Released on June 13, 2017, Cars 3: Driven to Win is a competitive racing title that brings the high-octane world of Disney•Pixar’s third animated film to interactive play. Developed by Avalanche Software, the game invites players to step behind the wheel alongside iconic characters like Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm, and Cruz Ramirez. Available across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, and Wii U, it offers a structured experience that bridges casual family fun with skill-based progression.

Story & Setting Overview

Set directly after the events of the feature film, Cars 3: Driven to Win follows the protagonists as they compete in the Lightning Storm Cruise. The narrative framework places you on a global touring circuit that spans thirteen distinct environments. Players will race through familiar cinematic locations like Radiator Springs and Thunder Hollow Speedway, while also exploring newly introduced tracks across Fireball Beach, Heartland Motor Speedway, Arizona, Thomasville, and Florida International Super Speedway. The journey also extends internationally, taking competitors to Tokyo, Porto Corsa, and London. This expansive map design ensures that every lap feels like a fresh chapter in the ongoing road to becoming a Hall of Fame Driver.

Gameplay Mechanics & Modes

At its core, the title is a racing experience built around training, progression, and direct competition. Players can dive into six distinct game modes designed to test different aspects of driving proficiency. The campaign focuses on honing your abilities to unlock new vehicles and eventually challenge others in the Battle Race mode, where the goal is to become the Ultimate Champion. The game supports 1 to 4 players on eighth-generation consoles, emphasizing local multiplayer. Success relies heavily on mastering performance visuals and telemetry, allowing racers to fine-tune their approach. While the visuals faithfully replicate the film’s character designs down to individual stickers and rust patches, the gameplay loop prioritizes skill development over arcade-style shortcuts.

Notable Features & Platform Availability

Avalanche Software crafted a roster featuring 23 playable characters, blending the next generation of racers with vintage competitors pulled from racing history. Customization options allow players to personalize their vehicles, while the progression system unlocks new characters and cosmetic items as you advance. The game spans a wide array of hardware, supporting PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, and Wii U. While earlier announcements hinted at PC and Wii releases, those versions were ultimately cancelled during development. The expansive track list and character roster are consistently optimized across the supported platforms, maintaining the film’s visual fidelity.

  • Over twenty tracks set across iconic global locations
  • 23 customizable playable characters including Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm
  • Six distinct game modes with a dedicated Battle Race option
  • 1 to 4 player local multiplayer support on eighth-generation consoles
  • Telemetry-based performance tracking for precise vehicle tuning

Who It Appeals To

This title is primarily designed for families, younger players, and dedicated fans of the animated franchise. The accessible controls, localized multiplayer support, and clear progression path make it an excellent choice for introducing new audiences to competitive racing. The emphasis on training and skill development also provides a rewarding experience for players who enjoy methodical improvement rather than purely fast-paced action. With its focus on family-friendly competition and iconic character rosters, it serves as a definitive interactive extension of the Cinematic racing universe.