NASCAR Unleashed

Review

Common Sense Media says

Kart racer is decent but encourages reckless driving.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that NASCAR Unleashed is a kart-racing game that allows players to bump other cars, knock them into obstacles along the course, and even force them to crash out of the competition. Players can play the game alone or against a friend in split-screen head-to-head competition using two controllers.  Xbox players with an Internet connection (and Xbox LIVE account) can connect to the leaderboards.

  • Positive messages0
    This game asks players to win by crashing other cars, or finding the best line around the tracks, even if that means cutting off other cars. That puts the onus on the gamer to play with sportsmanship, and win without compromising fairness.
  • Positive role models0
    Other racers will cut you off and make you crash if given the chance - all of which means that the most positive role model in the game is the player and how they choose to play the game.
  • Ease of play3
    While the Xbox 360 controller is relatively responsive, there are other obstacles that create a challenge in the game, like the tracks that are not the typical ovals found in most NASCAR races. Some of the race tracks are off-road (such as along beaches) and there are even jumps included (which can create control problems while airborne and in landing) along the way.
  • Violence2
    The violence in the game includes banging into and crashing other cars. This creates rivalries and those other cars (which are controlled by the computer) will remember and try to return the favor. The game includes the sounds of crashes and while no one is hurt, the crash visuals are somewhat realistic. Players can also cause property damage by crashing into objects along the race routes.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism3
    This is NASCAR and that means that cars are sponsored by various recognizable companies and brands - like FedEx and M&Ms. The logos are splashed all over the cars and ad signs are displayed along the tracks as well.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety4
    Mild safety concerns: NASCAR Unleashed will connect to the Internet and leaderboards for the game. There is no interaction between players though, and the game only allows for split-screen racing on the same machine, not online racing.
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What's it about?

NASCAR UNLEASHED has four modes of play: Quick Races, Championship - which is akin to a career mode, Time Trials, and split-screen Multiplayer. Players can choose from 15 drivers with NASCAR-style paint jobs; and race on six or so courses that run the gamut from NASCAR courses to beaches and city streets. This is an arcade-style racer with players vying to win the events by bumping and crashing opponents, and using some tactics (like the boost, as well as taking the best lines through the course) to win.

Is it any good?

 

NASCAR Unleashed has some appeal and can be fun in small doses. This is a kart racing game, not a NASCAR game, as the name would somewhat imply; and while the graphics are bright and colorful, the sound can be a bit wearing after a while. The Championship mode is merely OK. The real enjoyment is in racing against another player. This is a game that could have had much more appeal with more tracks (perhaps a track editor) and more modes of play.

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What families can talk about

This review was written by Michael Lafferty

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This review was written by Michael Lafferty
Platforms:Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Racing
Developer:Activision
Release date:November 1, 2011
Price:$39.99
ESRB rating:E for Mild violence
This review was written by Michael Lafferty

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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