Game Title: EA Sports NASCAR 08
Platform: Xbox 360
Studio: EA Sports
E-for Everyone
Rating: 8
The Review
Gameplay: If you're a fan of NASCAR racing, or just simply like driving in the fast lane, it's time to shift into high gear for this game. NASCAR 08 does its best to give you the feel of driving in a real NASCAR race, with a few high-tech tweaks to help you out.
From the first time you pop the disk into your console, you're met with a challenge to use the draft wake of two other race cars to slingshot your racer into first place before time runs out. This introduces the gamer to a key feature of the game plus gives you your first license to start racing.
A high-tech Vehicle Telemetry Visor gives you real-time feedback of your car through a graphic interface. Like most racing games, driving a race car using the Xbox controller is a bit awkward but you get used to it. The better option is to use the Xbox wireless racing wheel. Overall, game control for racing is pretty straightforward and simple enough for younger players to understand. More advance racers can switch from automatic shifting to manual for a more traditional racing experience.
Once you're set up, it's time to choose a car and a paint job. Throughout the game you're given a chance to customize several cars. You can also choose to pursue a career as a NASCAR racer, seeking exclusive driving licenses and contracts with sponsors that will land their logo on your cars.
If you're in the mood to go head-to-head with other people and you have an Xbox Live account, the game supports up to 12 players, which makes for a wild racing experience. Add a head set and you can brag while you slingshot past an opponent.
Graphics: While racing NASCAR-style makes for great fun, this game really doesn't impress in the graphics department. Lighting and shading of the cars do give the game a realistic feel, although detail of the race track and environments fall pretty flat, especially for a next-generation console game. The game does show damage to your vehicle when you crash into a barrier or an opponent.
Audio: In-game sounds are decent, giving you the feel that you're behind the wheel of an engine that can hum along at 170 MPH. The music pays homage to NASCAR's country roots. You can almost feel the hot southern summer humidity.
Parent's Take: No blood, no guts, although there is the occasional dramatic car pile-up, but the violence it kept to a minimum. This game can be enjoyed by racers of all ages, which makes it a good pick for households with several children.
Final Word: NASCAR 08 proves to be an entertaining racer and will definitely get a NASCAR fan's pulse racing. Although graphics-wise the game is pretty mediocre for a next-generation console feature, its features make it worth getting behind the wheel.