KMGR of "Verizon Racing Championship"

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Verizon Racing Championship is actually a slightly modified and rebadged version of EA's NASCAR '09 (mobile), which was reviewed earlier. Instead of real NASCAR numbers, colors, and drivers, you get names like "Go Kart George", "Speedy Sam", or "Blazing Billy". Otherwise, the controls and gameplay is identical. The game still has its charms, but why buy this generic stuff when you can play with real NASCAR cars?

To recap, VRC is a strategic and tactical racer. You don't actually need to steer or step on the gas or brakes. Instead, you use arrow keys to speed up or slow down, and to change lanes. You have three speeds: green (leisurely cruise), yellow (careful...), and red (I'm going all out!). Faster you go, the more tire wear you incur, and more fuel you will use. If you really worn down the tire, you may start losing control around the corners, and may even cause an accident or two!

You go faster while drafting another car. But the other car have to LET you draft... He could duck back into traffic, then you will just keep falling back while the whole train of cars whiz by. You also save fuel and tires while drafting, but you may not go as fast. Tire and fuel management is key. Nothing's more frustrating than running out of fuel on the final lap, or having the tires worn out just when you need to make a final push. And please try not to damage the car... repairs take time, and damage will affect top speed.

You can choose from abbreviated races all the way up to full 300 to 500 lap races. You can even choose to do a whole season of 26 different races and go for the Driver's Cup, or just play a race or two for fun.

Graphics is full 3D, and it's not bad, but could be smoother. Sounds are a bit lacking, as it's simple engine drone, tire screech, and occasional crunch of metal when you crash.

All in all, I really don't see why you'd pay for this game when there is the real version, EA's NASCAR '09 mobile around for the same price (or lower).

overall rating: 6.5 out of 10
Pros: tactical racer that doesn't need reflex, but do need tactics and tire/fuel management
Cons: just a rebadged game, why not get the original?