• ID = PS0582
• STYLE = Stock Car Racing
• DEV. = Electronic Arts
• PUB. = EA SPORTS
• R-DATE = Nov-06-2000
• ESRB = E / For Everyone
• PLAYERS = 1-2 players
• LIST PRICE = $29.99
  

NASCAR 2001 has been completely redesigned for the PlayStation2, which means that the gameplay has been as drastically improved as the graphics for this long-running racing franchise. For starters, independent artificial-intelligence routines mimic the real driving styles of the 35 professionals in this game.

You'll find that some of the drivers are constantly nipping at your heels, while others are pacing you as they wait to exploit your first mistake. Polygonal damage effects and high-resolution texture maps make every wall scrape and car collision believable, while special particle effects like smoke, fire, sparks, and skid marks only add to the realism. NASCAR 2001 offers 14 tracks, including Daytona.

Description 2:
EA's NASCAR 2001 combines the best aspects of an arcade-style racer with a true simulation experience you won't soon forget. From the moment you grab the wheel, you have complete control. Choose either quick race, single-player race, single-player season, two-player race, or two-player season and sit back and enjoy the ride. NASCAR 2001 features 37 teams and drivers, including Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, and Sterling Martin. And just like in real life, Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. hog the lines, while Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin show the reserved tendencies that make them excellent for the long haul.

As if that weren't enough, you can also create your own drivers as well. In terms of track selection, the speedways at Daytona, Darlington, North Carolina, California, Miami, Michigan, Phoenix, Richmond, Talladega, Watkins Glen, Pocono Raceway, Atlanta, Bristol, Lowe's, Texas, Sears Point, and Las Vegas represent the game's 17 real-world tracks--all of which may be raced in day or night conditions. The graphical might of the PlayStation 2 has helped Electronic Arts make NASCAR 2001 one of the hottest, most thoroughly enjoyable racing games on the market today.

• Arcade and simulation experiences.
• You have complete control.
• Large number of race modes.
• 37 teams and drivers.
• Drivers show the same tendencies as their real world counterparts.

Amazon.com Preview
EA Sports is taking its popular NASCAR franchise to the PlayStation2. The game features a trailer full of options, famous NASCAR drivers, a season full of tracks, stats, and plenty of cars.

Upwards of 34 drivers have signed the dotted line for their slice of the NASCAR 2001 pie. Adding to the list of real-life amenities are 12 official NASCAR tracks, including Daytona (previously only licensed to Sega), Sears Point Raceway, and Watkins Glen.

Apart from the bumper cam, the in-car cockpit cam--two new views that add a fresh dimension to the genre--and an improved artificial intelligence, this game isn't as impressive as some of the other racers coming out for the PlayStation2. But it is a good racing game with a NASCAR license and all the bells and whistles that come with that. Also, the game does give gamers an amazing feel for the road and faithfully follows their progress, even from car flip to car flip. When a car crashes into the wall or blows a tire, you'll see the sparks fly along with metal and other debris.

For even more amazing realism, NASCAR 2001 emulates the real-life tendencies of its drivers. Earnhardt takes his corners low, while Dale Jarrett is consistent. Unfortunately, we haven't seen Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewert go at it yet, but we imagine there's something in the works. Your cockpit's drafting meter also helps in close spots, allowing you to pick up speed by hugging the tail of your opponent's car and thus cutting down on your vehicle's wind resistance. --Todd Mowatt