NASCAR The Game: Inside Line retains the same DiRT-esque menu system of the previous game, and it is still a winner. Having all the gameplay modes stored together in the context of the behind-the-scenes action is an immersive touch. Of course, that only goes so far in helping the game as a whole. The action on the track looks pretty much the same as it's ever been. This isn't a sport that sees radical changes over the months, so this game naturally reflects that. The sense of speed and momentum is mildly intoxicating but feels realistic; each rapidly approaching turn will cause a knot to form in your stomach as you calculate your angle of attack. Wrecks and spin-outs are absolutely terrifying.
The sound design of NASCAR The Game: Inside Line has been left alone for the most part: after all, how many combinations of motor vehicle sounds can one come up with before the supply is completely exhausted? No, most of the changes come in the form of the soundtrack, which has been diversified well beyond ZZ Top's "La Grange." Provided you know a thing or two about NASCAR, you should know to expect a lot of bad boy rock, country rock, and patriotic anthems. It fits very well.
