"CARS"

THQ/ Rainbow Studios

Consoles: Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PSP

Rated: for everyone

The animated movie "Cars" translates quite nicely to video game form. THQ-owned developer Rainbow Studios knows a thing or two about racing games ("Motocross Madness," "MX Unleashed"), which makes this Hollywood-licensed game a solid ride for the summer.

The most memorable sequences in the film involve racing on a Piston Cup track or zooming through the winding roads outside of Radiator Springs. The "Cars" game makes those experiences the focal point of play. There's a nice mix of racing challenges, which adds replay value.

Since the vehicles in this game talk (all the film's talent from Paul Newman to Larry the Cable Guy provided their voices for the game), they've been given movielike abilities. Cars in this game can make fantastic leaps and tilt to either side and go two-wheeling.

Rainbow Studios has kept things fresh with a variety of mini-games that don't revolve around winning a race. The cute tractor-tipping sequence from the movie is relived in one stealth-based mini-game, while Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is sent out to collect postcards in another challenge.

Though there's no online game play, split-screen competition should keep players entertained. Despite its kid appeal, this is a game older car enthusiasts will want to drive as well.