NASCAR 06 Review

All of this combines to make one of the most satisfying NASCAR games yet. In past games you could get so far ahead (or so far behind) that you got bored. In 06, you have to constantly monitor your team and switch back and forth and do a lot of extra work which makes everything a whole lot more interesting than just turning left for 500 miles. The core gameplay is as solid as ever - perhaps even a little tighter than last year - and the team control aspects just add to it. You have to use strategy and actually think about things this time around.

Playing with a steering wheel peripheral kicks the fun factor and satisfaction of NASCAR 06 up even higher so if you have one it is definitely the way to go. I recommend the Fanatec Speedster 3 because it has force feedback and provides a much more solid and realistic feel. Other wheels (which work just fine for other games, just not NASCAR …) are a bit too loose and you’ll end up having to make minor course corrections the entire race and you’ll just end up wrecking.

Graphically, NASCAR 06 is a nice looking game but it isn’t too different from last year. Everything is still really clean and sharp looking and the frame rate is consistent all around. One disappointing aspect of the visuals is that everything in the Fight to the Top mode is handled through bland menus. Even though your team is earning millions of dollars and building fancy new garages you never see any of it. You never really feel involved in the behind the scenes aspects of racing which is a significant issue considering how important team ownership and maintenance is in Fight to the Top.

The sound in NASCAR 06 is just about perfect. The engines are loud, just like they should be, and sound just right. Radio chatter from your spotter and pit crew is also very good.

Overall, this is a game both aurally and visually.

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