Racing Video Games

Based on Pixar's computer animated film, Cars 2 follows the exploits of car characters Lightning McQueen and Mater as they train in a secret facility known as CHROME, short for Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage. They are joined by Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell as they attempt to become the car-equivalent of spies.

The game introduces a number of lighthearted missions to complete, as you use each vehicle's gadgets to escape from or to stop rivals. You'll also be able to perform stunts such as backwards driving, air tricks, and two-wheel driving to complete goals. Cars 2 also interfaces with the free-to-play World of Cars Online, allowing players to unlock rewards in both versions by completing specific tasks. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

A key feature introduced in the Reflex edition of Rainbow Studios' off-road series is independent control of the rider from the ride. The game's trick system allows players to make their character perform free form switches, extensions, and more, while the vehicle continues along its own trajectory. Under the new system, players can also control their riders to shift weight and momentum and pull their bike or four-wheeler back from the brink of a big spill, staying on track and out of the ditch. The control system is designed for intuitive movements, with high-flying hilltop stunts and balanced acceleration through corners and in valleys. The game's terrain effects allow the track to change during the race, as riders knock the dirt around, or even dig out a new path through the malleable earth. The vehicles themselves are deformable as well, with real-time damage in competitive events. Races are set in a variety of international locations, including tracks in the U.S. and Europe. The revamped game engine emphasizes the traction and handling on different surfaces such as mud, packed dirt, and snow. A variety of vehicles is available, including event-specific MX motorcycles, ATV four-wheelers, super-buggies, and specialized off-road racing trucks. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

THQ sets its Juiced series loose on the city streets once again, for this sequel run of underground racing and over-the-top turns. The second game in the series offers players a wide selection of authentically modeled automobiles from more familiar manufacturers like GM, Ford, and Dodge, with favorites from the likes of Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and VW rounding out the "Hot Imports" roster. All autos can be custom-tuned to the player's specification, and tweaked with a number of different paint jobs, decals, and other cosmetic modifications. Hot Import Nights puts priority on the drift racing technique, and special in-game meters monitor performance and challenge racers to push themselves to the limit. ~ All Game Guide

The series that first taught gamers to "kart" race speeds online in its DS debut. As in the popular SNES, N64, and GBA versions of Mario Kart, players choose a favorite character from the Nintendo canon and compete in chaotic, anything-goes races around variety of Mushroom Kingdom-themed tracks.

Each character comes with his or her own custom go-kart, and offers a different mix of speed, pick-up, and strength. Adding to the excitement are an assortment of power-ups, such as high-speed boosts, slippery banana peels, and ricocheting shells, which when used properly (and with a little luck), can knock a front-runner off the track or launch a last-place racer into first.

New in the DS version of Mario Kart is an online multiplayer mode, designed to be accessible through a proprietary DS-to-DS wi-fi connection (for as many as eight) or a wireless connection to the Internet (for up to four). ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide