Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

NASCAR 98 delivers a robust racing simulation that places you behind the wheel of 24 official drivers, from up-and-coming talents to the legendary Dale Earnhardt himself. Whether you’re diving into the full Season mode, hopping into a quick Arcade race, or crafting your own Custom event, the game offers a level of depth rarely seen in late ’90s racing titles. Each mode has its own appeal: Season mode challenges your consistency over an entire calendar of 16 events, Arcade mode delivers instant-action thrills, and Custom races let you fine-tune laps, opponents, fuel gauges and more.

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Controls are tight yet approachable. The developers struck a fine balance between authenticity and accessibility, ensuring that newcomers aren’t overwhelmed while still giving veteran sim racers the precise handling they crave. Steering, braking and throttle response all feel rooted in real-world physics: you can sense the weight transfer as you power out of a turn, and you’ll need to manage tire wear and fuel strategy to maintain your pace to the checkered flag.

One of the standout features is the variety of track options. With 10 officially licensed NASCAR circuits—from the historic oval at Daytona to the banked turns of Talladega—plus six imaginative fantasy tracks, you’re never short on venues to test your skills. Each track behaves differently under changing weather and race conditions, reinforcing the importance of adapting your line, braking points and throttle control on the fly.

Graphics

For its era, NASCAR 98 showcases an impressive visual presentation. Car models are detailed enough to recognize sponsor logos on the hoods and fenders, and each driver’s paint scheme is faithfully recreated. The velocity of open-wheel racers screaming by is captured with a satisfying blur effect that communicates speed without sacrificing frame rate stability.

Environmental details on the tracks—grandstands, pit areas, trackside billboards and even waving flags—add realism and immersion. While the textures may look dated by modern standards, the game’s use of shading and environmental lighting brings the asphalt to life, especially under the bright afternoon sun or during glowing sunset sessions.

Audio complements the visuals beautifully. You can hear every screeching burnout and oiled skid, with audible feedback that helps you feel traction limits in real time. The roar of emergency vehicles and caution sirens during yellow-flag periods heightens the drama, while the optional soundtrack provides a pulsing backdrop for those who prefer music over engine noise.

Story

While NASCAR 98 doesn’t feature a narrative-driven campaign, it creates its own story arc through Season mode progression. As you rack up finishes, secure pole positions and battle rival drivers each week, a sense of journey and accomplishment takes hold. Chasing the championship title offers moments of triumph and heartbreak—push too hard and risk a wreck, or play it safe and hope your rivals make mistakes.

Custom rivalries emerge naturally: you’ll remember the times you squeezed Dale Earnhardt at the line or held off an aggressive competitor in the final turn. These unscripted confrontations become the game’s de facto plot, creating personal rivalries that you’ll recount long after you’ve powered down the console.

Between races, pit stops and strategy calls offer another layer of narrative. Deciding when to come in for fresh tires or top off fuel under a looming rain threat can make or break your championship hopes. Those split-second choices—and the replayable “What if?” scenarios they inspire—become the driving force of NASCAR 98’s emergent storytelling.

Overall Experience

NASCAR 98 strikes a compelling balance between simulation depth and pick-up-and-play accessibility. Whether you’re a hardcore racing enthusiast seeking an authentic NASCAR experience or a casual gamer looking for high-speed thrills, the title offers something for everyone. The three distinct modes, combined with 16 diverse tracks and 24 star drivers, translate into hours of replayability.

The game’s audio-visual polish still holds nostalgic charm, even if it doesn’t match today’s photorealistic standards. The roar of engines, the excitement of drafting at 200+ mph, and the satisfaction of crafting a perfect lap all contribute to a cohesive package that remains engaging decades after its release.

In short, NASCAR 98 stands as a landmark title of its generation—a racing simulation that captures the spirit of stock car competition and delivers an engrossing experience. Its blend of realistic handling, varied modes and immersive track design make it a must-have for fans of racing history and anyone hungry for classic high-octane action.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10