NASCAR RACING1999
Developed by: Sierra
Sports (1998)
Genre: NASCAR Racing Sim
System Requirements: Windows
95/98, P 60+, CD ROM, 16+ MB RAM, Mouse, Modem, 3Dfx card, Game Controller (joystick or
wheel).
OVERVIEW: Over the past few years NASCAR has boomed in
popularity- both on the track and on the PC. Sierra/Papyrus' NASCAR Racing Series has
always been the top NASCAR sim since around 1994-95 when the very first NASCAR Racing hit
the shelves. The NASCAR series has always been a winner for Sierra/Papyrus so I went into
this latest edition feeling pretty confident that NASCAR 1999 would be a great game.
Overall, I'd say I wasn't disappointed.
NASCAR 1999 IS the finest NASCAR racing series sim- period. While I did experience some
minor glitches, this is one cool game! NASCAR 1999 incorporates all aspects of the NASCAR
racing experience: the NASCAR Cup series, NASCAR Grand National and NASCAR Craftsman Truck
series are all here along with 35 updated tracks. All of the cars, trucks and drivers from
the 1998 are included so it's as complete as it can get. Now you get to race around
Taladega with the likes of Dale Ernhardt, Bobby Labonte and Jeff Gordon- and it's a
thrill! It's adrenaline rush city!!
The graphics, while similar to NASCAR
Racing 2, have been upgraded in subtle ways. The track texturing and backgrounds are much
improved as well as the infield where you can spot the various team trailers and rigs. The
cars look about the same but again have some very subtle (and nice) upgrading. It's as
close to photorealistic as you'll get in a NASCAR game. Yet it doesn't look all that
different from NASCAR Racing 2. The physics are also very good. Considering that this is
the same bunch that developed the ultra-realistic (and somewhat undrivable Grand Prix
Legends) that wasn't a surprise. Other features include a paintshop where you can design
your won car/truck graphics and, of course, multiplayer options (I haven't tried the
multiplayer features, but I have heard they a very good).
While I love this game, it did have some
glitches. For one I had some trouble running the game in Windows, it kept tossing me out
to the desktop when attempting to make menu selections. I solved the problem by just
running the game using the DOS executable. The other thing was that the pit area/garage
could be a little more user friendly. Frankly, I'd like to be able to go into the garage
and select a generic set up for a track (similar to what you'll find in Microsoft's CART
Precision Racing or UbiSoft's F1 Racing Simulation). For some reason that wasn't an
option. Luckily the manual is as comprehensive as the game is good! Saved by the
documentation again. I also noticed that Daytona was absent- maybe some liciencing issues?
NASCAR Racing 1999 is the pinnacle of
NASCAR racing on the PC. You will not find a more complete, well-designed racing sim
dealing with NASCAR than this one. Now excuse me, I have a race to run!
THE SCOUTING REPORT:
THE PROS:
- Excellent graphics and gameplay!
Comprehensive. Covers everything NASCAR.
Awesome sound effects- from the growl of the engine to your crew chief's radio messages.
Documentation is top notch.
You can adjust just about everything in the game- user and system friendly.
Excellent driving physics.
THE CONS:
- Some glitches running in Windows 98. Solved by running the
game with DOS executabe.
Pit area/garage is pretty overwhelming when attempting to alter set ups. Big learning
curve.
Looks similar to earlier (al la NASCAR 2) versions- sutble (but nice) graphical changes.
No Daytona!
Review by Steve Ellis
