Cars (Nintendo DS)

In a nutshell:
Few kids films can be as well suited to video game immortalisation as Cars and just for once a movie license-in hasn’t just been used for a cheap cash-in. Think Ridge Racer, Jr. and there’s plenty to enjoy here for both adults and children.

The lowdown:
When you’ve got a movie populated solely by talking cars it at least means there’s no need to turn the game into yet another third person platformer. Instead you take the role of stock car Lightning McQueen in what is actually a sequel to the movie’s plot, as he works his way up the racing leagues. Whether there’s someone driving Lightning or not he still handles like any other arcade racer, complete with a handy powerslide. The artificial intelligence of the other cars can seem a bit too willing to let you win in the early stages but there are separate kids and adults modes to ensure all ages get a decent challenge.

Most exciting moment:
Although it’s not quite Grand Theft Auto the game features a surprisingly large game world for you to explore, with wide open canyons and towns filled with tons of side quests and mini-games to ignore or enjoy as you please.

Since you ask:
Almost the entire voicecast of the movie reprise their roles, recording original dialogue just for the game. This includes Owen Wilson and, in his first ever role in a video game, the legendary Paul Newman.

The bottom line:
One of the best movie tie-ins for a while and a decent little racer.
HARRISON DENT