“Ratatouille” director Brad Bird is a recent addition to the Pixar stable of talent, but a lifetime spent thinking about and creating animation led him to where he is today. “Animation is about creating the illusion of life,” he said while accepting an Oscar for “The Incredibles” in 2005. “And you can’t create it if you don’t have one.”

Bird started his career in animation as a teenager, creating a short that caught the attention of Walt Disney Studios at age 14. There, legendary animator Milt Kahl, who worked on many of Disney’s early classic films, mentored Bird. The young artist later met current Pixar and Disney chief creative officer John Lasseter when the two attended CalArts. After graduation, Bird briefly worked for Disney before turning his attention to TV, where he created the animated series “Family Dog” and served as creative consultant on “The Simpsons,” “King of the Hill,” and “The Critic.”

With that experience under his belt, Bird went on to direct the underappreciated animated movie “The Iron Giant” for Warner Bros. Based on the children’s book by Ted Hughes, the film tells the story of a mysterious metal giant who falls from the sky one evening in the 1950s, as the Cold War has entered a deep freeze. A boy named Hogarth Hughes befriends the giant and protects him from the adults who think he’s a threat.

That effort led Bird to Pixar and a reunion with Lasseter, who brought him on board to create “The Incredibles.” The film was a box office hit, winning Bird an Academy Award in 2005 for best animated film. Bird’s script was also nominated for best original screenplay, and the movie earned nods for sound editing and best achievement in sound. The following year, he took over directing duties on “Ratatouille.”

“’Ratatouille’ is personal to me because, in a way, we all have impossible dreams and do what we can to pursue them,” Bird says in a video podcast about his latest film. “And [Remy’s desire to become a chef] is the ultimate impossible dream.”

Journey Through the Underworld. When he has to, Remy can run along pipes and access out-of-the-way spots.

Remy’s adventures in Paris unlock new aspects of the game as he completes levels and earns Gusteau points, which are redeemable between game sessions. You can use those points to purchase videos about the making of the film, bonus and concept art, and a teaser trailer for Pixar’s next film, “Wall.E.” In addition, you can buy game modes that let you revisit the Dream Worlds, Cooking Stations, and Slides mini-games found within the main game.

For an added challenge, invite some friends over and visit Gusteau’s shop to purchase the multi-player mini-games, which include a rat race through the sewer in soup cans. Then see who’s top rat in multi-player versions of the Dream Worlds, Cooking Stations, and Slides mini-games. For the icing on the cake, get everyone together for a Combo Challenge, which takes the contestants through all of the multi-player mini-games.

Remy accumulates Gusteau points not only by finishing tasks but also by collecting the stars scattered throughout Paris. You’ll find stars in out-of-reach spots that Remy can access with his special abilities, as well as in boxes he can destroy with tail swipes, spoons, and chili bombs (bottles of hot sauce). Spoons and chili bombs are usually found on the ground near boxes.

Words to Scurry By

If you’re wondering how to navigate big, intimidating Paris with a little rat, Pope has some advice: “Always move quickly and often when near the humans. They are big, dangerous, and will detect you and usually attack you if you don’t move away in time. You can also move around the levels quickly by running on the ball. And remember to use Remy’s scent button to help find your way if you are lost during a mission.”

Like the movie it’s based on, Ratatouille appeals to adults and children. “We usually provide several different ways of completing tasks and getting through the world,” Pope notes. “We are always balancing risk versus reward throughout the game.”

All Along the Feline Watchtower. That box hides Remy, but if he doesn’t pause when the meter becomes red, the cat will go after him.

While many games require you to scour the Internet (or simply read our articles) to uncover cheat codes, Ratatouille features them in the “Secrets” area of Gusteau’s shop. The only catch is that four of the codes must be purchased with Gusteau points, while the others you’ll need to uncover at other sources, including movie tie-in products sold by Mattel.

However, we have four of those other codes to get you started. Remember: They’re case-sensitive, so enter them exactly as you see them here.