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After sitting out the jump to next-gen last year, EA’s NASCAR series is finally hitting the Xbox 360 later this summer. The jump to next-gen consoles comes with more than just a few physics and graphic updates as the sport itself is seeing a considerable number of changes that have a direct affect on how the game will play.
After the death of Dale Earnhardt Sr., NASCAR began making improvements to cars in order to make them safer for drivers. Dubbed, “The Car of Tommorrow”, the car has been almost completely designed. The car’s frame has been modified to allow for more headroom and larger windows, making it easier to exit the car incase of emergency. A wing replaces the spoiler and a splitter has been added to the front end, both designed to help increase the airflow around the car.
So how do these changes affect NASCAR 08? For one, the airflow around the cars makes it easier to pass, especially when cars are tightly packed on the track. Cars stick to the track a little better and, since the handling is a little tighter, there are more chances to pass cars. This translates into the possibility of fewer wrecks. Though I will readily admit that the possibility of massive wrecks was how my uncle convinced me to start watching NASCAR, it does open up the opportunity for better racing.
The Car of Tomorrow is playable on all tracks in the game if you want, though the only time you have to use it is during races where the car is scheduled to appear this season. If using the analog stick to steer isn’t for you, NASCAR 08 also supports both the official 360 racing wheel and Logitech’s wheel.
If you do manage to bump into other cars or completely wreck out, NASCAR 08 features a brand-new damage modeling system. Cars will bend and dent with each hit and paint will scrape off if you happen to get a little too close. When you wreck your car will flip and fall apart in a more realistic fashion. And, if you are one of the people who loves the sport for the wrecks you can rewatch them on the replay system through multiple angles. Wrecks will also produce smoke and kick up dirt, making it hard to see the track and avoid wrecks – so maybe NASCAR wreck fans will get exactly what they want even with the Car of Tomorrow in play.
NASCAR 08 features all of the major drivers and sponsors including newcomer Toyota, who made their NASCAR debut this year. Busch and truck series races also return, along with 22 real-life tracks. Each is fully detailed and look as close to their real-life counterparts as ever. The game’s visual improvements extend beyond track details and a new damage system; a number of other little things that will affect how the game is played. A new day-to-night transition system will produce a “blinding” effect in some races, hampering a driver’s sight when he hits that turn.
Single-player races will feature 43 cars on the track while up to 16 players can participate in online matches. The core single-player mode is The Chase, where you take the role of a rookie driver and try to work your way to the top of the points standings. Though the mode isn’t new, it has been revised to get players behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car quicker. Rather than working your way up through truck and Busch races, you instead complete a series of license tests that will help veterans shake off the rust while getting newcomers up to speed on how races work. Test include learning how to correctly pass someone, how to pit efficiently and how to draft. After the tests you will earn a contract, move through the season and hopefully earn a spot in the Nextel Cup race.
During races you can switch on a HUD system, known as the Vehicle Telemetry Visor (VTV) and receive information about how your car is handling. You can check the bank of corners, monitor fuel pressure or check tire wear. If you are unhappy with your car’s performance you can tune everything from shocks to air pressure to gear ratios. Setups can even be shared online with other players.
Although the wait was hard, NASCAR 08 looks like it could make the long wait a worthwhile one. |
