EA Sports continues to push behind its exclusive NASCAR license, releasing yet another virtual simulation of the sport for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. However, rather than just slap together a thoughtless, barely updated edition of last year's NASCAR 08, it decided to do its homework and make a game that was approachable not only to hardcore fans of the popular motor sport, but casual ones as well. Because of this, NASCAR 09 succeeds, despite some nagging issues.

In NASCAR 09, like previous games in the series, you'll race around a series of oval tracks that go in one general direction for multiple laps. That's not to say the racing isn't intense, however. There's a focus on competition, where you try to keep a leg up on other drivers while listening to your pit captain and keeping an eye on things. Sometimes it can get rough, being NASCAR and all. Tony Stewart may feel implied to plow you into a wall, merely for the sake of keeping the lead.

Just another day at the starting line. Click to see more images from the game...

Normally, NASCAR-themed games appeal more to fans of the motor sport rather than casual racers. However, EA Sports implemented a fresh new change that makes it a more playable experience. And it shows in the first few minutes of the game as racers are presented with two available driving styles. Pro, the more difficult of the two, lets you tweak performance levels and parts on your car, which make a world of difference as you rush for the finish line. Normal, however, is a more forgiving arcade-style experience. You simply jump behind the wheel and follow basic goals, without worrying so much about messing with certain items on your car. Both control techniques handle wonderfully, keeping you involved in the racing.

NASCAR 09 also provides guidance from racing superstar Jeff Gordon. In between races, he offers you racing career advice, helping you get over losses and preparing you for your next event. It's a good idea, but there are times when his virtual presence is awkward. One weird moment involves him giving advice on how to keep a leg up on the competition, including himself. Still, it beats being chewed out by a virtual Tony Stewart any day of the week.

Race fans find lots to do in NASCAR 09. A new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Career Mode lets you sign contracts with sponsors and driving team members, build a good (or bad) reputation amongst your fellow drivers and earn performance points that come in handy for attracting new clientele. The Career Mode is divided into three series: a Craftsman Truck Series, a Nationwide Series and a Sprint Cup Series, all with separate opportunities to become a better driver.

If that isn't enough, EA also threw in several Sprint Driver Challenges, where you can boost your reputation by completing certain goals (such as passing a certain amount of drivers in a time limit) or taking part in a "boss battle" against a fellow NASCAR driver. You can also customize your vehicle with a fresh paint job of your choosing, along with sponsors' decals that you can overlay on top of each other (if you feel like having both on your car). There's also online-enabled play for up to 14 players through Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network, although all you can do is race. It would've been nice for EA to throw in some kind of team-building option with your friends. Perhaps next year.

Visually, NASCAR 09 shows improvement over previous years. Many of the tracks look great, despite lacking in innovative design. (They're mostly oval-shaped.) The game moves at a zippy pace, only slowing down when a huge wreck takes place. Night races showcase the game's superb lighting effects and the crowds are very lifelike. As for the cars, they look good, although there are moments they come off a little too shiny. It's as if someone rubbed them down in Crisco. Audio consists of an above-average selection of EA Trax background tunes, rip-roaring engine noises and a pit captain whose advice sometimes doesn't make sense. At one point, he told us to keep going in a race, even though we could clearly see that we needed to "pit in" for repairs. You'd think he would be able to spot smoke coming out of the vehicle.

Despite the general lack of racing innovation (would some arcade tracks be out of the question?) and a few hiccups that mar the presentation, NASCAR 09 remains an accessible driving experience for die-hard fans and newcomers. The two driving styles make it playable for current and future NASCAR fans and the multiple events will keep you coming back for a few more laps.

Related Links

NASCAR 09 Xbox 360 Game Guide

NASCAR 09 PlayStation 3 Game Guide

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