Cars
- August 21, 2006 00:00 AM PST
Put your hands in the air: Cars breaks free of the analog stick!
This racing game tie-in for Pixar's latest feature film has been out for more than half a dozen different platforms for a few months now, but the control system is getting a complete tune-up for Nintendo's motion-sensing Wii console launch this fall.
On the Road Again
The events of the game take place after the film's story, but flashbacks give players a chance to race through some of the more memorable moments of the film. More than ten lovable personalities from Radiator Springs are playable, including Sally's smooth and sleek love interest and Mater's rusted-out bucket-of-bolts tow truck.
The simple truth, though, is that the environments, mini-games, participants, and voice-overs haven't changed at all from the version that's already on store shelves. That's not necessarily a ding to the bodywork, since the currently available incarnation of Cars isn't a bad game; it's just unfortunate to see a second chance at addressing oversights--in particular, the relative ease with which your competition is beaten--drift by. An exclusive level or the like might've gone a long way to differentiating this port from the versions already out there as well.
Looking good, old boy!
In the Driver's Seat
On the other hand, perhaps this title doesn't need any such additions to get your attention. We know what you're really wondering: how does it feel to steer a car with the Wii-mote? Pretty damn good is the short answer. The rectangular controller is held with one end in each hand, creating a virtual 10 and 2 o'clock, and tilted in space like a steering wheel to turn your on-screen cartoon tires from side to side. In this preview build, one needed to practically upend the controller to get full access to the turning radius, but we have to suspect that there'll be some sensitivity adjustment players can make.
Minor quibbles like this aside, however, the feeling of control was amazingly fluid and consistent, and infinitely more natural a way to control a vehicle than any analog stick ever was. You truly wind up feeling a deeper sense of connection to your racer, and not just because your hands are twisting in space. We weren't able to play as anyone but Lightning McQueen himself on this build, so we can't comment on how the handling differences of each car translate over to the Wii's unique setup.
Such physical control seemed to have the same effect on everybody; heads tilted involuntarily from side to side, and feet shuffled almost imperceptibly as cars drifted too close to walls. Perhaps this is just the novelty factor at work, a physical reaction that will fade quickly after the console's release; on the other hand, it could be the beginning of a much more visceral and satisfying approach not only to racing, but to gaming in general.
