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

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Member Comments

# 141 seasprite @ 03/25/11 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Grimmeister


	I am wondering if are you are able to share custom cars made in paint booth to others players online?

No, devs announced this a few weeks back

# 142 sensfan1996 @ 03/25/11 12:34 PM

Thanks for doing this man! I was just wondering what Bristol is like for driving? thats my favourite track and i didnt like it much on 09, Thanks

# 143 ps3veron @ 03/25/11 12:36 PM

Thanks so much for taking the time Blue!

General questions here since I am on the fence:

1) How easy/hard is the handling of the cars? The developer made Ferrari Challenge and I remember it being punishing. Is it easy to control the cars? Do they feel heavy?

2) I know you like the graphics but do they have a "washed down duskish" look to it? Does it look crisp?

3) Lastly, is the damage as extensive as say Dirt or Grid? Do crashes have that wow factor?

4) Is there a good sense of speed? When you're at high speeds, does it feel fast?

5) Can you please post pictures of the two cockpit views you mentioned?

Thanks bro!

# 144 con100 @ 03/25/11 12:40 PM

Going back to the video issue. The game does have a feature on the PS3 version where you can upload a clip of a replay straight to Youtube. Can't remember the length of it like a minute or something.

# 145 seasprite @ 03/25/11 12:41 PM

Blue, I feel myself getting sick this morning. I think I might need to knock off early today to start my NASCAR filled weekend

# 146 goosedawg68 @ 03/25/11 12:58 PM

No option to pick make of car in paintbooth?

# 147 bluengold34_OS @ 03/25/11 12:59 PM

Will get to the questions above in a minute...here are some photo's of one of my favorite tracks.....the Glen!

Yes...thats real-time damage you see

Backstretch right before the "dogleg" or the chicane

Going into the chicane.....

# 148 bluengold34_OS @ 03/25/11 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensfan1996


	Thanks for doing this man! I was just wondering what Bristol is like for driving? thats my favourite track and i didnt like it much on 09, Thanks

Well, I think your going to be very happy with how it drives in NTG11 then. I was not a huge fan of how 09 handled it either, but it's done rather nicely here....and a lot of fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps3veron


	Thanks so much for taking the time Blue! General questions here since I am on the fence: 1) How easy/hard is the handling of the cars? The developer made Ferrari Challenge and I remember it being punishing. Is it easy to control the cars? Do they feel heavy? The cars can be really easy to handle on the lower difficulty settings, but can be a handful on the highest difficulty. The really cool things is that you change each thing to you liking. If you want 100% taction control, but no brake assist at all......it's up to you. I struggle that anyone would have much trouble finding a happy medium driving the cars. The cars do feel heavy and there is weight to them. They are fun as hell to drive, but feel realistic also(thats the key) 2) I know you like the graphics but do they have a "washed down duskish" look to it? Does it look crisp? *I love* the graphics. I wouldn't call them washed-out, I would say they have a very "natural" feel to them. They are crisp, but not overdone. 3) Lastly, is the damage as extensive as say Dirt or Grid? Do crashes have that wow factor? Crashes are handled very well, I would say they are the strongest oart of the game, but handled very well. IMO...I think Dirt and Grid probably do a little bit better of a job, but that's not to say it's done poorly. 4) Is there a good sense of speed? When you're at high speeds, does it feel fast? The sense of spedd is top notch. Eutechnyx has done a greta job of giving the driver a sense of real speen, in all of the driving cams. 5) Can you please post pictures of the two cockpit views you mentioned? I will post some cockpit cams here in a bit, after I jump back into the game and grab you a few.** Thanks bro!

Quote:

Originally Posted by con100


	Going back to the video issue. The game does have a feature on the PS3 version where you can upload a clip of a replay straight to Youtube. Can't remember the length of it like a minute or something.

Bro, I am not saying you are wrong here, I just can't find out how to do it. I will try my best to figure it out...and If I can I will start posting vids like crazy...I PROMISE!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by seasprite


	Blue, I feel myself getting sick this morning. I think I might need to knock off early today to start my NASCAR filled weekend

Well Sir...you need to get home, because this game will cure what ill's you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by goosedawg68


	No option to pick make of car in paintbooth?

Not that I could find. I looked and didnt see the option at all to pick what type of manufacture you wanted to create. Once again, I could be missing it, since the game is still so new to me....but I couldn't find it. I will try again, as maybed I am just an idiot, and missed the option.

# 149 Jayhawker98 @ 03/25/11 01:31 PM

So, if you cant pick the car make in the paintbooth do the cars have headlight, taillight or grill decals?

# 150 seasprite @ 03/25/11 01:31 PM

On my way home right now after I pick up some frosty adult beverages then going to get my racin' on

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

# 151 con100 @ 03/25/11 01:40 PM

Is turn one of Watkins Glen paved or dirt like the bus stop?

# 152 Brew @ 03/25/11 01:41 PM

Blue, Im sure youve seen this pic of a custom car on another thread. Notice the headlights! Now am I missing something? Because you did just say that you couldnt find any manufacturer decals or the ability to change the manufacturer on the car. If that isnt the case than do you think the headlights were made by the "artist" for this car pictured?

# 153 mm boost @ 03/25/11 01:47 PM

thanks for doing this in-depth review. While the gameplay itself sounds great, this whole damage thing really bothers me, a lot. The whole thing these devs have been preaching the whole time how it is simply the most breath taking, realistic damage model in a racing game ever. Well, I am very unimpressed so far. If this was a huge focus of this game, then how come the damage is screw up so bad? The damage is what makes the game more realistic. I think that absolutely sucks that you have to wait for a replay before you can even tell if your car is operable or not. Seeing cars roll, smash up, pieces torn off of them, tires blowing out, etc. is what makes nascar so exciting. When i think of the damage engine they have shown and told us about, I picture myself as Cole Trickle smashing Russ Wheeler and Rowdy Burns into the wall and seeing debrees and tire marks showing up on the side of the car. Looks like I can't relive this

I am let down thus far in this department. I was going to buy it Tuesday, but now I am going to hold off for a while.

# 154 goosedawg68 @ 03/25/11 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brew


	Blue, Im sure youve seen this pic of a custom car on another thread. Notice the headlights! Now am I missing something? Because you did just say that you couldnt find any manufacturer decals or the ability to change the manufacturer on the car. If that isnt the case than do you think the headlights were made by the "artist" for this car pictured?

Looks like an Impala.

# 155 MrNascarFan2011 @ 03/25/11 01:51 PM

How do the controls work? Can you customize the controller settings to your own liking?

# 156 bluengold34_OS @ 03/25/11 02:14 PM

Real quick and I will get to the questions. There was a request for a couple of pics of the cockpits cams, and just some damage at Chicagoland.

Cockpit1 cam

Cockpit2 cam

and some in-game damage at Chicagoland..........

# 157 nolesfan69 @ 03/25/11 02:22 PM

Bluengold thanks for answering questions about the game. I assume the Milwaukee Mile is not in the game this year since there is no Nationwide
series, correct. I love that track, it's way better than Chicagoland.

# 158 mrtuttle76 @ 03/25/11 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluengold34_OS


	Real quick and I will get to the questions. There was a request for a couple of pics of the cockpits cams, and just some damage at Chicagoland. Cockpit1 cam Cockpit2 cam and some in-game damage at Chicagoland..........

dang,even the flying parts have shadows,and the cockpit look dead on with all the wires and switches and gauges

# 159 bluengold34_OS @ 03/25/11 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brew


	Blue, Im sure youve seen this pic of a custom car on another thread. Notice the headlights! Now am I missing something? Because you did just say that you couldnt find any manufacturer decals or the ability to change the manufacturer on the car. If that isnt the case than do you think the headlights were made by the "artist" for this car pictured?

I can't give you anymore insite to it at all. I really can't find a way to pick different manufacturer's when creating a car. It may be there....and please keep in mind the instruction book is only 3 pages. I will keep trying to finad a way to change or choose, and maybe I am just missing something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mm boost


	thanks for doing this in-depth review. While the gameplay itself sounds great, this whole damage thing *really* bothers me, a lot. The whole thing these devs have been preaching the whole time how it is simply the most breath taking, realistic damage model in a racing game ever. Well, I am very unimpressed so far. If this was a huge focus of this game, then how come the damage is screw up so bad? The damage is what makes the game more realistic. I think that absolutely sucks that you have to wait for a replay before you can even tell if your car is operable or not. Seeing cars roll, smash up, pieces torn off of them, tires blowing out, etc. is what makes nascar so exciting. When i think of the damage engine they have shown and told us about, I picture myself as Cole Trickle smashing Russ Wheeler and Rowdy Burns into the wall and seeing debrees and tire marks showing up on the side of the car. Looks like I can't relive this I am let down thus far in this department. I was going to buy it Tuesday, but now I am going to hold off for a while.

Well please don't think that there isn't damage at all, there is, and it's done really well. The only issue so far has been, when(out of request) I turned around at Dega and drove head-on into the pack. I was expecting catastrophic damage, and it just wasn't there. Now in game racing(as proven by photo's I uploaded) the damage is done very well, if I am racing in a realistic fashion......but thats your call, and needs to be respected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNascarFan2011


	How do the controls work? Can you customize the controller settings to your own liking?

You can customize everything in regards to the controls....and I mean everything!

# 160 bluengold34_OS @ 03/25/11 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolesfan69


	Bluengold thanks for answering questions about the game. I assume the Milwaukee Mile is not in the game this year since there is no Nationwide series, correct. I love that track, it's way better than Chicagoland.

Not this year...only NASCAR sanctioned tracks are in the game. They may do some DLC tracks later, but I have no idea. I really like the MM also, and would buy it in a heartbeat, if the put it up as DLC.

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