This article was produced in collaboration with Valnet Inc. and sponsor Gameloft.
Later this year, Disney and Pixar's beloved Cars franchise celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Two sequels have followed — as well as short films, animated series and more. Cars has also had its fair share of video game adaptations, but if there's one game it's always felt ready to appear in, it's Disney Speedstorm.
The free-to-play kart racer has entered its next season, the “Piston Cup,” bringing new drivers and crew members to Disney Speedstorm, along with anything Cars the fan will immediately recognize: Radiator springs. Inspired by the popular film series, the song is indeed full of familiar sights and sounds; of course it would be a shame about Speedstorm players could not take Cars“Own actors along for the ride. Thankfully, the developers haven't missed a beat.
See what's happening with the Piston Cup
Who comes along? First up is Rust-eze's very own Lightning McQueen! McQueen has a passive ability, “King of Turns”, which makes him an ace choice for anyone struggling with the slowdowns inherent in drifting. As his name suggests, Lightning McQueen won't slow down much at all during those sharp turns. He also has the “Pit Stop”, which is linked to one of the fastest crew members around: Guido! “Pit Stop” gives this seven-time Piston Cup champion a quick tire change and a little more speed; he'll even pose for the camera, briefly blinding any opponents who happen to be nearby.
The ever-faithful Tow Mater and bright-eyed Cruz Ramirez are also playable drivers, with the Defender and Speedster styles respectively. Additional Cars season cast includes — deep breaths! — Holley Shiftwell, Flo, Sterling, Red, Sheriff, Cal Weathers, Finn McMissile and Francesco Bernoulli. If you're wondering how to get all those famous Cars characters into your Disney Speedstorm team, don't worry, because there have been and will be plenty of chances to do so.
Gameloft recently hosted a leaderboard event that awarded top ranked players Lightning McQueen. Early access to this iconic character has also been offered via Chapter 1 of the Season Tour, where McQueen guest stars as a racer for a dedicated mission. Not only that, but McQueen's Shards can be earned later in Chapter 6, so there will be plenty of opportunities to sink your teeth into the next big addition to the roster.
Additionally, a multiplayer event worked similarly, giving top performers their own Cruz Ramirez. Cruz's virtual treadmill ability boosts not only himself, but all nearby allies as well. She's also good on the offensive, with a tornado-like attack that's sure to stun her opponent.
Since February 15th, McQueen, Cruz and Mater have gone live in the Disney Speedstorm game store. As for the Cars-inspired Radiator Springs course, it has been available since the season's launch on February 12 in Solo and Team modes, as well as through select Season Tour missions. As always, the new maps will also be available in Private Matches and Local Freeplay via the Friendly Race option.
And so much more
There is much more planned this season in Disney Speedstorm, including two Grand Prix, one centered on McQueen and the other on Cruz. Around mid-March, Gameloft is also planning an event that will temporarily increase the ways to earn Mater. Mater's ability to yank rival drivers ahead of him, and then use that momentum to launch himself forward, is guaranteed to be a winner, so players will want to make sure they're here for this.
If this sounds like fun to you, you're hardly alone. Disney Speedstorm's vast array of Disney and Pixar characters and environments is truly impressive, and the inspiration from each Disney and Pixar film is palpable every time. Learn a lot more about the game on the official website, and prepare to join thousands of other players to experience this exciting season of Cars celebration.
Disney Speedstorm characters compared to their movie versions
A racing game featuring familiar Disney characters – here's how they compare to their movie counterparts.
