GAME OF THE WEEK:7 cert, Disney Interactive, PS3 (also DS, Xbox 360, PC/Mac, Wii) ****

As movie tie-ins go, Cars 2shares just enough with the big-screen version. While some games spoil the plot or rely on prior knowledge of the film to make any sort of sense, Cars 2does neither. The game draws inspiration from some of the events in the film, but doesn't overly rely on following the plot.

Recruited as a member of Chrome (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations Motorised Espionage), players choose their character and are ready to get started. A quick tutorial takes you through the controls and basic objectives of the game – both easy to pick up – and you’re ready to go.

You could draw more than a few comparisons between Cars 2and Super Mario Kart, but Cars 2is a game in its own right. Sure, there are racing and weapons (real ones like machine guns instead of the Mario world-inspired projectiles you get in Super Mario Kart), but it doesn't feel like it borrows heavily from the Nintendo hit. There's enough variety in events to keep you interested, with everything from battle races and hunter events to survival sessions that see you try to replenish a rapidly dwindling shield.

Performing tricks will earn you turbo boost, which needs to be carefully rationed and combined with the weapons to provide you with the best possible chance of winning races. There is no online multiplayer; instead it’s limited to local multiplayer functions. If you have enough friends on hand to play, there’s no problem, but the limted options can be a little frustrating. As you might expect, the game is much more fun played with friends, but it’s worth taking a spin as a Chrome agent by yourself.

This is a fun game that will appeal to all ages, despite the original, child- themed source.