The checkered flag is waving for NASCAR 25, and the early reviews are in – they're overwhelmingly positive! Released on October 10th for PS5 and Xbox, the game has sent racing fans into a frenzy, eager to get behind the wheel. But what's got everyone so revved up? Let's dive in!
Veteran reporter Jeff Gluck, a trusted voice in the racing world, wasted no time in sharing his initial impressions on X (formerly Twitter). He dove straight into the career mode and soundtrack, which he found very enjoyable. He even mentioned he was playing as himself, which is a fun detail! Gluck's excitement is contagious, especially for those of us who have been waiting for a solid NASCAR gaming experience.
"I'm a casual gamer, not looking for the most detailed sim experience," Gluck wrote, "Honestly, all I wanted from NASCAR 25 is a great career mode. Very happy it's checking that box for me. Love it. Great soundtrack, too."
He was quick to clarify that his positive review wasn't influenced by any financial incentives. He simply enjoyed the game! This authenticity is key, making his early praise even more valuable to potential players.
And this is where the story gets even more interesting: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s involvement! Junior played a pivotal role in curating the game's diverse soundtrack, and his efforts are already paying off. He even had to personally reach out to bands like System of a Down to secure their music.
"This was something I was heavily involved in," Earnhardt Jr. shared on his 'Dale Jr. Download' podcast. "The featured song that will be on the game is 'System of a Down.' I actually had to write a letter to their team. They didn’t know what the project was or what we were asking them. And why we wanted to use the song. I had to spell it out for them.”
Junior explained that the goal was to represent a wide range of genres with 27 different artists. He also mentioned a few songs he wanted to include, but couldn't, such as 'Stunting like my Daddy'. His passion for music, which he credits to his own experiences with video game soundtracks, shines through.
As more reviews roll in, the soundtrack's praise continues to grow, validating Junior's hard work. It's a win-win for both the game and the music!
What do you think of the soundtrack's impact on the game? Do you think the music selection is a crucial part of the overall experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
