Just buy it!
Written: May 14 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great gameplay, superb opposition
Cons: May not appeal to non NASCAR fans
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| David_Weeks's Full Review: NASCAR 99 for PlayStation 1 |
Seeing you have clicked on my review, it is quite obvious that you are not an instinctive buyer. So here is the lowdown.
From the presentation to the gameplay, this game is excellent! I own Gran Turismo 2 and yet that is gathering dust while I play this. But let us take this step by step.
PRESENTATION - As usual, EA have really put themselves out for this effort. There are over 30 official NASCAR drivers that are selectable, and 18 tracks on offer (although 16 are ovals, speedways and the like). The actual car setup screens are even of good quality, with the track you are to race on in the background swirling. This brings me to the options. EVERYTHING is customisable, race length, AI difficulty, hell even the drafting effect can be made to suit your driving. (4/5)
GRAPHICS - A tad on the grainy side, with low resolution mainly to blame. However, the framerate is always very steady, even with loads of cars along side you (which is quite often). Overall functional for the gameplay, but not GT2 good. (4/5)
SOUND - The car engines sound fine, if a little samey after a while. Commentary is of a high quality, with Bob Jenkins and Benny Parsons giving comprehensive NASCAR trivia and race statistics, although it can get annoying after a long race. Music is an improvement on NASCAR 98, but that is nothing challenging. Fast, upbeat road music this is not. Maybe if EA had licensed a few established songs this could have been addressed. (4/5)
GAMEPLAY - This is where this game comes into its own. Never before have I played a racing game where I actually was challenging the computer for a place other than first. This is because the AI is what the 'I' stands for (intelligent to the uninformed). If you try to overtake a car, it blocks you without actually knocking you off (unlike some other games), but something that never happens on other games is that the computer cars actually look for overtaking spaces. This type of gameplay is essential to a game where you basically are otherwise driving around circles. The AI is so intelligent that it even gives way when you are lapping them! They don't just stay in line either. They are often seen looking for a space to overtake, and head to head battles amongst them are quite common. The opponents also head into the pits when the yellow flag is out. But despite such good opponents, the game would amount to nothing without great handling. Thankfully, this is included in this game. It suits all tastes, with arcade mode for the casual gamer, and simulation for the hardened gamer. Overall best racing game for gameplay. (5/5)
Overall if you are after a good simulation, this is it. However if you are not into NASCAR, rent this before making a decision to buy this or not. But if you are a NASCAR fan, being without this is like a Christian without a Bible.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
David_Weeks
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Reviews written: 2
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