NASCAR 25
" Realistic NASCAR racing sim with deep career mode but limited damage and immersion "
NASCAR 25 Review
NASCAR 25 is a simcade-style racing game developed with a focus on console players but released on PC as well. The driving physics are widely praised for being the best in a NASCAR game in years, offering rewarding car control and competitive AI that reacts realistically on track. Career mode introduces financial and team management elements, providing a more engaging experience than previous titles. The game features a solid graphics presentation with laser-scanned tracks and detailed car models, though some textures and decals appear low resolution.
However, the PC launch was marred by technical issues, especially with wheel support and force feedback, which many players found lacking or broken. AI behavior off-track, pit stops, and caution procedures are often criticized as unrealistic or incomplete. The game lacks features like DNFs, driver likenesses in-game, and deep customization in multiplayer and career modes. Despite these flaws, many players find the core racing fun and hope future updates will polish the experience further.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the driving physics as the most realistic and enjoyable in a NASCAR simcade to date, with AI that races competitively and adapts to player skill. The career mode is noted for adding meaningful financial and crew management, enhancing immersion. Graphics and track scans receive compliments for quality and detail, with improved car models and sound compared to past games. The game also offers extensive tuning and AI customization options, allowing players to tailor the racing experience. Many appreciate the solid foundation laid for future improvements and the accessible gameplay for both controllers and wheels.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include poor wheel and force feedback support on PC, with many players reporting numb or broken FFB and complicated input mapping. AI advantages in pit entry/exit and unrealistic crash mechanics frustrate players, as do the lack of DNFs and no real driver representation beyond photos. The game’s presentation lacks polish, with repetitive post-race animations, no burnouts, and limited soundtrack variety. Career and multiplayer modes are considered barebones, missing features like private lobbies, customizable championships, and multi-sponsor liveries. Menu navigation without mouse support and numerous spelling errors further detract from immersion.
Pros
- • Driving physics are the best in a NASCAR simcade in years, very rewarding and realistic.
- • AI opponents race competitively and adapt to player skill for engaging battles.
- • Career mode adds financial and crew management, enhancing depth and immersion.
- • Laser-scanned tracks and detailed car models improve visual authenticity.
- • Extensive tuning and AI customization options let players tailor gameplay.
- • Controller support is solid and accessible for casual and hardcore players.
- • Soundtrack features a decent variety of songs that fit the racing atmosphere.
Cons
- • Wheel and force feedback support on PC is often broken or difficult to configure.
- • AI gains unrealistic advantages during pit stops and restarts, hurting fairness.
- • No DNFs or mechanical damage reduce realism and strategic depth.
- • Driver likenesses and in-race character presence are missing, harming immersion.
- • Career and multiplayer modes lack customization and features like private lobbies.
- • Menus lack mouse support and have awkward navigation on PC.
- • Post-race celebrations are repetitive with no burnouts or varied animations.
Rating Criteria
iRacing is proud to present NASCAR 25, the official game of NASCAR featuring ALL FOUR National Series, the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR Cup Series.