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NASCAR 08 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)

common sense media says

Mild game will bore all but die-hard NASCAR fans.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that it will take a lot of patience for younger children to overcome some of this game's inadequacies. NASCAR fans might get something out of being able to race as their favorite drivers, but pure racing enthusiasts or those who want to blow off a bit of steam and have some fun should look elsewhere. Parents should also be prepared for the onslaught of in-game advertising -- but if they're familiar with NASCAR then this should come as no surprise. The game has an online component; Common Sense doesn't recommend online play for anyone under the age of 12.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: There's quite a bit of bumping and shoving on the race track, but if you do it too often you'll be penalized. A particularly forceful crash may cause a car to flip and roll over in the air.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Corporate logos like Coca Cola, Home Depot, and Kellogg's are plastered on cars, drivers' firesuits, and along the side of the racetracks. Car manufacturers Chevy, Dodge, Ford, and Toyota are mentioned, and there's an entire mode dedicated to testing Toyota cars -- the newest manufacturer to join NASCAR.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on NASCAR 08

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the prevalence of advertising in this game. How does the presence of ads influence the game (and the people who play it)? What would you do to improve this game?

What's the story?

What's the story?
NASCAR 08's Chase mode is essentially a prolonged tutorial where, as a rookie driver, you complete a repetitive set of challenges to earn licenses and complete contracts for owners to unlock cars for your garage. The more impatient gamer can begin a season straight away as a pre-existing driver such as Jeff Gordon or Dale Earnhardt Jr. The game's settings try to accommodate everyone from casual or novice drivers to veterans who want complete control over every aspect of the car. You can create your own cars with custom paint jobs and decals, set flag and pit rules, and toggle race length to anywhere from 3% (about 8 laps) to 100% (hundreds, depending on the course).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

NASCAR fans are a loyal and passionate bunch, but only the most dedicated fan could forgive the shortcomings of NASCAR 08. Even with driving assists turned on, cars are jerky and difficult to control. In a tight pack, everyone else will be going perfectly straight and you'll be wiggling back and forth trying to hold a line. The drivers also aggressively bump from behind causing heavy damage -- something that would likely get a "real" NASCAR driver black-flagged.

NASCAR 08 simply doesn't feel like a next-generation title. For fans who don't get to go to many (or any) races in person, it's nice to be able to drive on classic tracks like Talladega, Daytona, and Pocono. But it's the little things like teammate interaction, pit road strategy, driver personalities, and race commentary that help to make NASCAR more compelling. None of this comes through in NASCAR 08, which is truly a shame.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Available online
Genre: Racing
Developer: Electronic Arts
Released on: July 23, 2007
Price: 59.99
ESRB Rating: E
This review was written by Erin Bell
 
 

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lisha
adult
 
yes
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (4)
tummytalk1
kid, 12 years old
2
 
YOYOYOYOYOYOYYOYOYOYOYOYOYOYYOYOYOYOYOYOYOYOYOYO
i like this one but when nascar 11 comes out it will be the bomb. but for now nascar 09 is the best. P.S DONT BUY 1999 NASCAR THE GAME IT SUCKS.
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nascar05
adult
 
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eabeep
teen, 13 years old
 
nascar is awsome
nascar is a awsome game becase it is very cool
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