NASCAR 08

"I've been drivin all night my hands wet on the wheel..."

NASCAR 08 is the eleventh game in EA Sport's series of games, and the fourth since they overhauled the series in 2004. Since then, the series has worked on making small improvements from year to year, with this year being no different.

Gameplay (9/10)

If you're expecting physics on par with NASCAR Racing 2003 Season, you won't find it here. Instead what we are given is a nice blend between simulation and arcade handling that rivals NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona. The speeds often don't quite match their real life counterparts. For example, I have been able to turn a lap under fourteen seconds at Bristol in the Craftsman Truck Series, which should take me over fifteen seconds to complete. I have noticed that speeds are very accurate at Talladega in comparison to what was run at the most recent race there.

The restrictor plate racing feels better this year. The packs seem to be a bit tighter, but they still don't seem quite as bunched up as their real life counterparts.

Story (8/10)

The Fight to the Top career mode that has been featured in previous games has been replaced with Earn Your Stripes. There aren't a great deal of changes to the mode outside of the name however. You start out with the option of running four qualifiers, which, depending on your performance can help you land a better ride to start out your career. If you don't succeed at these, you will be given a few contracts to choose from in the Whelen Modified Series, each with their own demands to be met to keep your contract. As you progress through your career, you will be given the chance to take license tests. There are two tests for three series available. If you pass both tests for a series, you will then be eligible to receive contracts to race in the series.

This mode works well, but it still doesn't quite compare to the old Career mode from Thunder 2003 and 2004.

Graphics/Sound (8/10)

The graphics are much better than those of past years, although the damage model could still use some work. There are some odd things about the textures used for the vehicles however. Despite having a Toyota license this year, the trucks still have generic body styles, rather than manufacturer specific ones. There are two different body styles in the truck series, but they still don't seem to have any relationship between real life manufacturers. Also, almost fittingly, the Cars of Tomorrow all feature one generic body rather than individual manufacturers.

The sound is great this year as well. If I stop on the apron at a plate track and let the pack blow by me, it sounds almost the same as if I were in the stands at Daytona.

Replayablitiy (9/10)

The Skill Points from previous years is now gone. Instead, medallions are now awarded. There are several silver medals and one gold medal for each track. You earn a silver medal for completing different tasks, such as winning the race, passing twenty cars, or lapping five cars. After completing all of the silver medals for a track, you can then obtain the gold medal by winning a race without using the rewind feature. Earn Your Stripes mode should also give a good amount of replayability to the game.

Final Verdict (8/10)

The game is worth getting if you have yet to pick up an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. From what I've heard, it might even be worth picking up for the PS2 if you do have an Xbox 360 or PS3, although I can't vouch for this. If you're a NASCAR fan, I'd say your safe in purchasing this. If you aren't a fan, but like racing games, it might be worth renting to check out first.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/27/07