Nascar Sim Racing (PC)

(Herald rating: ****)

The only time I ever delve into the world of Nascar is when the TV news shows the latest fiery pile-up of cars on some American racing track. Great crashes happen in Nascar as you will find out quickly in Electronic Arts' Nascar Sim Racing. Much of the time you race at high-speed a few feet from other hulking stockcars. A slight nudge or steer in the wrong direction and it is game over.

The racing is undertaken on 28 oval tracks, most of which are modelled with precision on real tracks dotted around the US. The circuits are short and the game can seem a bit claustrophobic compared with other racing titles which take you along country roads and highways or more elaborate tracks.

But Nascar is about out-manoeuvring other racers at high-speed and trying to maintain a lead for the duration of the race. You become surprisingly absorbed in that task, peering out through the windscreen or taking an external, overhead view.

You take part in various leagues, most important of which is the Nextel Cup Series, a major crowd-puller in the US. There is now a truck-racing series thrown in as well.

Dozens of cars are available to drive and they can all be modified and adjusted.The game is intelligent, accounting for such things as cold tyres, surface conditions and the weight of the car you are driving.

Accurate depictions of team colours, sponsors and the build of crowd-filled stands heighten the realism, as does the soundtrack of straining engines. There is huge scope for tinkering with arcane telemetry data which you can even trade online if you are really keen.

Up to 43 racers can participate in the online multi-player version of the game. Nascar isn't really my type of game but you don't have to be a fan of the sport to appreciate how well-crafted this game is.

* $100