NASCAR The Game 2011 News Post

NASCAR The Game 2011 Q&A and Impressions

11:47 AM - March 24, 2011 by bluengold34_OS

I received the game this morning at 9 AM. Please keep in mind, I have only raced 4 times so far and practiced at another.

I am going to answer as many questions as I can that have already been asked, then will keep posting impressions and answer as many questions as I can. I have my PS3 in my office hooked up to the same monitor as my PC, so I have to switch over, so If I don't immediately respond to something, it's because I am on the PS3.

On to the questions, from the other topic.

I wanna know how are the Graphics compared to NASCAR 09? I really can't get a good grasp from the videos. Thanks.

IMO the graphics are a bit better than NASCAR 09. NASCAR 09 was a nice looking game, but I think NTG11 does a better job here. There is a very natural, organic look to it, almost like MLB The Show has. The color palate is there, but it's not too crisp, or overdone.

The car models are nicely executed, and tracks look beautiful.

1. I think we are all wondering about the difficulty of the game and if what we saw in the videos was on some easier level. Is the game more realistic than what the videos may have lead us to believe?

2. Is there a true career mode, or is it just a season, and how does that work?

3. Do you get the sense that you are at 30+ different tracks, or does it feel like most of the tracks run about the same?

1. I set the difficulty for the AI on the highest at Tally, Daytona, and Texas. They were very competitive at Tally and Daytona, and Texas were just better than me....flat out! What I really like so far about the AI, is that they are aggressive, but not cheap. They understand that you are also on the track, and try to be cautious of their surroundings. They did bump draft with me at Tally and Daytona, and I could do the same with them...and there was no sign of them being disturbed by it.

2. Have not jumped into career mode as of yet, but will give it a run as the day progresses.

3. There was a nice difference in the feel from Atlanta, Texas, Daytona and Tally. They didn't feel that same at all, and based off early impressions, they did a nice job trying to individualize and realistically replicate each track.

Pre-race presentation-Is there a full pace lap with the driver/grid position rundown like EA did a few years back? Very tv-style touch that was very nice. Also, any featured drivers pre-race?

Wreck/caution-how long is it between the wreck, caution and going into the pace lap? Time enough to 'go thru' the wreck if it happened up in front and you're in the back of the pack, or just 'there's a wreck' and then two seconds later in the caution lap?

Keep in mind, I have not done season or career, but in "race now" option, there was no pre-race or any presentation. It literally took you to the race about 100 yards away from the start finish line.

In regards to wrecking, you get to watch the whole wreck. It doesn't take you away to a cut scene instantly. I was in one at Tally, and it seemed like it lasted 20 seconds, and I was in one at Texas, and it only lasted about 10 seconds. Then it gives you the option to pit under caution...if you choose no, it takes to a few seconds before the green flag drops again.

I am very curious about the realism of the track surface. For example, Are there bumps in on the lowside of turns 1 and 2 at Las Vegas? Do the bumps upset the car and make you create a setup that can handle those bumps?

That leads to my other question. How much does messing with the setup actually change the feel of the car? When the track rubbers up, does the car get tighter?

From what I have seen, the bumps feel like they are barely noticeable. I felt a little bit at Daytona in turns 3 going into 4(keep in mind its still Daytona 10 on my copy) but nothing that really forced me to white knuckle the wheel at all. When an AI car gets into you, you notice that a lot more than any bumps on the track surface. If you're hoping to really feel the surface bumps and have it effect the car....probably not going to be real happy.

I will say the the driving model is really well done though, and you truly feel connected to the track surface.

Ok, going to go test some more, and try to get some photos, but videos may be very difficult. I am trying to find a way to do it right now. I will be back in a few to answer some more questions and give some solid impressions.

Game: NASCAR The Game 2011Reader Score: 4/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Wii / Xbox 360Votes for game: 15 - View All

NASCAR The Game 2011 Videos

Member Comments

# 461 BronxBombers22 @ 03/27/11 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UGA14


	So you can turn off all or the vast majority of that goofy HUD stuff? Also, a controller is better than a wheel? Are all of you on the Xbox? Hope that's not the case on the PS3.

Yep, Blue confirmed that you can turn the HUD off. I'm pretty sure he said everything too.

# 462 Cubfan @ 03/27/11 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aggies7


	Anyone see a response on pit road. When you pit do you see all the teams working on the cars.

Nope you just see your team working on your car. I think you see the other cars on pit road but i'm not a 100% sure on that.

# 463 Senor Nascar @ 03/27/11 05:19 AM

I got the game today for XBOX 360 and I have been playing for the past 8 hours. I will start my impressions by stating that I have played NASCAR games for the past 10 years. I was a big fan of the NASCAR thunder series on consoles due to the depth of career mode. I then played the hell out of NR 2003.

Most recently I played Iracing for almost two years. I am definitely a hardcore sim guy who just wants to have a fun yet realistic experience while still being able to run with a full field of NASCAR licensed drivers in a full 36 race season.

On another note, I recently bought the FANATEC Porsche GT2 wheel to play the latest formula one game and ofcourse NTG 11. After putting in the game and connecting my wheel, I was happy to see it recognized it. I was able to customize some buttons but my worries started when I saw no way to mess with wheel settings. No Force feedback setting, no deadzone, throttle and/or brake settings either. Once I took the car to the track I quickly realized there was NO force feedback only vibration for the wheel. It felt pretty bad especially if I compare it to Formula one with the same wheel. Now I'm not sure if the fanatec wheel is not calibrated for the game and that's why I was experiencing this or if all wheels for the XBOX are like this.

I quickly had to do something I hadn't done since my PS2 days, play a Nasar game with a controller. It was certainly manageable and felt pretty good but I am certainly dissapointed with the wheel issues for now. I also own a PS3 and a g25 wheel so I will have to wait for Tuesday to see if there is any difference between the two.

As far as how the game is, well I can tell you it certainly is the best AI I have seen in a NASCAR game by far. The graphics look great. The cockpit views are awesome. The actual handling model in my opinion is about 65 percent sim and 35 percent arcade. Keep in mind I am paying on the hardest difficulty with no assists. The tracks are very nice to look at and are fairly well done. They are just not nearly as accurate as they could be in regards to bumps in the track. There are no bumps at tracks where there should be such as Dayton and Las Vegas.

I feel the setup aspect of the game is also lacking. There is no telemetry which makes it hard to properly setup a car as you have no tire temperature readings, etc. Also the small little indicator that tells you when your tires are worn could be much better than what it is. In other games tires would go from green to yellow to red. Here they go from black to red. The indicator is a bit small to see and it makes it difficult to tell what tire is more worn than another and whether the outside, middle or inside of the tire is hotter. Now with all that out of the way, I am sure good setup can be made based on feel alone. The amount of changes you can make is crazy and it does seem to affect how the car handles.

I have raced about 4 races and have experienced some very exciting moments racing with the AI but overall that first day patch will be crucial to making this game right. I have seen very few cautions thrown when they should have been. There was some strange yellow thrown when the entire field at California decided to come into the pits under green. They were running all over each other in the pits. This happened twice in the same race. Also as it has been stated the AI is way too easy on the hardest difficulty. Now I had read a while ago that there was a fifth difficulty setting called adaptive AI but I have yet to see it.

The paint shop tool is pretty amazing. I dare to say it is deeper than Forza's paint options. I was very impressed. I have not tried any multiplayer at all so nothing to comment on there.
I will gladly answer any questions people may have and will continue to post my impressions as I get some more game time in. I will say though even though there are issues the game is fun.

# 464 TIm @ 03/27/11 07:52 AM

I just want a fun racing game that gives me a challenge.. Maybe in the future I want a total sim but right now I want to start light.. Basic car setup options... Mostly though I want good AI.... This game seems like it has it and I am going to pre order my copy tonight after work and the Bruins game... Thanks to all with impressions!! It really helps that we have you guys giving honest opinions on the game... Very in depth and honest

# 465 chrisasst @ 03/27/11 08:36 AM

Sounds to me the PS3 is going to be better than 360's....glad I got PS3

# 466 TIm @ 03/27/11 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisasst


	Sounds to me the PS3 is going to be better than 360's....glad I got PS3

Just curious.. What gives you this impression?? Not a argument. Don't take it that way I would like some insight.

# 467 Aggies7 @ 03/27/11 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senor Nascar


	The actual handling model in my opinion is about 65 percent sim and 35 percent arcade.

Can you elaborate on this what feels arcade about it. And great write up. Thanks for impression.

# 468 stlcaridnals1522 @ 03/27/11 09:24 AM

senor nascar, how did you get the game?

# 469 Senor Nascar @ 03/27/11 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisasst


	Sounds to me the PS3 is going to be better than 360's....glad I got PS3

I am afraid you might be right. At least on launch day, the PS3 certainly has a big edge. What it has going for it is:

1. Being able to use your custom paint schemes online
2. It is my understanding that the G25 wheel was specifically tuned for the game. I have yet to try it out but I will on launch day. I have a feeling it will feel much better than my Fanatec (at least for now as this could be patched in later).
3. You are able to upload replay videos to Youtube.
4. The console is not region locked so if you live outside North America, you are able to play the game. The XBOX 360 version is region locked and simply cannot be played outside North America (which sucks because I have a lot of friends in Australia who are dying to play this game and can't).

I think the XBOX has a ton of very strict policies which can hurt it at times. I mainly play XBOX so this definitely hurts me to say. I think down the line Eutechnyx will be more prepared in how to deal with Microsoft on certain things to get it better. I am just thankful I own both consoles.

By no way is this write up to say one console is better than another...I just wanted to answer someone's question with facts and some insight on what I was being told.

# 470 Senor Nascar @ 03/27/11 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aggies7


	Can you elaborate on this what feels arcade about it. And great write up. Thanks for impression.

Well Aggies, Unfortunately I am a Longhorn fan and will not be able to answer your question....LOL

Just kidding man. I think it really depends on what you have played in the past and what your experiences are. I honestly have been lucky because I got to drive a stock car about 4 years ago around California Speedway so I have a good understanding what it should feel like to be fully sim (for me).

I have also played a lot of IRACING which is the best handling model I have felt in a video game so I am going off of that. I know it is not fair to compare a console game to the two experiences I mentioned above but it is hard not to. I mean the graphics and sound of this game are very well done. It reminds me of being in a stock car or/and driving in Iracing.

Now from what I can tell, the handling model is certainly better than any previous NASCAR console games by a lot. I feel the F1 console game actually feels better than this game by a small margin though if that helps for comparison purposes.

The weight of the car is definitely there through the corners and you get a good sense of speed from the game. The tires feel dug into the road but just not as much as F1, I think that is what I need more of to get this to be more sim.

Sorry for the long explanation but it really boils down to personal opinion and experiences on what one considers sim or arcade. If I never would have played Iracing or driven a stock car, I might say it feels 90 percent sim.

Hope that helps.

# 471 Senor Nascar @ 03/27/11 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlcaridnals1522


	senor nascar, how did you get the game?

I was lucky enough to call around Los Angeles and find a store that was selling the game early. There are a couple of mom and pop stores in LA that are willing to do it. I bought the last XBOX 360 game they had.

# 472 lnin0 @ 03/27/11 10:41 AM

I heard online does not support AI cars. If not, what is the max number of cars you can have online? Also, can the host lock difficulty and driving aids?

# 473 lVlAtlZiX @ 03/27/11 10:42 AM

I remember in an interview ED said that every drivers setup was available in the game. So you could use what Jeff drove on Bristol or what Kyle Drove. If this is true then couldnt u just pick whoevers setup that won the race last year?

# 474 Air_Logan24 @ 03/27/11 10:43 AM

do the cars bounce around like in real life?
are there bumps in the race tracks?

# 475 kretiztik @ 03/27/11 10:49 AM

Has anyone completed a season in career mode yet? I have been wondering about career mode and how it progresses since the game was anounced.....THANKS!

# 476 Senor Nascar @ 03/27/11 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air_Logan24


	do the cars bounce around like in real life? are there bumps in the race tracks?

Unfortunately, no bumps as far as I can tell. The bouncing around is minimal and I mean MINIMAL at best.

It hurts me to say that but at this point that is what I have felt. I had read a post on the Nascar forums of a guy who received an email from a developer. He basically stated they were trying to be data on the tracks from IRACING (Because they laser scan all of their tracks) and they wanted a ton of money. He also mentioned that the track data for this year is not as accurate as they would have liked...next year's should be a lot better.

Keep in mind that the day one patch could change this...not sure.

Also, you can read my impression of the game on page 50 of this forum for more details on my experience with the tracks.

# 477 stlcaridnals1522 @ 03/27/11 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senor Nascar


	I was lucky enough to call around Los Angeles and find a store that was selling the game early. There are a couple of mom and pop stores in LA that are willing to do it. I bought the last XBOX 360 game they had.

what store was it? walmart, target?

# 478 Senor Nascar @ 03/27/11 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kretiztik


	Has anyone completed a season in career mode yet? I have been wondering about career mode and how it progresses since the game was anounced.....THANKS!

No I have not done that yet. I am only on the fourth race of the season. It is my understanding the career mode is not going to progress. You basically play through a season, finish it, and then start another one.

What is kept are all your stats and NXP . There is a sponsor section in career mode which has about 10 sponsors with different requirements such as get 5 poles, etc. I think this is to be able to use these sponsors on your create- a-car.

# 479 Senor Nascar @ 03/27/11 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlcaridnals1522


	what store was it? walmart, target?

That's the thing, it will not be a MAJOR store at all. It has to be a very small unknown non-chain type store (owned by a 'mom and pop') who are willing to sell the game early (break the street date) in order to get your business.

# 480 stlcaridnals1522 @ 03/27/11 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senor Nascar


	That's the thing, it will not be a MAJOR store at all. It has to be a very small unknown non-chain type store (owned by a 'mom and pop') who are willing to sell the game early (break the street date) in order to get your business.

ah right, i cant think of any small store that would even have the game in stock..

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