NASCAR Unleashed

Name: NASCAR Unleashed
Item: NASCAR Unleashed
Rating: 3
Author: Michael Lafferty

Game review by

Michael Lafferty, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 8+

(i)

Kart racer is decent but encourages reckless driving.

Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
$39.99
2011

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Kids say

age 8+

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The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Positive Messages

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 Models & Representations

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 Play

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.

Violence & Scariness

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.

Language

Consumerism

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.

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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.

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User Reviews

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Teen, 14 years old Written byNASCAR101 April 9, 2013

age 8+

fun game

buy your copy today!

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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.