DOS
executable.
Sierra tries to modernize NASCAR 2 with this
release. They've added 3DFX support along with all the racing
series. This makes for a richer game with more options. The
rosters and tracks have also been updated, so you'll have the
additional tracks that have been added since '96.
When I saw Grand Prix Legends come out, I already
knew what the graphics were going to look like. It still looks
like the old NASCAR 2, except it's much smoother. The addition
of 3Dfx makes it run faster and gives it a few more graphical
options, but other than that, not much has changed. I think
Sierra needs to start building new engines instead of trying to
rework ones that are well over two years old. It's better than
NASCAR 2, so if you liked NASCAR 2 and want a little
enhancement, then N99 will do it for you. It just doesn't seem
like enough of an enhancement for two years of work.
The audio is ALL NASCAR 2 rehash. The engine
noises are the same and the spotter still says exactly what he
did in NASCAR 2. Come on Sierra, get a little creative from
time to time please. This isn't what I call a "new" game. Next
time put out a patch or something to update it, not make us
spend more money on the same game.
Gameplay is pretty much the same as NASCAR 2,
which was excellent. The realism is well done, the damage is
pretty well done, and it has a broad difficulty selection. N99
also adds support for Force Feedback so if you've got one of
those nice FF wheels, I hope it'll give you a workout. You have
all three leagues you can race in so that's three different cars
you'll have to work with. I didn't notice significant handling
characteristics between the cars and the trucks. That's just not
right either. If you're going to add trucks, make them handle
differently. The paint shop is still here, although it's no different
than the NASCAR 2 one. Well, it does have a few extra panels
to paint, but it still has the same logos and decals.
It's fun still, even if it's not much of an upgrade. If you
enjoyed NASCAR 2 and you're not sick of it, then this is a
decent enhancement. I'm not sure if Sierra's providing any
rebates for NASCAR 2 users, but they did drop the price on N99
down to $29.99 so if you think it's worth it for minor
enhancements then you'll probably like the improvements.
I couldn't get the multiplayer to work. I saw no
options for it although the manual says multiplayer is there. I
think my version must have had problems with it or maybe
multiplayer isn't in the Win native version. (I didn't try the DOS
native version). If N99 doesn't have multiplayer that functions at
least as well as NASCAR 2 had, than a lot of the enhancements
go to pot. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt since Grand Prix
Legends had decent multiplayer and both these games are
built on the same engine.
Overall, it's an upgrade, plain and simple. If you're a
diehard NASCAR 2 fan, then get this because the
enhancements are worthwhile ones and should make NASCAR
2 more stable and smoother. If you're not a fan of NASCAR 2,
stay away cause this is pretty much the same old stuff.
Graphics: 14/20
Audio: 9/15
Gameplay: 26/30
Fun Factor: 14/20
Multiplayer: 1/5
Overall: 6/10