NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup E3 2004 Preshow Impressions

NASCAR has recently undergone some real-world changes. Thanks to increased pressure on tobacco advertising in all its forms, the long-standing and well-recognized Winston Cup Series has given way to the NEXTEL Cup. Electronic Arts has used this changeover as an opportunity to give its own stock-car racing franchise an overhaul. Previous entries in the series went by the NASCAR Thunder name, but the new game will be titled NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup, and it'll do a lot to smooth out the series' gameplay and to reel in casual players.

The biggest new addition to NASCAR 2005 is the game's fully featured, open-ended career mode. You'll actually begin the game as a regular Joe who's "spotted" by a talent scout at a red light. You'll then have to win a street race to prove your mettle and get yourself some funding. Once you've got a sponsor and a car, you'll be able to play any of four NASCAR series, from the featherlight modified series all the way up to the NEXTEL cup. Though you'll be able to start in any series, you'll want to work your way up sensibly so you can improve your car with your winnings and stand a chance of beating the well-funded teams. Those more interested in creating a fortune rather than hitting the asphalt will be free to become team owners, which will involve hiring other drivers to run the actual races while the owners focus on the managerial aspects of racing.

There's even more to the story elements of the career mode in NASCAR 2005. As you play through the game, you'll have the occasional confrontation with another driver, which will be presented in a cinematic format. You'll then have the opportunity to drive a street grudge race against that driver for bragging rights. Sometimes you'll be spotted by an automaker for excellent performance, and they'll tap you to go on a test drive with their latest car. You'll even have a tangible fan base that will build up throughout your career; you'll be able to interact with your fans by holding autograph signings and the like.

NASCAR 2005's driving mechanics are being tweaked to bring the gameplay in line with the new tone of the game. We were told the cars' handling is being made much more comfortable to accommodate casual drivers, and the AI of your racing opponents is being made more realistic as well. NASCAR Thunder 2004 featured a system that had AI drivers remember your driving style and specific actions and then tailor their aggression toward you accordingly. This time around, though, the drivers won't instantly gun for you if they've built up some hatred; instead, their behavior will be modified but they'll still drive realistically.

NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup is currently slated to be released in late Q2 or early Q3, and the pre-E3 build we saw looked to be coming along nicely. The presentation of the game has been made a little more lively and accessible, which should appeal to casual racing fans. The team has also paid special attention to the game's audio--real stock cars were loaded out with microphones and run on a race track for the car sound effects, for instance. Stay tuned--we'll bring you more coverage on NASCAR 2005 from E3 and as the game's release date approaches.