detailed 3D on both screens at the same time, utilizing the established Pixar style throughout.
Product Features
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Story-based adventure that relives key moments of the movie
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Burn rubber in over 30 races and mini-games
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Explore the open-world of Radiator Springs
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Speed to the finish line with over 10 playable characters
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Make your friends eat your dust in multiplayer mode
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