Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 35
  2. Negative: 1 out of 35
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Nov 15, 2011
    70
    As a racing game for kids this is ideal, with easy to pick up and play controls and a variety of fun modes. However, with the removal of the sandbox style areas there is not much depth on offer here and just playing the same missions or multiplayer modes over and over again will rapidly lose its appeal. As a movie tie-in this game is certainly fun while it lasts but do not expect it to hold your attention, or that of your kids if you deign to give them a go, for long. Cars 2 is more Ka-chow than Ka-ching, but not by much.
  2. Sep 16, 2011
    70
    Driving in Cars 2 feels fantastic, and the somewhat original mechanics offer an experience you'll not find elsewhere. It's definitely more engaging in multiplayer however, and I'd recommend you play it with at least one other person.
  3. Sep 9, 2011
    70
    It's not up to Mario Kart standards, but for a family get together it's an entertaining alternative that sits well with all ages.
  4. Aug 26, 2011
    70
    A surprisingly well done and fun game, which would have better benefited from a full story mode and online play.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Aug 23, 2011
    70
    A surprise - a likeable and entertaining family game that throws up the occasional tough challenge. [Sept 2011, p.102]
  6. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Aug 19, 2011
    70
    Put aside your natural suspicion over a kids' game based on a Disney movie and you'll be pleasantly surprised. [Issue#75, p.81]
  7. Aug 4, 2011
    70
    Overall, Cars 2 is surprisingly enjoyable. While there's a distinct lack of storytelling, this isn't a particularly bad thing for a racing title. The campaign could have done with being a bit longer and there's little replayability after it has been completed but, other than that, this is a great title that shouldn't be overlooked for being a kid's game.
  8. Aug 1, 2011
    70
    Cars 2 certainly doesn't lack personality and sheen, then, but there are some irritations that hold it back.
  9. Jul 29, 2011
    70
    A decent enough racing game that should please the younger gamers.
  10. Jul 29, 2011
    70
    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) does just fine in the style of a knockabout children's action racer. Grown ups can play as well.
  11. Jul 27, 2011
    70
    Another great movie tie-in from the creators of Toy Story 3 and one of the best Mario Kart clones for years.
  12. Jul 25, 2011
    70
    Cars 2 shows us that a game based on a movie isn't always bad. Both young and old will be entertained with all of the different modes and cars. But we just can't wrap our head around the fact that there isn't an online multiplayer available.
  13. Jul 22, 2011
    70
    A simple yet robustly entertaining kid-friendly racer that switches from accessible fun to gruelling grind in the blink of an eye right before the end.
  14. Jul 21, 2011
    70
    If you want a genuinely ambitious video game based on a movie license, check out Toy Story 3. If, however, you or a family member really loves Lightning McQueen and the movie's cast of characters, this simple but fun arcade racer won't disappoint.
  15. Jul 12, 2011
    70
    Disney's movie tie-in is quite a surprise. Although it has very little to do with the movie by Pixar, it's quite entertaining and enjoyable, especially for gamers of younger ages.
  16. Jul 11, 2011
    70
    A game that is enjoyable for the whole family, from the smallest to largest. A tie-in that captures perfectly the style of Cars universe. The only flaw is the lack of online, which could affect the longevity.
  17. Jun 22, 2011
    70
    This is sort of a mixed bag. Younger players will find lots to do here while more experienced players might find the career to be a bit tedious later on.
  18. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Aug 15, 2011
    62
    The best Cars game yet, but it fails to dazzle on the tarmac. [Oct 2011, p.88]
  19. Jul 13, 2011
    60
    If we look at it from the perspective of a five-year=old boy, fascinated by the fact that he could control his movie heroes, it could be one of the best racing games of the year. But even from general perspective, Cars 2 is a very simple but enjoyable game and one of the better ones in the childrens games category.
  20. Jun 25, 2011
    50
    Quotation forthcoming.
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. Jun 25, 2011
    9
    As with Toy Story 3, Cars 2 is another great movie tie in to be enjoyed by kids. Obviously taking inspiration from Mario Kart, DisneyAs with Toy Story 3, Cars 2 is another great movie tie in to be enjoyed by kids. Obviously taking inspiration from Mario Kart, Disney Interactive gives a valiant effort in making a fun racing game. 4 player multiplayer is definately a major highlight. Full Review »
  2. Nov 12, 2011
    7
    This is a great movie game. The graphics look almost as good as the movie and the gameplay is almost as good as the Mario Kart games. TheThis is a great movie game. The graphics look almost as good as the movie and the gameplay is almost as good as the Mario Kart games. The difficulty is a bit harder though. Full Review »
  3. May 13, 2018
    4
    Pour une adaptation d'un film en jeu vidéo, on pouvait s'attendre au pire... mais ce n'est tout-à-fait le cas. Le jeu en reprend tous lesPour une adaptation d'un film en jeu vidéo, on pouvait s'attendre au pire... mais ce n'est tout-à-fait le cas. Le jeu en reprend tous les avatars originaux à 4 roues, remuants et bavards, très bavards même avec une VF intégrale de bon aloi d'ailleurs. Il reprend aussi le choix éminemment discutable d'avoir placé les yeux des **** bolides dans le pare-brise... un choix imbécile puisque naturellement les phares sont les yeux d'une voiture et la calandre sa bouche, sa "gueule"... pas besoin de rajouter une "bouche" artificielle dans le pare-chocs qui plus est !

    Cela étant, le jeu est n'est pas vilain et assez bien réalisé ; il utilise à bon escient le principe des armes qu'on chope sur les circuits afin de déstabiliser ses adversaires ou de les ralentir. on remplit sa jauge de turbo via quelques "cascades" comme rouler sur 2 roues, sauter (!) ou bien rouler en marche arrière ! La conduite est bien évidemment ultra-arcade avec un bouton dédié pour "déraper"...

    Le souci -outre le fait que le jeu soit clairement destiné à un jeune public- concerne la répétitivité de ce genre de jeu ma foi très simpliste au cours duquel une lassitude patente s'installe plus ou moins rapidement. Le côté neuneu n'aide pas non plus à s'investir outre-mesure là-dedans... à moins d'être un peu demeuré à l'origine. Il faut dire que les films sont déjà assez bêbêtes comme ça et qu'un jeu sur ce thème ne s'imposait pas forcément.
    Full Review »