NASCAR 25: Racing Through the Pits and Peaks
A Simcade Adventure with a Few Speed Bumps
Launch Day Larry
NASCAR 25 revs up with the promise of delivering the ultimate racing experience, blending the best of simulation and arcade elements into a “simcade” package. But does it cross the finish line as a champion, or does it stall out in the pits? Let’s take a lap around the track and find out.
Gameplay: A Simcade Symphony with a Few Sour Notes
NASCAR 25’s gameplay is a delightful mix of realism and accessibility, making it a great choice for those who want the thrill of a simulation without the headache of a full-blown racing sim. The physics and handling model are top-notch, especially on consoles, where the game truly shines. The force feedback on wheels is robust, adding a layer of immersion that makes you feel every bump and turn. However, if you’re using a non-Xbox compatible wheel, prepare for a pit stop of frustration as you manually map inputs.
The career mode is a standout feature, offering a polished progression system with unique durability mechanics. The AI, while dynamic and capable of interesting line choices, sometimes feels like it’s been to the same school of driving as a Hollywood stuntman—more show than substance. At higher difficulty levels, the AI doesn’t necessarily get smarter; it just gets faster, leaving you wondering if they’ve secretly installed jet engines.
Customization is another strong suit, allowing players to tweak everything from player controls to the visual customization of your pit crew. However, the livery editor could use a bit more flair, as some players yearn for more shapes and a full color wheel to truly express their inner artist.
Graphics: A Nighttime Delight with Daytime Dilemmas
Visually, NASCAR 25 is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the graphics are generally praised for their quality, especially during nighttime races where the lighting can transform the track into a dazzling spectacle. On the other hand, performance issues rear their ugly head, particularly during these same nighttime races, where frame rates can drop faster than a lead foot on a gas pedal.
The game offers a range of settings for tweaking graphics, but the lack of adjustable FOV and seat adjustments is a glaring omission for a racing game. While high-end systems can run the game smoothly, those with mid-range setups might find themselves stuck in the slow lane, struggling with frame rate issues and stuttering.
Story: A Narrative Stuck in Neutral
If you’re looking for a compelling narrative to accompany your racing exploits, NASCAR 25 might leave you feeling like you’ve taken a wrong turn. The game’s story elements are as sparse as a desert highway, with little innovation or dynamic progression to keep players engaged. The career mode, while engaging in its mechanics, doesn’t offer much in the way of storytelling, leaving players to focus more on the technical aspects of the game.
The setup process is described as “bland and basic,” and the lack of dynamic weather or changing skyscapes further detracts from the immersion. The race intros and post-race interactions are repetitive and lack the punch needed to make them memorable. It’s a missed opportunity for a game that could have revved up its narrative engine to match its gameplay.
Final Verdict
NASCAR 25 offers a fun and engaging racing experience with its solid physics and handling, but it’s not without its share of technical issues and missed opportunities. The game is a solid choice for those looking for a simcade racing game, but it could benefit from future enhancements in graphics optimization, narrative depth, and user interface improvements. With a bit more polish, NASCAR 25 could truly become the racing champion it aspires to be.
Score: 6.5/10