NASCAR 09 Preview

EA Sports’ NASCAR franchise has certainly had its ups and downs, with some good entries and some problematic ones. Last year’s NASCAR 08 ended on a bit of a low note, due to some problematic controls. However, EA has fixed some of the issues with the game, and added some good new features, meaning that fans who were turned off by last year’s issues might want to check this entry out.

Last year’s NASCAR game had some problems in terms of floaty controls. Fortunately, the developers have fixed them up quite a bit, and the end result is that the whole experience feels a lot better. The cars handle more realistically and tighter, which right away makes the game a noticeable improvement over last year’s NASCAR 09.

Additionally, the game makes use of a feedback system, similar to other upcoming EA Sports titles. Jeff Gordon will offer you hints on your driving strategy, letting you know the areas that you need to improve upon. EA Sports seems to be pushing the feedback element in several of their games this year, making for an adaptable experience that newcomers can get into easily.

One of the biggest new features in NASCAR 09 is the new paint booth system. Customization for your car is very important element of the game, and EA doesn’t seem to be taking it lightly. You’ll be able to customize a template (downloaded from the game’s Website) into Photoshop, edit it and add any images, then upload them back onto the Website. This is a great touch for fans looking to create their own car design from scratch, and should be one of the most popular features in the game when it launches.

Graphically, NASCAR 09 looks pretty good this year, with some great looking vehicles and cool effects, like motion blur, tire smoke and detailed tracks.

NASCAR 09 is shaping up to be a marked improvement over last year’s game, due to a robust paint booth system, improved controls, and the great help system. Look for it this June.