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NASCAR 07
NASCAR 07
NASCAR 07
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NASCAR 07
North American PlayStation 2 cover art featuring Elliott Sadler
DevelopersEA Tiburon
Exient Entertainment (PSP)
PublisherEA Sports
SeriesEA Sports NASCAR
EngineEAGL 3
PlatformsPlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox, mobile phone
Release
Mobile phone
GenreRacing
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

NASCAR 07 is the tenth installment of the EA Sports' NASCAR video game series. It was developed by EA Tiburon for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and by Exient Entertainment for PlayStation Portable. This was the last NASCAR edition to be released exclusively on sixth generation consoles.

The NTSC game cover features Elliott Sadler, driver of the #38 M&M's Ford Fusion. The PAL region game cover features Matt Kenseth's #17 DeWalt Power Tools Ford Fusion. This game is the first since NASCAR 2001 not to include a subtitle in the name. The game retains the teammate features introduced in NASCAR 06: Total Team Control, but does not add any major gameplay changes. However, the graphics include a blurring effect to attempt to give a better sense of high speed, and the pace of the gameplay has been sped up considerably. This is also the second EA Sports NASCAR video game to appear on a handheld system (first NASCAR 2000 for Game Boy Color). On the PlayStation Portable, the game is simply called NASCAR. This was also the only NASCAR game on the PlayStation Portable, and the last NASCAR game on the Xbox.

Gameplay

[edit]

NASCAR 07 career mode features the game modes Race Now, Fight to the Top, Season, Dodge Challenges, and Chase for the Cup. The game also supported online play for up to 4 players in one race.[5]

New features

[edit]

The game introduces Dynamic Driver Attributes and a Variable Driver Attribute System. By making certain moves while racing the player gains skill points and fills an adrenaline meter which can increase driver attributes, but other moves can decrease skill points and adrenaline. The game also introduced a RaceBreaker feature which allows players to see the holes in the track to help make their way through the pack.

Reception

[edit]

NASCAR 07 received a mixed response from critics upon release. Metacritic, which assigns a normalized ratings in the 0–100 range, calculated an average score of 72 out of 100, indicating "mixed or average reviews", based on 26 reviews for the Xbox version,[7] 68 out of 100 based on 26 reviews for the PlayStation 2 version,[6] and 66 out of 100 based on 13 reviews for the PSP version.[8] GameRankings assigned it an average score of 71% based on 23 reviews for the Xbox version,[17] 70% based on 23 reviews for the PlayStation 2 version,[18] and 69% based on 13 reviews for the PSP version.[19]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

NASCAR 07

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
NASCAR 07 is a developed by EA Tiburon for the and versions and by Exient Entertainment for the version, and published by , serving as the tenth installment in the series. Released on September 6, 2006, for , , and , it emulates professional in the , featuring licensed drivers, teams, and tracks from the 2006 season. The game offers multiple modes, including Chase for the Cup, which recreates the playoff-style format of the real season, and Fight to the Top, a career progression system where players start in lower divisions and advance through skill-building challenges. Notable features include the Adrenaline Rush mechanic, which fills a meter during clean to provide temporary boosts in speed and handling; dynamic driver attributes that influence performance based on track types and earned skill points from actions like leading laps or aggressive passes; and visible damage that affects gameplay realism. Enhanced AI introduces more aggressive opponents capable of intimidation tactics, while options for team management and setup add depth for simulation enthusiasts. Online multiplayer supports competitive , and special Challenges recreate iconic real-world racing moments performed by actual drivers. Upon release, NASCAR 07 garnered mixed reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 72 out of 100 for the Xbox version based on 26 reviews, with praise for subtle improvements in car handling, reduced bugs, and engaging AI behavior, though it was critiqued for lacking major innovations compared to NASCAR 06. The PlayStation 2 version scored 68 out of 100, while the PSP port received 66, noted for its portability but similar content limitations. Overall, it was seen as a solid entry for newcomers to the series but incremental for veterans, highlighting the fast-paced intensity of with effects like motion blur to convey high speeds.

Development

Studio and engine

NASCAR 07 was developed by EA Tiburon, the studio responsible for the and versions of the game. The port, titled simply NASCAR, was handled by Exient Entertainment to adapt the core experience for the handheld platform. The title utilized the EAGL 3 engine, a library and rendering system developed by EA for optimizing on sixth-generation consoles like the and . This marked the final NASCAR game on these platforms, as subsequent entries shifted to seventh-generation hardware with the release of in 2007. Due to the aging hardware of the and by 2006, developers focused on refinements rather than major overhauls, resulting in dated but stable visuals with effects like speed blurring and camera shake to simulate high-speed racing. The version experienced frame rate drops during caution periods and lacked support, while the offered slightly better smoke and effects alongside output, though overall and physics remained evolutionary rather than revolutionary to maintain compatibility and .

Production process

NASCAR 07 was publicly revealed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2006 as the tenth installment in the EA Sports NASCAR series, marking a continuation of the annual franchise without a full reboot. The game's development emphasized iterative refinements over revolutionary changes, building directly on the foundation established in NASCAR 06, with EA Tiburon prioritizing subtle enhancements to core systems amid the winding down of the sixth-generation console era. A key production challenge stemmed from the impending transition to seventh-generation consoles, such as the released in late 2005 and the slated for November 2006; as a result, EA opted against developing next-generation versions for NASCAR 07, focusing resources instead on polishing the , , and PSP editions to extend their viability during the hardware shift. This decision limited the scope for ambitious graphical or technical overhauls, leading to targeted improvements like refined driver attributes and enhanced speed perception through camera adjustments and motion blur, rather than broad systemic redesigns. In line with the series' tradition, the production team incorporated the rosters, featuring approximately 35 drivers with updated rankings based on their performance in various race types, alongside the season's tracks and paint schemes to maintain authenticity without altering the established formula. Released on , 2006, the title thus served as a bridge entry, preserving the franchise's simulation focus while navigating the constraints of an aging console lifecycle.

Gameplay

Core mechanics

NASCAR 07 employs realistic car handling physics modeled after stock car dynamics, featuring sensitive steering and throttle response that demand precise inputs to navigate high-speed turns without , especially in dense packs where even minor adjustments can lead to loss of control. These physics are largely inherited from NASCAR 06, with subtle tweaks introducing a slight degree of forgiveness to reduce frustration for players while preserving the challenge of maintaining an optimal on ovals. Drafting mechanics allow players to gain aerodynamic advantages by tailing competitors closely, enhanced by a new heads-up display (HUD) that visually indicates draft zones and teammate positioning for better strategic use during superspeedway races like Daytona. Tire wear and fuel management add layers of simulation depth, with tires degrading over laps based on driving style and track conditions, reducing grip and necessitating timely pit strategies to avoid performance drops. Fuel consumption mirrors real NASCAR races, requiring players to monitor mileage and plan stops accordingly, often in conjunction with tire changes to minimize time loss. These resource management elements are enabled by default for authenticity, though they can overwhelm newcomers without prior experience in the series. Collision detection emphasizes the physicality of oval racing, registering even light contact as significant, which can trigger chain reactions or aggressive AI responses, heightening the realism of pack racing on circuits like Talladega. The Adrenaline Rush mechanic includes a meter that builds during clean racing and strong performances, enabling players to activate temporary boosts to speed and handling; errors or aggressive actions deplete the meter. Control schemes support both manual and assisted options for core inputs: and braking via triggers for gradual modulation, with analog sticks for nuanced cornering, and pit stops that involve manual selection of adjustments or automated routines to streamline the process. While assisted modes simplify inputs for , manual controls reward skilled players with finer adjustments during critical moments, such as late-race fuel-saving drafts. The underlying briefly tie into expanded driver attribute systems, where ratings subtly affect handling responsiveness without overhauling the core.

Game modes

NASCAR 07 offers a variety of single-player and multiplayer modes designed to simulate different aspects of professional , from quick sessions to full career progression. The primary single-player modes include Race Now, Fight to the Top, Season, and Chase for the Cup, each providing distinct objectives and structures for player engagement. Multiplayer options support competitive racing, while Dodge Challenges introduce off-track mini-games focused on specific racing scenarios. Race Now serves as the entry point for immediate, customizable single races, allowing players to select any track, vehicle setup, and opponents without long-term commitments. This mode emphasizes flexibility, enabling adjustments to race length, weather conditions, and difficulty to suit casual play sessions. It operates as a standalone experience, ideal for practicing or testing strategies in isolation. The Fight to the Top career mode structures player progression from rookie status through NASCAR's hierarchical divisions, beginning in lower series such as the Whelen Modified Tour and advancing via the Craftsman Truck Series, Busch Series (NBS), and ultimately the Nextel Cup Series. Players manage a team by hiring crew members, setting merchandise prices, and allocating skill points earned from performances to unlock upgrades and abilities. Optional Challenges within this mode allow skipping certain divisions by completing targeted objectives, though simulating or skipping races results in suboptimal standings, encouraging active participation for authentic advancement. This mode highlights endurance and management, spanning multiple seasons to reach championship contention. Season mode replicates the full NASCAR schedule with customizable duration, where players compete in a series of races incorporating realistic elements like fuel management, tire wear, vehicle damage, and strategies. Progression depends on cumulative points from race finishes, aiming to secure a top position in the standings by season's end. Players can simulate individual races if desired, but hands-on driving yields better results and deeper immersion in the competitive calendar. Chase for the Cup focuses on the playoff-style climax of the Nextel Cup Series, condensing the mode to the final 10 races for high-stakes contention among the top 10 point leaders. It mirrors Season mode mechanics but intensifies pressure through a points reset for the top 10 drivers, rewarding consistent top performances to claim the . This structure captures the real-world Chase format's drama, emphasizing late-season surges. Dodge Challenges provide standalone mini-games inspired by 2005 NASCAR events, tasking players with objectives like maintaining position against pursuers or navigating wreck-prone situations on specific tracks. Accompanied by video interviews from actual drivers, these short scenarios offer skill-based rewards and variety outside traditional racing, serving as both practice tools and diversions within career progression. Multiplayer supports up to four players online via platform-specific networks, such as Xbox Live, with AI drivers filling the field for full 43-car races; split-screen accommodates two players locally. An ESPN-style ticker displays real-time scoring, and leaderboards track global to foster . These modes apply core racing rules but prioritize head-to-head rivalry over solo progression.

Features

Driver systems

NASCAR 07 features the Dynamic Driver Attributes system, which governs AI opponent behavior by dynamically adjusting their aggression, skill levels, and in response to race conditions such as track position, cautions, and restarts. This system simulates realistic variability in driver performance; for instance, AI drivers leading the race tend to drive more conservatively to maintain position, while those in the pack exhibit increased aggression to advance. Complementing this, the Variable Driver Attribute System applies to player-created drivers, enabling customization of key stats including passing ability, consistency, and aggression prior to races. In career-oriented modes like Season Mode and Chase for the Cup, players earn skill points during events—starting each race with the meter at 0%—which accumulate for positive actions like clean overtakes and penalty avoidance, enhancing overall competence and approaching maximum performance. Errors lead to deductions that heighten risk-taking and reduce precision. These points can then be allocated to upgrade attributes, allowing progressive improvement over a simulated season. The game's driver systems are built around an authentic roster drawn from the , featuring licensed real-world drivers such as of , of , and of , complete with their respective teams and vehicles. These integrations ensure that AI opponents reflect actual driver tendencies, enhancing immersion without altering core handling mechanics.

RaceBreaker

RaceBreaker is a feature introduced in NASCAR 07 to assist players in maintaining focus during dangerous race conditions by guiding them through treacherous moments. This tool is integrated with the game's Adrenaline Moments system, enabling enhanced control and awareness in intense situations, such as avoiding wrecks and debris. Players can utilize RaceBreaker for guided assistance during intense moments and post-race reviews of key events like crashes and close passes from multiple angles or driver perspectives, thereby improving future performance. The feature supports strategic review without interrupting active gameplay. On consoles including , , and PSP, RaceBreaker is implemented as part of the core racing engine, with limitations such as no real-time pausing or mid-race rewinding during ongoing races to preserve the flow of competition (note: PSP includes an Instant Rewind option using a separate meter).

Additional features

NASCAR 07 includes the Adrenaline Rush mechanic, where a meter fills during clean to provide temporary boosts in speed and handling. Visible damage impacts realism, while options for team management and setup add depth. The game also features Dodge Challenges that recreate iconic real-world moments.

Release

Launch dates and platforms

NASCAR 07 was initially released for the and consoles in on September 6, 2006. The game launched in on October 6, 2006, for and , while the version arrived later in December 2006; an Australian release for occurred on September 21, 2006. A port for the , titled simply and developed by Exient Entertainment, was released in on September 6, , alongside the console versions. This handheld adaptation retained core gameplay elements but featured minor graphical downgrades to accommodate the PSP's hardware, including simplified visuals and faster-paced action to enhance the sense of speed. The mobile version of NASCAR 07 launched exclusively on Sprint Nextel wireless phones in on February 5, 2007, before expanding to other major U.S. carriers on March 1, 2007. It offered simplified gameplay focused on quick races and the season-ending Chase mode, with audio enhancements such as realistic roars, tire squeals, and crowd noise to immerse players.

Cover and marketing

The cover art for NASCAR 07 varied by region, featuring prominent drivers from the to highlight the game's focus on real-world racing authenticity. In regions such as , the cover showcased driving the No. 38 ; he was selected due to his longtime involvement in EA's NASCAR franchise since 1999 and for winning the 2005 EA SPORTS Drivers Gaming Competition championship. In PAL regions including , the artwork featured in the No. 17 Power Tools ; he finished seventh in the final 2006 standings. Marketing efforts for NASCAR 07 centered on subtle refinements to and enhanced realism, positioning the title as an authentic simulation of dynamics, including improved physics, driver-specific ratings, and the new Momentum Meter for high-stakes moments. unveiled the game at E3 2006 with trailers emphasizing these upgrades, such as more immersive track interactions and strategic depth, to draw in both longtime fans and newcomers by mirroring the intensity of actual NEXTEL Cup events. Partnerships with real drivers extended beyond the cover, incorporating voiceovers and insights from series competitors to bolster credibility, while promotional tie-ins included the Challenge Series, which hosted online and live competitions at NASCAR tracks to engage fans directly with the sport. Additional campaigns featured bundling opportunities with gaming peripherals, such as racing wheels compatible with and consoles, to enhance the home racing experience and align with 's high-adrenaline appeal. These efforts, including event activations at race weekends, aimed to bridge virtual and live fandom through targeted promotions that highlighted the game's role in extending the sport's excitement year-round.

Reception

Critical reviews

NASCAR 07 received generally mixed reviews from professional critics, with scores reflecting a solid but unremarkable entry in the series. On , the version earned a 72/100 based on 26 critic reviews, the version scored 68/100 from 26 reviews, and the PSP version received 66/100 from 13 reviews. Critics commonly praised enhancements to the game's handling and driver AI, which contributed to more engaging races. highlighted the subtle tweaks to the driving physics and the aggressive AI behavior, noting that it "adds a real thrill to the general driving aspect." GamesRadar+ echoed this, commending the more aggressive AI racers and improved vehicle damage visibility for increasing on-track intensity. However, reviewers frequently criticized the game for lacking significant innovation compared to its predecessor, NASCAR 06, resulting in repetitive gameplay experiences. awarded it a 7/10, praising the solid simulation elements like faster car speeds and diverse tracks but faulting the tedious career mode and absence of substantial new features. were another point of contention, described as dated and largely unchanged, especially on the older PS2 and portable PSP hardware. similarly pointed out the familiar visuals as a missed opportunity for excitement.

Commercial performance

NASCAR 07 sold 189,429 units across all platforms in the United States, based on NPD sales data. This represented a notable decline from prior installments in the EA Sports NASCAR series, including NASCAR 06 at 452,993 units and NASCAR 2005 at 892,723 units, signaling waning commercial momentum amid annual release pressures and limited innovations. Released for sixth-generation consoles such as the and original , with NASCAR 08 as the final entry on those platforms, the game garnered solid initial sales within the core racing enthusiast community but saw post-launch interest diminish as the industry shifted toward next-generation platforms like the and . The title's legacy lies in serving as a transitional work in the franchise, maintaining series continuity in the later years before its conclusion after NASCAR 13 in 2013, when EA's licensing agreement with expired, though it drew criticism for incremental updates rather than substantial evolution. As of 2025, NASCAR 07 has not received any remasters or ports to contemporary hardware.

References

  1. https://www.igdb.com/games/nascar-07
  2. https://www.mobygames.com/game/28317/nascar-07/
  3. https://www.gamesradar.com/nascar-07-review/
  4. https://forumsold.operationsports.com/reviews/97/nascar-07/
  5. https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/nascar-07/
  6. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/09/nascar-07-review
  7. https://ir.ea.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2006/EA-Taps-Elliott-Sadler-as-Cover-Athlete-for-NASCAR-07-New-Game-From-EA-SPORTS-Launching-in-September-Places-Fans-in-the-Excitement-of-NASCAR-NEXTEL-Cup-Racing-Action-Like-Never-Before/default.aspx
  8. https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Engine:EAGL_3
  9. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/07/14/no-next-gen-nascar-in-2007
  10. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nascar-07-review/1900-6157277/
  11. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-nascar-07-first-look
  12. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nascar-07-first-look/1100-6154039/
  13. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/07/14/nascar-07-hands-on-2
  14. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/933701-nascar-07/reviews/105234
  15. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/08/nascar-07-review-2
  16. https://www.videogamemanual.com/PS2/NASCAR%2007%20(USA).pdf
  17. https://www.amazon.com/NASCAR-2007-Xbox/dp/B000GE8OXU
  18. https://www.neoseeker.com/nascar-07/
  19. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/933701-nascar-07
  20. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/933701-nascar-07/data
  21. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox/933700-nascar-07/data
  22. https://www.mobygames.com/game/28317/nascar-07/releases/
  23. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/psp/932899-nascar/data
  24. https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/05/nascar-07-review-3
  25. https://ir.ea.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2007/Gamers-Start-Your-Engines-EA-SPORTS-NASCAR-07-Now-Available-for-Sprint-Wireless-Phones/default.aspx
  26. https://s204.q4cdn.com/701424631/files/doc_news/2006/06/1/314428.pdf
  27. https://www.driveraverages.com/nascar/year.php?yr_id=2006
  28. https://s204.q4cdn.com/701424631/files/doc_news/2007/08/1/314042.pdf
  29. https://wraltechwire.com/2007/11/20/nascar-challenge-from-ea-pays-off-for-tennessee-gamer/
  30. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-puts-sadler-on-nascar-covers/1100-6153481/
  31. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nascar-2006/
  32. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nascar-and-ea-sports-part-ways/1100-6233653/
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