• “The game structure is semi-linear,” Itkowitz says. “There’s a core of events you have to complete, but the rest are optional. You need a certain amount of trophy points to compete in the Piston Cup race that ends each chapter. If you’re not able to place first or second in a race, go and try to win those trophy points via one of the mini-games.”
• “As for the races,” he continues, “learn to use the power slide. It’s great for those 90-degree corners. And definitely pick up all three boost tanks as you move through the game. Finally, you don’t have to pit during the Piston Cups, but it’s recommended. Get a top time in each pit, and you’ll gain a spot and a few seconds when you return to the race.”
• It’s also important to note the differences between the Piston Cup races and the road contests. You won’t have access to power slides, hops, and other moves during the big stadium races, so you’ll need to rely on raw driving ability. Take the curves on the inside whenever possible, and don’t let yourself get hung up behind a pack of cars who will slow you down. Don’t stress out, however, if you fall behind early, since you have 12 laps to make up ground, as opposed to the three laps you’ll find in most of the road races. Pace yourself.

Cars: The Game: A race against a pair of Lightning McQueen’s biggest fans.

• Hip-Hop It Up: You must not only repeat Ramone’s dance moves when it’s Lightning’s turn, but also time your mouse clicks accordingly.
• Luigi’s Fantastico Fun!: Move Guido back and forth as you catch the tires Luigi tosses down. Avoid wrenches, toolboxes, and other non-tire objects.
• Fill ‘Er Up: Repeat the gas pump pattern for each customer.
• Radiator Springs Curios: Memorize the locations of the posters, bumper stickers, license plates, and other items on Lizzie’s wall. Then click “Start” and place each item where it goes. Watch out: some objects are similar in size.
• Doc’s Tune-Up: Drag obstructions out of ailing automobiles without touching the sides of their exhaust pipes and other parts.

• Sarge’s Boot Camp: Navigate Lightning around and over the obstacles in Sarge’s course.
• Tow the Line: Guide Mater around the tow yard, picking up cars without bumping into the fence, or into one of the cars he’s towing. You’ll need to find a new tow hook before you can grab a car that’s blinking red.
• Drive-In and Out: Figure out how to move the cars in the proper order so you can get Lightning out of the parking lot after the drive-in movie.
• Tractor Round-Up: Guide Mater and Lightning around Frank’s field to knock down the tractors by honking your horn at them. Don’t run into a tractor or the fence. (Luckily, you don’t have to contend with Frank in this one.)
• Speed Trap: Help Sheriff nab speeders. Watch out for oil slicks, potholes, and other road hazards.

Stumped? Then you may need some help, thanks to the cheat codes that are commonly placed in most video games. They allow you to, well, cheat and change the rules. This sometimes includes activating bonuses, unlocking secrets, and accessing new levels of gameplay.

In Disney/Pixar Cars, go into the Options menu and then select Cheats Codes. Enter “TRGTEXC” (without the quotes) to unlock the Mater’s Speedy Circuit and Mater’s Countdown Cleanup mini-games. If you typed it correctly, you’ll hear the sound of a car alarm being disabled. An incorrect entry summons a police siren.

If you’d prefer a tougher level of difficulty in the game, go into the Options menu again but select Profiles this time. Enter “CHMPION” and then start Story Mode.

In Disney/Pixar Cars: Radiator Springs Adventures, press the F12 key and then enter “TRGTEXC” to unlock the Chopper Bonus mini-game.

Radiator Springs Adventure: Lightning meets up with Sheriff.