I really don't envy the folks who are given the daunting task of developing annual installments for sports franchises. It just seems like one of those "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situations. Purists will cry foul at the slightest of diversions from the status quo, while everyone else will accuse the franchise of stagnation when they notice that much hasn't changed. I suppose the way to go really is to make incremental improvements. And luckily, that's exactly what NASCAR The Game: Inside Line does.

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.

Options, options, options. NASCAR The Game: Inside Line is all about giving you different options of play.

Are you in the mood to start up your own legendary career and experience all that that entails? From the practice and qualifying runs to the pursuit of new sponsors to the obligatory monstrously long races, Career Mode will satisfy. It's got everything, from Sprints to Invitationals to Duels. Earn yourself some credits and gradually transform your car into a steel beast.

No game based on a competitive sport would be complete without some sort of multiplayer component. NASCAR The Game: Inside Line features a standard spread of online and offline offerings, and they offer exactly what you'd expect. No more, no less. You can choose which types of tracks you want to tackle by picking a certain playlist. Another warning: spoilsports still run rampant in this series, and their aggressiveness is often off-putting. This isn't the developer's fault, and I highly doubt this is something that can be fixed without potentially alienating a part of the fanbase.

The Paint Booth gives you some solid customization options -- as far as the paint job goes. I've personally never found NASCAR to be a true blue outlet for individuality; after all, each car is covered with advertisements and assorted product placement stickers. Still, the option is nice to have, and the tools are more than acceptable.

Like several other racers out there, NASCAR The Game: Inside Line is confident in its own ability to judge the ideal difficulty settings for you. I can usually hold my own in arcade racers like Burnout and Blur, but simulations usually kick my ass. Still, I performed quite well on my initial run, and the game recommended the medium setting for me. To make a long story short, I got my ass kicked. I've already had a really difficult time of maintaining my own space in the pack, and other drivers waste no opportunity to muscle in and claim your spot for their own.

Of course, this can be somewhat remedied by simply practicing. NASCAR The Game: Inside Line is an acquired taste as far as racing games go, and the more time you spend with it, the more comfortable you'll be on the track.

Unsurprisingly, NASCAR The Game: Inside Line doesn't waste its time with elements such as boosting and drifting. This is a simulation, after all. There isn't much to remember when playing this game; your inputs are largely limited to the analog stick and triggers. For the more subtle adjustments, you'll mess with the brake bias (D-pad). But that's not all you have to keep track of.

The HUD contains lots of information that you absolutely need to keep an eye on in order to be successful. Position is key in NASCAR, and the Car Proximity Radar is just the tool you need to maintain the appropriate level of awareness. If cars approach you, you'll see them on the radar, as well as the direction they are facing in relation to you. You'll also need to keep an eye on the condition of your car -- most importantly, your tires.

NASCAR The Game: Inside Line plays it mostly safe, but it's a marked improvement over last year's installment. It plays more smoothly and the features included are more robust. I'd consider it a must-buy for hardcore NASCAR fans and a rental for anyone who has at least a passing interest.