Cars Mater-National Championship (GBA) Playthrough [4K]
1"Disney/Pixar's Cars: Mater-National Championship" for the Game Boy Advance is a racing game deveoped by Tantalus. Set after the events of the film, Lightning McQueen has established his base in Radiator Springs. The allure of the new racing stadium attracts cars from far and wide to compete against McQueen.
The story mode offers 17 races across 14 tracks, while the Challenge Mode presents 28 events in three categories: Trophy Hunt, Elimination, and Beat the Clock. Other options include "Arcade" mode for standalone races and "Versus" mode for 2-player races. There's also a "Bonus Content" area with unlockables like additional characters and concept art. Completing events earns race banners, unlocking new content and regions.
The game does a good job of capturing the film's essence. The cars and environments are well done, though not spectacular. Cutscenes and races reflect the film's design adequately, and familiar voices, like Tony Shaloub and Larry the Cable Guy as Mater, add authenticity. While primarily controlling Lightning McQueen, players occasionally switch characters. The tracks feature recognizable locations from Radiator Springs, with themes around iconic spots.
However, the driving experience doesn't match the excitement of the tracks. Mater-National is a basic 3D racing game where players select one of 10 characters and compete in three-lap races against three opponents. Though there are shortcuts and collectibles, the lack of challenge makes it feel like a breeze. The AI racers perform adequately but lack competitiveness. While it has charm, the basic racing and lack of difficulty options hold it back from being a standout in the genre. Ultimately, it falls short of recommendation, especially for older players.