NASCAR 98 is a racing simulator video game published and developed by EA Sports and released on October 31, 1997 for the Sega Saturn, and on November 17, 1997 for the PlayStation. This was the first of the EA Sports NASCAR series, and is regarded as one of the best. Since no other EA NASCAR game has made any noteworthy improvements other than in graphics, this game was marketed as the "Only Racing Game You Ever Need to Buy!". Critics were generally pleased with NASCAR 98, praising the game's graphics (which were regarded as exceptional for its day). The game's cars' "fast and loose" handling was also well received. However, the game's soundtrack was regarded as "not as good as future games' soundtracks". Sim (simulated) Racing is the collective term for computer software (i.e. a vehicle simulation game) that attempts to simulate accurately auto racing (a racing game), complete with real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, tire wear and grip, and suspension settings.