NASCAR 98

NASCAR 98 is a racing simulator video game published and developed by EA Sports and released in 1997 for the Sega Saturn and the Sony PlayStation. This was the first of the EA Sports NASCAR series.

Released: 31 August 1997
Platforms: PlayStation Sega Saturn
Genres: NASCAR Racing
Developers: EA Sports
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Series: NASCAR
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Perspective: First person Third person
Country: United States

About

NASCAR '98 is a racing simulator video game developed by Stormfront Studios, published by EA Sports, and released in 1997 for Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. This was the first game in the EA Sports NASCAR series.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The original (non-collector's edition) version includes 24 NASCAR cars and drivers, including Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, John Andretti, and Terry Labonte; 10 official NASCAR tracks, including Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and the then Sears Point International Speedway, the short track at Suzuka Japan, and six fantasy circuits, and in-depth car setups. One player can race with all 24 cars or two players can race with 8 cars on the track. There are single-race and Championship Season game modes, and gameplay settings allow the player to race with varying levels of race length, AI difficulty, and realism, among other settings. The AI doesn't pit during long races.

Atlanta Motor Speedway still uses its design from 1996, despite it being modified for 1997.

Reception

NASCAR 98 received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising the authentic handling, multiplayer mode, smooth and detailed graphics, and the comprehensive usage of NASCAR licensing, with real world cars, drivers, tracks, and sponsorships. Glenn Rubenstein of GameSpot was particularly pleased at the greater number of cars and relatively small tracks, which together ensure that the player is constantly vying for a place. IGN stated that "With a smooth frame rate and very little draw-in, NASCAR 98 looks and moves almost flawlessly. Even with a crowded track the game moves butter smooth."

Some warned that the game would appeal only to hardcore simulation fans, and the average gamer would have more fun with an arcade-style racer. However, Kelly Rickards said in Electronic Gaming Monthly, "You don't have to be a fan of NASCAR to enjoy this game. I don't follow the sport, but I can appreciate all the good things EA did with this game." 0 for control and fun factor, commenting, "The popularity of NASCAR racing has mushroomed - it's now only rivaled by the NFL - and this game's powerful combination of sleek graphics, detailed features, and fender-crumpling action will satisfy any serious race fan."