NASCAR �09

NASCAR �09
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2
Reviewed on: PlayStation 3
Rating: E � Everyone
Game type: Racing simulation
Rating: * (out of five)

What�s the premise?
Turn left, literally thousands of times, as you start a NASCAR career from scratch racing all over the United States. Work your way up, garner a better reputation and eventually become as iconic, in the Snap-on jacket world, as Jeff Gordon, who graces the cover of this tailgate party without the beer, food, or fun.

This game is most similar to�?
Sadly, the much-maligned NASCAR �08.

Is it suitable for younger gamers?
Suitable yes, but apt? No.

One player or more?
There is an online multiplayer option.

The (not-so) secret to success is�?
If you can master turning left, even with some major control issues (without a steering wheel and pedal scheme), the absolute simplicity of this game means success is easily within reach.

What�s missing?
In a genre that can really excel in the graphics department, NASCAR �09 miserably fails. With pavement akin to PlayStation texture mapping, crowds as uniform as a car primer paint and a driver as robotic as Jeff Gordon�s introductory script, the game is far from visually appealing. But more importantly, the game lacks excitement, a fatal flaw.

And in the end?
If you�re a die-hard NASCAR fan then this game may hold some cathartic appeal and sate your intense need to turn left, but for all other gamers, racing fans included, it�s best to stay away from this one.