NASCAR 08

"Best NASCAR game ever, if they fix the bugs"

This is going to be a basic review of the game, as I have only had it a few days. Already, however, I love the game...for the most part.

Graphics-9. The cars are very well detailed, the tracks, while others have called them dull, are still very well done, and the pit crews and pit animations are the best I've seen yet from EA on a console NASCAR game. If the crowd looked more real, this would be a 10.

Gameplay-6 1/2. OK, this is a touchy one. For years and years, players have been griping that the physics and controls were way to arcadey. Well, for once, EA listened to the fans of the series, and went in a new direction. They decided to make this version of NASCAR uber realistic. Almost to a fault. While you can adjust the settings to make it a bit more of an arcade feel, it can still be a challenge to control your 800+ HP machine in the corners. Also, the variety of adjustments you can make to the set up of the car pre-race is vast. Track bar, wedge, tire pressure, fender flare, and shock bump, to name a few. For those of us less mechanically inclined, and have zero idea of what fender flare or bump is or does, there is a basic settings mode, where you can change basic aspects of handling and gearing. As for the actual racing, it can be at times joyous and maddening. The AI is very, very stupid (that, or they all drive like Juan Pablo Montoya), and the rules sometimes make no sense. You may, at times, want to throw your controller through the screen after getting black flagged for another drivers mistake or recklessness. If EA ever fixes this via patches and updates, I will adjust the gameplay score from 6.5 to an 8.

Originality-6. The only thing that makes this a 6 and not a 3 is the changes to the gameplay and the fact the CoT is in the game. EA could have gotten lazier than they usually are and just shipped the game with Cup cars until next years game, when it's ALL CoT.

Replay Value-8. While the lack of a true career mode, ala Dirt to Daytona or past EA NASCAR games is upsetting, it does not mean you run one season and shelve this game forever. The Badges alone will have you playing for awhile. As will the Chase Mode.

Online play-1. Until EA cracks down on the people who, like with EVERY free online game, exploit glitches and cheat outright, this will never be higher than 1. I like that you can race online, even if the field is limited to 12 cars, but when I see another player turn a 9.992 at BRISTOL, I choose not to play online. By the way, 9.992 at BMS is an average speed....AVERAGE mind you.....of 192.034 MPH.

Overall-7. The lack of a true career mode, the bugs in gameplay, and the cheaters online do detract from what is an otherwise superb game. My title of the review says it all. Best NASCAR game....if they fix it. Should you rent or buy? Well, if you are simply a casual NASCAR fan, rent. But if you enjoy either simulation racing and/or NASCAR at more than a casual level, it is a must for your collection.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 08/26/07