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While I can't say that I'm a huge fan of the sport, NASCAR continues to excite thousands of fans year in and year out. After seeing Talladega Nights, I must admit I was excited to get behind the wheel because after all if you're not first, you're last. Unfortunately once the game booted up I was missing some key ingredients that would allow me to recreate the comedy film, not to mention feel like I was actually part of the game. For starters you cannot create your own driver. This bums me out as it is 2007 and there is no excuse, even on new consoles, for this feature to be omitted. Sure you can create your own car, but even that is limited to just choosing one of 3 car makers, your number, and paint job. With the notion I would not be shaking and baking my way to the checkered flag, I decided to at least see what EA brought to next gen consoles as a building block for future games. Visually the game isn't gonna blow the doors off anyone who sees it running on either the PS3 or Xbox 360. While I do appreciate some of the new presentation features, such as crash replays, caution flag notification, etc., the game while on the track just feels a bit flat. The car textures leave a lot to be desired, as does the lighting effects that have an unusual shadow pop-in that just seems off. The tracks are the best recreations done thus far, but the game's lack of texture smoothness gives it a gritty and jaggy look. Even with a full roster on the track, there is little to no slowdown, which is something much improved from prior NASCAR titles. The most impressive visual effects are the wrecks and crash effects, and while not what you are shooting for, does provide that extra oomph the game needs.
Audio is your mix of southern rock, screeching tires, and your pit crew giving you advice on how to win the race. I was hoping with the move to next gen we would hear some play by play, but alas, the announcer is only used during tutorials. Gameplay is the game's biggest fault in more ways than one. Handing on your car feels a bit loose which allows you to lose control of your car far too easily. This is only exacerbated by ridiculously aggressive A.I. once played on any level besides easy. I could have sworn the object of the race was drafting and passing, not playing bumper cars till you eliminate your opponent or incapacitate them. This makes the game far more frustrating than fun. I have heard rumors of an A.I. fix, but if or when that happens, it may up the score a point. NASCAR 08 may be the umpteenth title from EA, but you wouldn't know it from the options. You have your season mode, online, play now, some mini games, and a confusing and pointless career mode that really doesn't do much to draw you into the game. You basically race for a license and unlock tracks, that's it. When I think career mode I think multiple season play with money earnings, sponsor dealings, and car upgrading. From the king of sports, this should be a given. With all this being said, NASCAR 08 isn't bad, but it feels rushed and unfinished in spots. I can only really recommend this to the die hard fan, or someone who wants a quick race and enjoys stock cars. I'm sure EA will step up next year, as this game feels exactly what it is…a rookie effort for next gen consoles.
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