Visually NASCAR 09 looks greatly improved, but falls short of what a next gen driver should look like. Yes, the cars are very detailed and support damage. Yes, the tracks are replicas of the actual raceways. Yes, the lighting has received a major overhaul. But with all of these yes words intact, the game still falls short of other drivers on the market like GRID when it comes to visual beauty. While I'm sure that hardcore fans will shrug at this oversight, casual gamers who are interested in the sport will not be awed by the visuals presented before them. I am happy to see EA finally get the frame rate to a respectable level, even with all cars on the field. Alas, the game just has a bland look to it no matter how you look at it. Even the presentation hasn't lived up to the EA style of TV presentation. But hey, at least you get FMV tutorials from Jeff Gordon right?

Audio is as solid as ever, with roaring engines, lively crowds, and accompanying pit crews who keep you informed on the action of the field. While I can't say I'm a fan of the music selection, I understand that the southern rock/country soundtrack fits the genre perfectly. EA has even sponsored the voices of Gordon and Rusty Wallace to give the game some authenticity. I'm still waiting on the day when EA uses the ESPN license to its fullest and provide accurate commentary during the race. When you run 50 or so laps around the track, you want all little more oomph to keep your interest high and your adrenaline pumping.

Controls for NASCAR 09 are tighter this year, but still feel inaccurate when trying to develop strategies such as drifting and drafting. While NASCAR fans will enjoy the turn left style of the series, if you are ahead or behind the pack, the driving itself isn't very immersive unless you are smack dab in the middle of the action. At least the A.I. this year isn't so aggressive that they smash and crash for position, which is a sigh of relief over last year's A.I. mess.

EA has added a bit of depth to the series, such as customization of your vehicles. You get to paint your ride including adding sponsors, decals, and color schemes to totally personalize your car. You can even go to EA's website and design your own decal to upload into the game. EA has even incorporated a feature that allows you to jump in the game as a rookie or pro by choosing a particular driving style that fits your skill level. No longer will genuine fans have to go through the drudgery of learning the basics all over again. On the other hand, you have the option to choose a style as if you've never sat behind the wheel, with detailed tutorials provided by Jeff Gordon who gives you the ins and outs of how to be a success in the stock car world.

You have various modes to choose from to fit your NASCAR playing needs. Choose a season if you want to choose a driver and car and just go go go. Go online and race against 13 others to vie for racing supremacy and upload your best scores too boot. Of course the meat of the game is the career mode that allows you to start from the bottom of the heap and work your way up to stock car legend, including earning points, sponsors, and contracts.

All in all NASCAR 09 is a better title than last years rookie entry, but EA still has some work to go if they are to not only appease the hardcore audience, but draw in new gamers to the mix as well.