NASCAR Unleashed
Kart racer is decent but encourages reckless driving.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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NASCAR Unleashed
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
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.
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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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to play games in a responsible manner and set reasonable time limits on gaming.
A discussion can be had about the driving seen in the game and why it is important to be a safe driver in the real world.
Parents can talk about how advertisers try to influence gamers by placing their product names within the games.
Families can also talk about how to pick games that are appropriate for the age of the players.
Game Details
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Activision
- Release date: November 1, 2011
- Genre: Racing
- ESRB rating: E for Mild violence
- Last updated: August 29, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
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Excellent racing sim that's easy to play but has open chat.
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Ad-stuffed racing sim is authentic and challenging.
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Cars 2: The Video Game
Great combat racing, but loads of gunfire and explosions.
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Gran Turismo 5
Extraordinarily fun racing sim is deep but unrealistic.
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Mario Kart Wii
Fun family-friendly game that's hard to put down.
For kids who love fast-paced fun
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