EA Sports proudly presents NASCAR 2008 and once again outdoes itself in terms of producing a quality, entertaining PS2 game. The game lets you experience the true physics and handling of the newest NASCAR race car as well as unleashing new racing strategies to capture the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship.

When this arrived on my desk I honestly had never heard of it (some game reviewer I am I know), therefore it took me a good solid weekend to get to grips with the gameplay and everything else basically. Even though I’m appallingly bad at the game and would get tortured by a blindfolded monkey I still managed to appreciate its features and given time I’m confident I’ll be able to compete with the best out there.

The game does exactly what it says it does. It has state-of-the-art, next generation graphics which help deliver side-by-side racing, not to mention complete track layouts, vehicle damage and wrecks like never before.

You can also monitor your car’s telemetry and position on the track for real-time feedback on your car’s handling making this without a doubt the greatest driving game of the year.

If that’s not enough for you why not master all 22 NASCAR tracks by modifying your car’s handling to exact specifications with more than 40 comprehensive turning controls. But if you’re still hungry for more that’s no problem, just complete the challenges in an all-new Chase mode to earn exclusive licenses and contracts to unlock unique speciality cars.

Even though this is the first NASCAR game I have ever played on it is certainly the best. Driving games have never been my cup of tea but since my somewhat surprising appointment of ALS Review Editor (Yeah I decided on the title) I have been forced to appreciate them with games like NASCAR and Burnout Dominator proving to me that there is life outside Pro Evolution Soccer.

Game courtesy of Jodie Van Hibb at EA Sports.
www.uk.ea.com

James Henderson