Drivers, get ready to ignite a new chapter in NASCAR gaming.
Motorsport Games has dropped the details about its latest project, NASCAR 21: Ignition. The highly anticipated title launches on 28th October and will be available to own in either Standard or Champions Edition variants.
NASCAR 21: Ignition features a combination of the Unreal Engine and rFactor 2 physics for the next generation of NASCAR racing under the official NASCAR gaming license. The game aims to deliver an authentic driving experience with what MSG says will be “immersive gameplay, dynamic AI, and stunning visuals.”
The physics feature track-specific aero and horsepower packages, representing each venue on the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. While the handling sounds grounded in reality, in theory, a suite of assists will allow for newer or casual gamers to enjoy the racing action.
WHAT TO DO
A lot of the promised immersion will likely come in the game’s Career Mode. Per the release, a career on NASCAR 21: Ignition will provide players with a driver-focused progression model. The career will set clear goals and structures en route to ultimately becoming a NASCAR Champion. On paper, it sounds to be more in-depth than the existing NASCAR HEAT games were in that respect.
40-player online races will be back, with a playlist party matchmaking system. There will be two different playlists to hop into where racers will be able to vote for the next track to race in the playlist.
The “Shake and Bake” multiplayer hopper features intermediate and superspeedway tracks. The “Bump and Run” hopper will take lobbies to short tracks and road courses. Partying up is an option to bring friends along the way, more information about the multiplayer will be arriving at a later date.
ALL IN THE DETAILS
The new game aims to offer realistic race day representations with heightened attention to detail. Based on the trailer, the tracks are accurate and the grandstands are lively. The pre-race buildup and the post-race review are also aiming for broadcast-level quality. A brand-new Paint Booth offers “unparalleled levels of customization to create NASCAR paint schemes, complete with an iconic race number.”
A Datapad tablet serves as the menu at the racetrack, where car setup can be adjusted, and victory lane celebrations are said to showcase accurately modelled trophies from each race event.
Unlike previous NASCAR HEAT titles, this game solely focuses on the NASCAR Cup Series. The rosters include official NASCAR Cup teams, drivers, and racetracks from the 2021 season. Tracks such as the new Bristol Dirt Track, the Daytona Road Course and the Indianapolis Road Course are in the game, but originally scheduled 2021 track Auto Club Speedway is not, nor is the historic Indianapolis Oval.
A FULL NASCAR RACE DAY EXPERIENCE
All the Cup drivers have been face-scanned for realistic representation. Alex Hayden from Motor Racing Network will provide commentary throughout the gaming experience. Freddie Kraft, spotter for Bubba Wallace, will serve as your spotter throughout the game, plus there will be an interactive crew chief. There will be TV-style replays with trackside, on-car and aerial cameras as well.
The soundtrack behind the game will feature a well-known lineup of musical talent, including artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Imagine Dragons, Aerosmith, and Luke Combs.
The minute-long teaser trailer takes the viewer through a multitude of different venues and racing coliseums. The video portrays the first look at what to expect from the new game. From the track to pit road, from the garage area to the grandstands, NASCAR 21: Ignition looks to offer a full NASCAR race day experience.
LEGENDS, CHAMPIONS
“Motorsport Games is thrilled to offer our most true-to-life simulation of NASCAR to date with NASCAR 21: Ignition,” said Dmitry Kozko, CEO of Motorsport Games.
“Our partners at Motorsports Games have dedicated an incredible amount of talent and resources towards completely redeveloping the game and delivering a product that our fans will be excited to play,” said Nick Rend, Managing Director, Gaming and Esports at NASCAR.
NASCAR Hall Of Fame driver Bill Elliott will be the cover driver of the Champions Edition. Elliott is included as a playable character with his own unique paint schemes in this version. Three other NASCAR legends will also be available via the Season Pass.
The Standard edition features Bill’s son, 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Chase Elliott, racing alongside friendly competitors Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney, on the cover art.
The Standard Edition’s recommended prices are $59.99/€59.99/£49.99 with the Season Pass available for an extra $29.99/€29.99/£24.99. The Champions Edition will come with the Season Pass and will retail at $89.99/€89.99/£79.99. Monthly DLC on its own will cost $14.99/€14.99/£12.99.
Preorders are open as of 12th August and either edition can be purchased for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One or on PC via Steam. Next-gen gamers, have no fear. There will be a free upgrade path for native PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions post-launch. They haven’t said when this will arrive, however.
Those who preorder will get access to the game two days before the full release on 26th October. Check out the announcement trailer above and let us know what you think!
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