As a proclaimed ‘Disnerd’ the ability to transcend into the Disney Universe my controlling an iconic character is a feature I have always admired. Cars was my first experience with this wonderous immersion; however, I would also like to think this was the game that propelled me to where I am today, but more on that later…
Cars the video game was set after the events of the film, following Lightning McQueen competing in the new racing season as he looks to win his first Piston Cup. With McQueen as the primary playable character, you control the racing superstar during his quest for glory, whilst also training around the recently reinvigorated Radiator Springs.
An enjoyable factor of this game was the variation of races. Ranging from atypical 20 car Piston Cup races to checkpoint based Monster Truck modded madness, there was never a dull moment when hitting the road, regardless of asphalt or dirt. The defining aspect of Cars was the free roaming element. Cruising around iconic locations sprinkled some Disney magic into this gaming experience, it added an immersion that only enhanced my love for my favourite Pixar film.
Cars was the first video game I truly got my teeth into, and I would argue it was the cause of gaming becoming an integral part of my life.
Unusual for ‘child themed’ video games, the soundtrack for Cars was exceptional. The general soundtrack only included eight songs, but each song truly captured the essence of Cars. The songs would soar through the decades, nostalgic 50s tunes and bold noughties anthems accompanied me as I explored one of my favourite childhood gaming maps.
It was this game that ignited my love for soundtracks within video games. Soundtracks on the surface are arguably secondary features, they don’t impact in game mechanics, they have no effect on servers, but we all know they are at the core of all in game experiences.
GTA V, Fallout 4, Mafia III are some of my favourite games with their soundtracks being a primary reason for this, they offer a narrative element that only immerses you more into their exhilarating maps, and I believe Cars was the game that first made me appreciate the power of music within gaming.
Another gaming first I experienced with Cars was… Rage. Admittedly a negative first, I distinctly recall a Piston Cup race at ‘Palm Mile Speedway’ that simply plagued my gaming ability. The game required you to finish in the top three to progress to the next Piston Cup race and in prime Arsenal Arsene Wenger fashion it would be attempt after attempt I would consistently find myself only managing to grasp fourth place. This in turn would rather frustrate me and it would also be the first of many gaming tantrums. I would eventually go onto complete all Piston Cup races, but the memories of rage vividly remain.
The reason I wanted to write about Cars is the central role it has played in my life. I played this game on a PlayStation 2 that was gifted to my dad, he was never an avid gamer so he thought it’d be wise to pass it on to me, little did he know 18 years on I’d become a gamer nerd to the extent in which I would be writing about it on a constant basis!
As this will be my last article, I would like to extend my gratitude to a few people who have cultivated my gaming persona.
First thanks will always go out to my dad, the man who set me on my gaming path, from schooling me on FIFA 08 to disapprovals of my shouting on FIFA 15, you have always supported me no matter what and I could safely say I would not have enjoyed my time with The Courier with your help.
My second shout out is for Adam Lovegrove, the man who completes the gaming section. Your help as a fellow Gaming sub-editor has been second to none and I wish you only the best going forward.
Thirdly I want to thank Jess McKeown, the mountains of gaming discussions we have had have been a joy, and we have introduced some marvellous games to each other, long may it continue!
Finally, my flat mates, Harry, Ed and Joe, reigniting my love for the Nintendo Wii has been thrilling, witnessing record breaking Mario Kart races and ‘Tiger Woods-esque’ shots on Wii Sport has always brought a smile to my face.
All that’s left from me is to say, in times of stress or in times of need, there is no harm to look to gaming, it will truly help you be freed.
