Industry Gamers: Activision has finally confirmed that it's publishing a new NASCAR game, a franchise that was once held by EA. The news was one of the worst kept secrets in the industry, and it was one that we knew about for many months now, but our lips were sealed. What makes it more interesting, however, is that developer Eutechnyx (known for its racing expertise) gained the rights to the NASCAR license, not Activision.
NASCAR The Game 2011 is set for release in February for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. Activision says it "completely redefines what fans can expect from a NASCAR racing game." Players can choose to play as themselves or as a real-life NASCAR star, and each of these pro drivers has been programmed to have the AI characteristics of the real driver in the sport. The game features 22 real world tracks and also online multiplayer for up to 16 players.
Dead Pixel Live interviewed the VP of Eutechnyx, Ed Martin, about developing Activision's NASCAR The Game 2011. Topics covered in the nearly hour long talk include Ed's early days at Papyrus and Electronic Arts, the evolution of NASCAR as a sport, and where NASCAR The Game is headed in the future. We also find out how Kinect and PSMove may figure into future games, the difficulties of getting 43 cars on screen at once, and even how a paint job can effect the development of a racing game.
TheGamingExperience says: "As for single player though, this game does truly shine. If you have ever played the previous installments of the Nascar franchise, you would remember that they lacked depth and realism. Well Eutechnyx has put both of them into it with the ROBUST create-a-car / drive feature; as for realism, well let’s just say if you’re not first, you’re last. If you really want that competitiveness that is Nascar"
Neocrisis: Nascar The Game 2011 is a Nascar Simulation game for the fans! The graphics in this game a very good, almost life life. The controls are also good and do what they are supposed to. Music in this game really set the mood of Nascar. Gameplay is as good as a sim sports game can be. This is not a perfect sports sim though!
NASCAR games have been in a downward spiral ever since Papyrus lost the rights.
Eutechnyx - British developers and purveyors of PS3 exclusives such as Supercar challenge and Ferrari Challenge?
Not going to expect too much from this!
r.
nascar sux big time. I want stock racing with stock cars. Real daily Toyota vs Real daily Chevy with better tracks.
Did anyone else just get more excited to play Gran Turismo?
Lol EA is like a monster with licensing, they gobble up anything and throw the "official" sticker on it. Wont give up NFL, NHL, or FIFA rights and tried their best to get MLB rights. Yet it comes to Nascar and even the sports gods of yearly games didn't see it to be worth having. That says alot, cus there is only so much you can do with driving around in circles especially if your company produces several other racing games already.