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| | Title:
NASCAR 07
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System:
Playstation 2
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Genre:
Racing
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Publisher:
Electronic Arts
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Developer:
Electronic Arts
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Release:
09/6/2006
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Online:
Yes
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ESRB:
Everyone (E)
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NASCAR 07 fixes some of the handling issues that plagued the series in the past (like the tire wearing problem), but beyond that it feels very much like the same game when driving the car. EA, however, did try to include some new gameplay features by utilizing other “teammates” during the race to help the gamer ultimately win. Commands can be given that make the teammate allow you to draft them, or having the teammates block other cars. At times it actually worked surprisingly well. Probably the coolest feature in this family is the ability to swap into different cars. And, oddly enough, the presentation has a very Battlefield 2 feel to it, and will make some gamers crack a smile. Also interesting is gamer's ability to make enemies or allies during a race. Displayed with the appropriate icon over their car, some racers can be used to get ahead while other's will do everything in their power to stop you from winning. Bump into too many cars and you'll have plenty of "enemies" on your tail as you come around for the final lap. Don't think they won't "nudge" you back as that happened to me many times. "Rubbing is racing", as they say.
What won’t make gamers smile is the horrible—and I honestly mean horrible—online experience of NASCAR 07. There is so much lag online that it makes racing almost impossible. Cars freeze, blink in and out of existence, and stutter. Forget winning close races, because it’s a pretty good bet that either you’ll lag out, or your opponent is light years ahead of where they seem to be. Word of advice: don’t go online with this game…at all.
Nothing too sub-par or extravagant, the sound is pretty standard stuff. There are the typical quips from the pit crew, and the accompanying sound effects of an intense NASCAR race; engine blaring at 9000 RPMs, road noise from sticky racing slicks, lovingly obnoxious exhaust rumble of racing motors, etc. Nothing too fancy, but the sound department gets the job done.
Overall, NASCAR 07 follows in the footsteps of just about every franchise that EA currently has under its belt. While NASCAR 07 is a “new” game, there are more subtle tweaks, and “here and there” additions which shovel this game into the “is this really a sequel?” territory. Veterans of the franchise will obviously see the differences more so than the casual racers, but that still does not excuse EA from there obvious lack of enthusiasm in developing this title. Should you pick it up? Well that depends. If NASCAR is the meaning of life for you, then absolutely pick it up. If not, save your money of the new consoles coming out this year and get a taste of next-gen beauty.
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| The Core Score |
Overall
6.8 |
| Fun |
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6.5 |
| Gameplay |
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6.5 |
| Graphics |
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4.0 |
| Audio |
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7.5 |
| Replay |
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7.0 |
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| Kid Safe Score |
| 8 Great |
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Besides the wrecks, this game is kid safe. |
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