Publisher THQ is very happy to announce that the video game title Cars has been made a discount title across almost all platforms. This means that the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions have been added to the "Greatest Hits" basket while the Xbox360 version can now found in the "Platinum Hits" basket.

If you really want to know, even the GameCube (GC) version is now a part of "Player's Choice" retail program.

THQ decided to come up with a sequel called Cars Mater-National for the 360, Wii and PlayStation 3 platforms. Disney Interactive Studios Exec. VP and GM Graham Hopper commented:

We are excited by the tremendous success the Cars franchise has achieved across the world on multiple video game platforms. Our successful and long-standing relationship with THQ has delivered a strong portfolio of Disney/Pixar titles that have become family favorites for gamers of all ages.

The original Cars is now available across all platforms at a suggested retail price of US$ 19.99. On the other hand, the new title Cars Mater-National is expected to careen around retail stores this fall. It will also be available on PS2, Nintendo DS, and GBA platforms.

Have you got your copy of Disney's Cars yet? If you own a PSP, PS2, PC, GBA, Nintendo DS, GameCube, or Xbox, then maybe you do. But the Xbox 360 and Wii versions of the game are set to come out in Europe on November. And in anticipation of the release for the next-gen platforms, we got you covered with another trailer to tide over all that waiting.

You've seen the movie. And you often find yourself singing that "Life is a Highway" song. Now it's time to get into the game as Lightning McQueen in his life-changing journey in a detour to Radiator Springs. You'll be meeting familiar friends from the film, including Sally the Porsche, Doc Hudson the Hudson Hornet, and of course, Mater the Rusty Toe-Truck. The cast is all here, and some of them are actually playable characters. There's also going to be some new vehicles you would be meeting for the first time, so that's something you guys might look forward to.

So, watch the vid, hotrods! (it's even voice-over'd by that Movie Trailer guy)

Download: [Cars trailer]

The Force was definitely with Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy as it lightsabered its way through zombie hordes and gangs of thugs to reach the top spot in the UK Sales Charts this week. LucasArts' multiformat title has become the tenth Star Wars title to gain a number one position in the UK all formats charts. It debuted at number 3 in the UK sales charts last week even before it was officially released, so this development isn't unexpected.

Here are the chart's top five games:

1. Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
2. Dead Rising
3. Saints Row
4. Cars
5. Test Drive Unlimited

Buy: [Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Dead Rising]
Buy: [Saints Row]
Buy: [Cars]
Buy: [Test Drive Unlimited]

The Leipzig Games Convention (LGC) is here! The Developer Conference opens today, August 21, with a record-breaking participation of more than 600 visitors. The LGC starts August 21 if you're a game developer, August 23 if you're a VIP or with the media, and August 24 if you're one of us, the unwashed masses. The LGC exhibitions end August 27, so start hiking now.

What does video game publisher THQ have for their line-up for the LGC? We took THQ's (very long) press release and squeezed it for the goodies. Here's the short version for your reading pleasure:

Saints Row
For the Xbox 360 is this third-person open-world action/driving hybrid developed by THQ's Volition, Inc. You're a gang member with the 3rd Street Saints and you have to go up the gang ranks and eventually take over the city Stilwater. The game features character customization options and supports multiplayer mode through Xbox Live. Official release: Aug. 29 for North America; Sept. 1 for Europe.

Frontlines: Fuel of War
For the Xbox 360 and also for PS3 and Windows PC is this open-world infantry and vehicle first person shooter from THQ's Kaos Studios. In the near future, a global war for oil is being waged between the Western Coalition (US/NATO) and the Red Star Alliance (Russia/China). You'll play both sides of the battle. Official release: 2007.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
For the PSP, Xbox 360, and PS2 is this 8th release in the THQ and JAKKS Pacific franchise. It features an analog control grappling system, new movesets, and an interactive fighting area within the crowd. There are updated rosters for Raw and SmackDown and an expanded General Manager Mode and online multiplayer game play with voice chat support. Official release: 2006 holiday season.

Disney-Pixar Cars
You race. Based on the movie. Official release: fall 2006 for Xbox 360 and Wii; all throughout this summer for PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GBA, PSP, DS, Windows PC, and Mac.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
Bikini Bottom. Enough said. Official release: fall of 2006 for Wii, PS2, DS, GameCube, GBA, and Windows PC.

Monster House
Based on the movie. Official release: all throughout this summer for DS, PS2, GameCube, GBA.

Bratz: Forever Diamondz
Search of the country's hottest fashion designer. Official release: fall of 2006 for DS, PS2, GameCube, and GBA.

Barnyard
Based on the upcoming film. Official release: fall of 2006 for Wii, PS2, GameCube, GBA, and Windows PC.

Avatar: The Last Airbender
Do your kung fu and explore the four Avatar nations. Official release: fall of 2006 for Wii, DS, PSP, PS2, GameCube, Xbox, GBA, and Windows PC.

THQ has released a set of screenshots for the DS version of Cars, the video game adaption of the new Disney/Pixar movie. So there'll be almost no escape from the possible horrors of a cheap movie license game except that this one actually looks quite decent. We'll see about that shortly, as the game will probably hop onto shelves to coincide with the movie's release, which is June 9.

The game includes 10 characters from the movie, all playable. Players witness a fun and exciting story as they complete over 50 races in an open world environment to help Lightening McQueen capture the coveted Piston Cup Championship. Authentic voice talent taken straight from the movie will complement the experience.

The upcoming CG kiddie movie, Cars, is about to race towards your Nintendo DS. "Cars" is the story of Lightning McQueen, an animated stock-car voiced by Owen Wilson (I-Spy, Shanghai Knights, etc.). As the movie progresses he will find the true meaning of friendship and family (sounds familiar?). Disney ported it in the DS because of it's touchpen and microphone capabilities. As expected, the main theme is the racing game but there are mini-games worth spending time on. The great thing about Cars DS is that there are certain mini games that lets you use the touchpen or microphone, so this is perfect for those fingers that are really tired from playing other games.

One of the mini game's goal, for example, is to reach the moon by using the touchpen; the winner is then determined by the height of the jump. Just like any other racing game, all the racing statistics are saved including the minigames to promote competition. The game will be released July 6 of 2006.