NASCAR Unleashed on 360, PS3, Wii, 3DS this year

Earlier this year, Activision got behind the wheel of the NASCAR gaming franchise for the first time with the Eutechnyx-developed sim-focused NASCAR 2011: The Game. For the publisher's second lap on the license, it's taking a decidedly less authentic tack.

Activision today announced NASCAR Unleashed for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and 3DS. Set for release this fall, Unleashed lets gamers take their stock cars beyond the track for arcade-style action on city streets, beaches, and off-road locales. By employing techniques like drafting and sling-shotting, players will be able to earn boost power-ups and make the most of what Activision describes as the game's "lax physics."

Despite the arcade-focus, Activision isn't completely doing away with authenticity for NASCAR Unleashed. Players will be able to swap paint with 15 licensed NASCAR drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon on a selection of real-world tracks like Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

For more on Activision's first go-around with NASCAR, check out GameSpot's review of NASCAR 2011: The Game.