"Cars: Mater-National," THQ/Rainbow Studios; available for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Wii

Rated: Everyone

Anyone with a kid knows how popular the 2006 Pixar film "Cars" is. THQ's video-game sequel is driven by voice talent from the movie, including Owen Wilson as race car Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy as Mater the tow truck. If your disc for the original Cars game is as worn as a set of NASCAR tires by now, this sequel is just the ticket — for kids and families.

The game's open racing world offers many challenges in multiple racing modes as well as mini-games and a variety of races (such as road and stadium races and monster trucks) and styles (tag and relay, among others).

In story mode, kids can get behind the wheel of Lightning McQueen and drive through lush new landscapes in and around Radiator Springs for the chance to qualify for the international championship, the Mater-National. Throughout its many tracks and challenges, the game contains 350 flags to collect for those who want to play again and again.

The game is beautiful and fun to play.