Games Database
PC
Racing: Car
| Viewed: | 3D First-person / Third-person | Genre: | Racing: Car |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Sierra On-Line | Soft. Co.: | Sierra On-Line |
| Publishers: | Empire Interactive
(GB) Sierra On-Line (US) |
Released: | 29 Nov 2002
(GB) 2000 (US) Sept 2000 (GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Control Pad | ||
Summary
Well-known publisher Sierra has a wide selection of genres within the games industry, not least the racing genre. Responsible for publishing the NASCAR series, a fourth instalment is now available, courtesy of developers Papyrus. Cleverly titled NASCAR Racing 4, this release is the most comprehensive in the series to date. Although NASCAR is a United States phenomenon, UK gamers will no doubt warm to this.
This time around, the developers have radically improved the physics of the game. Players can now choose from a plethora of cars; all have unique handling. Some cars are monstrous, capable of a 750bhp performance. Also high on the priority list at Papyrus was improved visual techniques. Textures are now highly detailed and the cars have been modelled with brilliant accuracy. Cars now feature a virtual 3D cockpit, further adding to the realism. NASCAR 4 also features a variety of industry-known tracks, including the Daytona International Speedway and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
When racing, you must be extremely wary of the computer controlled players, particularly in professional mode, since AI is cunning and very few mistakes are made. Pit stops add to the strategy of the race, and a fully animated garage, complete with characters, is now featured. A nice touch.
The game as a whole resembles the real thing so well that it could be recognised primarily as a simulator. But when played, the arcade aspect of the game shines through and all is forgotten.
This time around, the developers have radically improved the physics of the game. Players can now choose from a plethora of cars; all have unique handling. Some cars are monstrous, capable of a 750bhp performance. Also high on the priority list at Papyrus was improved visual techniques. Textures are now highly detailed and the cars have been modelled with brilliant accuracy. Cars now feature a virtual 3D cockpit, further adding to the realism. NASCAR 4 also features a variety of industry-known tracks, including the Daytona International Speedway and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
When racing, you must be extremely wary of the computer controlled players, particularly in professional mode, since AI is cunning and very few mistakes are made. Pit stops add to the strategy of the race, and a fully animated garage, complete with characters, is now featured. A nice touch.
The game as a whole resembles the real thing so well that it could be recognised primarily as a simulator. But when played, the arcade aspect of the game shines through and all is forgotten.
