NASCAR 06: Total Team Control

NASCAR 06: Total Team Control Description

The speed and spectacle of NASCAR racing have made it a prime candidate for video game adaptation. The motorsport has seen plenty of digital action over the years, and passed through the hands of a fair few publishers. These days the rights are exclusively the property of Electronic Arts, and like all the major franchises under the mega-publisher's umbrella, it's treated to a glossy remake every year. Like any EA Sports title, that means you get the updated roster and driver attributes for the current season. But EA always try and squeeze in some new features to give them a little something extra to sell you, and they've really pushed the boat out this year. The main attraction is that the emphasis this time is on the racing teams rather than the drivers themselves, with the result being that you have a more challenging objective. Rather than simply worry about coming first, the goal is to get all three of you team mates on the podium to maximise your success. What they call 'dynamic' driver switching allows you to take control of your comrades at crucial stages of the race, so after getting your lead driver in first position, you can let the auto pilot take over while you bring your other boys forward in support. Further adding to the sense of working as a team is the inclusion of voice recognition technology, for the first time in a console racing game. You can get information from your team in the pits, and even give instructions to the other drivers on your team. So as well as all the speed, wheel-to-wheel excitement, thrumming V8 action, and of course, smashing into other cars that you expect from a stock car racing title, you get these great features which totally transform the game, bringing tactics to the table. A nice and glossy racer from EA.

All-New Driver Communication - The first console driving game to utilize voice recognition allows communication between computer-controlled crew chiefs and team members.

New Dynamic Car Swapping - Use the right analog stick to take control of teammates' cars and fight off rivals as you work your way back to the front of the pack.

New Interactive Crew Chief - Select from eight new team commands including blocking, pitting, and holding track position.

Fight to the Top Mode - Featuring an all-new teammate theme, the upgraded phone system allows communication between teammates and opponents. Build a fan base and become a superstar owner/teammate, deciding where, how, and what to drive. Develop essential racing skills as you build a top NASCAR team.

EA SPORTSTM Online** Racing - Up to four live racers can battle against a full pack of CPU cars (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Xbox LiveTM only). Featuring online ranking, text chat, EA SPORTS Talk (broadband only), and improved anti-cheat measures, it's the ultimate online racing experience.

Chase for the CupTM Mode - The ten-race shootout mirrors the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup SeriesTM new championship system.

Grudges and Alliances - New interactive AI allows greater relationship management. Drive as a hero or villain as on-track rivalries boil over into post-race confrontations.

Racing Series - Challenge the circuit with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Whelen Modified Series, and NASCAR Busch Series.

New Lightning Challenges - Over 30 new challenges hosted by Kenny Wallace each challenge reflects real NASCAR scenarios and features your favorite NASCAR drivers.

Expanded Create-A-Driver - Build your driver's facial features, body type, and uniform, and then design your car's paint schemes.

More Than 60 Drivers - Select your favorite driver and race against a full field of 43 drivers. Smaller fields are featured in modified and Truck Series racing.

All 22 Official NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Tracks - Plus 13 fantasy tracks and three official NASCAR Busch Series tracks.

Exclusive Audio - NASCAR 06 original soundtrack recorded and mixed in surround sound.