They say we shouldn’t judge the book by its cover. The same goes with video games. Although the title implies an automobile version of a cannibalistic feast, Car Eats Car 3, made by Smokoko game developing team, is a side-scrolling platform game with nothing new to offer.
The mission is simple, get to the other side of the level and collect as many gems and bonuses as you can while evading or destroying cars that are chasing you. As you drive you have no control of the gun mounted on the roof of your car, however you can release bombs behind you and leave your chasers in a pile of metal and ashes. Boosting can get you flying which can help collect even more of those pesky collectibles needed to upgrade your vehicle. In addition, there is an achievement system which awards you gears, another currency needed to buy more upgrades.
The controls are uncommon, with the UP arrow for moving forward, DOWN for backward and LEFT and RIGHT to balance the car while flying. It is kind of funny to watch your car roll over and over in place when you start playing the game, but it gets annoying quite fast.
Background and item design is beautiful but car design has its flaws. The car you play with is similar to Lightning McQueen, a main character of Cars (cartoon made by Disney and Pixar). Other cars you meet through the game also show strong resemblance to the cartoon, which had me questioning the creative aspect of Smokoko.
With no impressive features and a repetitive soundtrack, Car Eats Car 3 gives nothing to keep you interested and play more than a few levels. It is a sequel that didn’t live up to its expectations.