lynchman's Full Review: NASCAR 2001 for PlayStation 2
It'll be interesting to see if EA incorporates any of these suggestions into the new 2002 version of Nascar. 2001 is a solid game, and really the only game I ever play, but I cant help wishing for more. Here's an expanded "Pros and cons" section:
Pros:
1.) Great graphics. The cars are shiney and incredibly detailed...well, at least until the race starts. (In particular, Rusty Wallace and Terry Labonte seem to be the dirtiest drivers on the game, they always run me into the wall.) After the green flag drops, hang on to your fenders. You'll leave paint on the walls if you hit it, you'll lose fenders, hoods, spew sparks from blown tires, and your engine may start on fire leaving an incredible wake of smoke behind you. Aside from some of the pop-up graphics (the turns off in the distance just appear out of nowhere) it's really about the best I've seen on a home gaming system. Granted, I dont play video games much any more, so there may be something better, I dont know. The crashes are realistic, and often unspectacular (just like the real thing, there is the occasional heart stopper though!)
2.) Gameplay- It's great. There's no complaints in this department. Each skill level is aptly named for its level of challenge. I'll forwarn you, you better actually BE a nascar video game legend before attempting the "legend" mode!! The competition is intense and you'll find that each driver does indeed have their own personalities. Gordon will quietly idle back through most of the race and then press you hard at the end. The late Dale Earnhardt's car is also quit intimidating to race against. Although again, Rusty Wallace and Terry Labonte are the biggest jerks on the game. Those two have wiped me out more often than i can remember. But it makes you want to beat them even more, so its a decent addition i guess.
3.) The sound. It isnt spectacular and the music is really bad, but the racing sounds are very authentic.
4.) The control is good, but could be improved. See the cons section for more info.
CONS: Many of these are minor, and mostly I add them as suggestions to improve the next one.
1.) Not all the tracks/drivers are there. The new Chicago speedway and Michigan, for example, are not there. And where's Buckshot Jones as the perennial last place qualifier?!!? Oh well, maybe in the next one.
2.) I dont like how only 20 cars are on the track at one time instead of the normal 40 plus. It takes away some of the realism of the competition.
3.) The action becomes choppy as more information is on the screen. Do not race with the rear view mirror on, or you will suffer some serious slowdown and choppiness.
4.) The inability to at least steer during cautions is annoying. I'd like to at least weave the car back and forth to keep the tires ready!
5.) Creating a driver is cool, but perhaps more flexibility could be given...such as being able to create custom car with custom graphics/sponsors. At the very least you should be able to enter your birthday and rookie year.
6.) The commentary needs to be improved. The spotter is often not accurate. He'll say "clear all around", then I'll try to get closer to the wall and bump into Jeff Gordon and spin out.
7.) The steering isnt all that accurate. With the analog joystick, it doesnt really offer more control than the digital pad. I often have to weave back and forth to keep a straight line in the turns. There's really no way to keep a good line through the turns. Its frustrating because the other drivers all drive in straight lines!
8.) the two player mode could be enhanced. As it is, you can only drive in a pack of 10. You should be able to choose from one on one, a small pack, or a full pack.
Overall though, it is an excellent game and would highly recommend it, although at this point in time you'd be better off waiting for the '02 version on the xbox. But for my money, it's about as close to real NASCAR driving as I'll ever get. It's fast, frustrating, and most of all, it is really fun! The average NASCAR fan should be happy with it, the more picky and realstic fans may find the lack of car adustments frustrating, but after all it is just a video game.
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