NASCAR Racing 3 was as I mentioned before, in my books the best racing simulation ever. Well NASCAR Legends takes all of the gameplay, graphics and everything else that made N3 what it was but with a twist. Rather than racing the 1999 season, the game is based around a golden era of NASCAR racing, the 1970's (1970 to be precise).

Taking nothing away from this game, it may have been best released as an add-on pack for N3, but then again the whole feel of the game as a whole has changed.

Spinning Action!

The graphical effects - skid marks, smoke from tires, the "line" on the track, and lighting effects - are all there from N3 and add immensely to the overall racing experience. You will also see a lot more of these effects in Legends due to the new physics model of the car (which we will talk more about later). The sounds are much beefier than than N3, with the V8's rumbling along (so buy a nice new set of speakers with a sub-woofer!).

The game features 16 tracks from the 1970 schedule, a couple of which have hardly changed from their N3 counterparts. The tracks include a variety of challenges including Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile track where incidents are an inevitability. Alabama (now Talladega) provides awesome action, in my opinion better than modern day. Also included in Legends is a legend in its own right, Riverside International Raceway. Many enthusiasts will purchase Legends just to race on this track and its easy to see why. A group of cars taking to the dirt with you stuck in the middle provides an amazing thrill to the sim racer.

The skill level of the AI competitors seem to have been tweaked since N3 was released and provided me with very close racing, easily going 3-wide with me. This AI is very similar to the N3 CTS Expansion Pack. You also get the option to play against the ultimate AI; human opponents. This internet play is built into the game and you connect though WON.net servers. This is all done automatically but I found that there was a distinct lac of opponents compared to N3.

This shows one of the wide range of replay views available

I felt that the new physics model drasticly changed the handling of the cars from N3. The cars seem to be much more on edge but then in contrast I found them easier to drive! I was able to racer a lot closer than in N3 and this suprised me as the cars are looser. I think thats why I like the handling, the cars are controlably loose. On the tight tracks you can have hours of fun sliding the back end out of the corners. This may not be the quickest way to drive but it'll sure put a smile on your face.

After reviewing N3 I find it hard to say much more about this game. If you have N3 then I feel the game is still worth the money, especially for the older NASCAR fan who fancies a bit of nostalgia. If you've not got N3 then go and read the review on my main reviews page. You will find that I hold this series of games very highly and well worth the money. If you want Legends, don't own the original and live in the USA, the NASCAR Acceleration Pack is the product for you. It comprises of both of the titles mentioned above as well as the NASCAR Racing 3 Craftsman Truck Series Expansion Pack (also reveiwed - see main reviews page). It provides excellent value for money and guarantees hours of fun, Online or Offline!

C.Wiseman WMWD

August 2000