Changing focus can be risky business for sequels, but it pays off in Cars 2: The Video Game. Whereas the first game (like its cinematic counterpart) was all about cute talking cars racing and becoming pals, this new version enters the dramatic realm of international espionage - and the new tone and...

+ Fun; polished action-racing experience; + Several distinct play types; including races and car combat

- Limp career-mode structure; no online play, ? Will we see multiple sequels to this Cars game, too

Concept: Put more than 20 characters from Pixar's popular series through their paces in a variety of racing missions Graphics: The characters look great, and Avalanche captured everything from the way the look to how they zip around the tracks.

A fantastic, colourful and energetic racer that is perfect for the family.

Cars 2 is extremely fun! I had a great time playing it. The graphics are fantastic and so is the sound. There are many modes that you can play which are enjoyable! The locations in this game are outstanding too! This game is awesome! You can unlock many cool characters and levels!

Justin Calvert goes on a racing rampage in this video review for Cars 2.

Good-sized and varied career mode; Great track designs with plenty of shortcuts; Four-player split-screen supported in all modes; Over 30 playable Cars characters

No online play; Voice samples become grating after a while

Regardless of whether you enjoyed, endured, or avoided seeing Disney Pixar's Cars 2 , the racing game of the same name is a fun drive. It's also an unusual one. This is a racer in which every vehicle is equipped with a jump button, using the reverse gear is a legitimate race strategy, and...

Good-sized and varied career mode; Great track designs with plenty of shortcuts; Four-player split-screen supported in all modes; Over 30 playable Cars characters

No online play; Voice samples become grating after a while

For a movie based game, Cars 2 is actually quite a decent game and it seems that Disney have broken the movie game curse, especially considering their entertaining Toy Story 3 release last year.

This charming mash-up of mechanics from Mario Kart and Burnout will appeal to both young fans of Pixar's franchise, and even a slightly older audience.

Great use of the Cars license; successfully mashes Burnout and Mario Kart together; unlocking things is fun

When it comes to games and movie licenses, Disney Interactive has been on something of a roll lately. First, there was the enjoyable LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean and now, there is Cars 2 .

Overall then Cars 2 is a loveable excursion into the world of Pixar. Built with all the efficiency and character that you'd expect from the movie studio's cinema work, it demonstrates that what may not work so well as a film (unless of course you are six, in which case Cars is the best thing ever)...