NASCAR '99
Reviewed by Raymond Almeda
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.