NR99 feels and looks a lot like Nascar 2 (N2). It basically uses a reworked version of N2 engine with a few major differences. It now is native to Windows 95 (a lot of people remember how fun it was to get N2 working under DOS) which makes it a lot easier to install and run. It also has improved 3D support, including 3Dfx, so owners rejoice. It also includes the Nascar Grand Nationals and Craftsman Truck series (which features a new truck physics model). The list of playable tracks has also increased from the previous version. NR99 now has a total of 35 tracks (11 new ones) with additions like Homestead and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Some of the original tracks have been updated to reflect the new designs and layouts that took effect in 1998.

The graphics of NR99 resemble N2, though the addition of 3Dfx support has given the overall look  a more polished feel. The cars, stands and infield have a crisper, more vibrant look. There are also more objects and vehicles in the infield of each track which give it that "busy" race day feel. The cars themselves have been updated with the current year’s sponsors. Everything looks very good about the cars, except the fact that one general body shape is used to portray each car manufacturer. That means that Dale Earnhardt’s Chevy Monte Carlo has the same shape as Mark Martin’s Ford Taurus. By contrast, this year’s Nascar 99 on the Playstation displays the differences in each make’s body style (Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac). This might seem a small complaint, but I feel that it detracts from the authenticity that this game is trying to inovoke. I hope with Nascar 3 showing up later this year, this problem will be addressed and remedied. The game’s overall graphics move smoothly and swiftly on most Pentium-based computers (Pentium 60 or better), and on slower machines the graphic detail can be turned down to help keep smooth frame rates.

The sound is another area of the game that seems a lot like N2. The wall-banging and bumper-crunching have an authentic edge, but don’t vary enough and get stale quickly. The squeal of the tires is nothing special and gets a little annoying after a few laps. Engine noises are done in standard fashion, with nothing that makes them stand out from other racing games. But when an accident occurs, the sound effects change for the better. The moan coming from the tires and sounds of vehicles smashing into each other makes you appreciate what real-life drivers go through in a major accident. The sounds of the pit crew pounding on the body to help repair damaged panels is very good. It really sounds like they are fixing the mangled body work that they used to call a vehicle. Another nice sound feature is the spotter, who has a lot of helpful information to give the driver during a race.  Overall, the sound has its highs and lows, but works decently with this game.

NR99 is very user friendly. Options abound and allow players to customize the game the way they want. It allows players of different skill levels to play and not get frustrated. If the computer drivers are too good, drop their strength percentage. If having realistic car damage turned on causes a race to end prematurely (because of an accident), set it to arcade or just simply turn it off. It’s all up to the player. Control over the vehicle is also very good. The steering and vehicle response feels just like N2. Of course, the game plays best when used with a steering wheel or game pad, but that isn’t necessary (it is smart though). NR99 also comes with the same camera views (in-car, behind car and far behind car) that the previous Nascar games had. I prefer the in-car view because of the detail level of the cockpit and the working gauges. It’s also the view that gives the most authentic feel.