Race Tested Realism:
With developers from the former Papyrus NASCAR sims as well as EA's own Tiburon studios (F1 Racing) NASCAR SimRacing has the best motorsports developers in the world. After they did their magic they handed it over to real racers, including Ryan Newman, for their expert feedback.
Career Mode:
The console versions of EA's NASCAR games have had career mode for a few years. This is the first time the PC version has received the same treatment. Even if you don't care about the career you have to appreciate that NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series are all in the box.
Current 2005 Rules:
One thing that modders can never do for the old NASCAR sims is to include the updated rules. The Chase for the Cup, Lucky Dog rule and more are all here.
Authentic Surroundings:
60 licensed drivers and their teams as well as 28 high-res realistically modeled tracks all help the sense of immersion.
Online Racing:
For many this will be the make-or-break feature of the sim and NASCAR SimRacing promises to deliver full-field online racing with 43 drivers and the ability to add AI to fill out the field if you don't have 42 friends available. They also have built-in voice over IP so you can talk to your friends during the race.
Telemetry:
This is an intriguing feature. EA is promising real telemetry will be available to help advanced garage tinkerers to move beyond the default setups. I can't wait to play with this feature.
The most realistic NASCAR game ever created:
Here is what EA has to say about NASCAR SimRacing:
EA SPORTS™ presents the new standard in NASCAR PC racing: NASCAR SimRacing. Created by NASCAR veterans and tested by NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers like Ryan Newman, NASCAR SimRacing is the perfect combination of realism, true racing ‘feel’, depth, and advanced EA SPORTS presentation. Thunder down the straightaway at Daytona International Speedway® alongside 42 other live drivers online as Voice Over IP smack talk mixes with the roar of V8 engines in glorious surround sound. Navigate the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway then watch full race replays and analyze your telemetry against that of real drivers to improve your skills as you progress through Career mode. Live the life of a NASCAR driver as you rise through the ranks to Chase for the Cup in the most realistic NASCAR game ever created.
EA makes some pretty strong claims here. I can't wait to take this sim for a spin to see if they back them up. Will this game surpass Papyrus' NASCAR Racing 2003 Season as the PC NASCAR sim of choice?
I truly hope so. I'm ready for a new NASCAR PC experience. If the physics are solid and the AI are good this may be the new king. We'll all find out in just a few more weeks.
