Nascar '99
Reviewed by Geoff McCulloch
It's been a while since Nascar '99 hit the shelves, but we've been waiting
for a good racing game for a while, haven't we? Many people think that
Nascar '99 isn't that great, but those are probably the people who haven't
played the game for a while. Nascar '99 brings racing, competition, good
graphics, realism, many racers and their cars, and hidden drivers. In my
opinion, Nascar '99 has a lot of what I want in a racing game.
Graphics 8.8 out of 10
The graphics in Nascar '99. One of the best things in this game. Graphics
look better farther away than up close. Up close you may be able to see
the number and such, but farther away, the graphics are much sharper.
In the pit stop, if you change the tires, you actually see the car get tilted.
However the pit crew is always a bit fuzzy, but when you see the person
get out of the car for a victory scene, they're practically made of rectangles,
circles, and other polygons. Overall, the graphics are good, but some parts
aren't as great as others.
Music and Sound 8 out of 10
There isn't much music in this game, but the sound is practically the best
part of the game. Crash into another car, great sound. Tires squealing at
the beginning, spin-outs, good sounds. The pit crew's even have their own
sound for changing tires. The commentator is sometimes annoying, with
his, "He's getting his tires changed," or something like that. I haven't played
in a while, but back to the sound. But some parts are musts if you are not
in first place. Once the first player person passes the finish line when he's
on his 2nd lap, the commentator will say, "He's on his final lap." This way,
you will know if you can catch up to the person in 1st. Overall, the sound
is good, but has some bad points.
Game Challenge 9.5 out of 10
There is a lot of challenge in Nascar '99. Even if you are in first, everyone
keeps passing you. When you stop to get a (fuel) refill, from 1st to 15th
practically lap you. If you are coming close to someone you've lapped, that
person may spin-out and send you spinning too. The challenge isn't much
too talk about, but overall, this game is pretty challenging.
Game Play-Fun 7.9 out of 10
Nascar '99 is fun all right--if you have the laps set low. If it's around 50%
of a real NASCAR race, it's a pain in the butt just to finish the first course.
However, when it's set low, it is a lot easier. You don't have to worry about
fuel, pit stops, or any things like that. Also, Nascar '99 features three modes
of play. Not difficulty, but realism. There is No Damage, which is the type
that there is no damage (duh!). Some Damage (I think that's what it's called)
restores your car to normal once you press the accelerator. Lastly, Damage
(or something like that) restores your damage, all right--but when you go
into the pit stop. Overall, this is a fun game, when the settings are right for you.
Replayability
There is a medium replayability rate in this game. If you have beaten the
season a couple of times, gotten all the hidden racers, and are ready to
challenge a 100% race, then in doesn't have a high replayability. However,
if you are a beginner, haven't done much, that it has a medium replayability
rate. It all comes down to whether you like racing games or not.
Game Value 8.5 out of 10
That also depends. If you can beat a couple of seasons in a couple of days,
then you will quickly become bored with this game. However, as a beginner,
I like the game, only beat one season, challenged one 50% race, (which I
placed in 3rd) and liked the game very much. Again, it depends on how
good you are at the game or not.
Overall 9 out of 10
Overall, this is a fairly good game, one of the best racing games I have
seen, and is a compitetion driven game (sort of). If you are a beginner
at games like these, I recommend that you get this game. It is fairly easy,
has many hidden drivers, (one of which you hear from very often) and is a
must for racing fans.