NASCAR Heat

Take on all-new racing scenarios that capture the split-second decisions and timing required of NASCAR drivers. Race at normal level for fun arcade-style racing, or take on the expert simulation mode and experience the physics of driving a 750-horsepower Winston Cup car. Realistic graphics and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound capabilities heighten the pulse-pounding competition.

It was a nice try on Atari's part to include a full racing field. The attempt at realism ultimately doesn't work out though because that many cars causes a slowdown in the framerate. The controls are flighty enough as it is but the stuttering in the framerate makes it a chore to keep your car on its intended path.

The only remotely fun element of "NASCAR Heat" is trying to cause big pile-ups. If you agree, then you probably have already played "Burnout 2" and that blows this game away. Perhaps NASCAR fanatics enjoy racing around and around and around for 100 or 200 or even 500(!!) laps. Maybe there's fun to be had to repeat that task on a total of 19 tracks. Personally, I found this game to be lacking in excitement and I consider it to be both a waste of time and money.


Heat Better Than Thunder!   February 18, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

When I first popped "Nascar Heat" into my X-Box I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. The graphics don't look as impressive as they do with "Nascar Thunder". But as I started to play they game I realized there was no comparison. The race cars have a better feel about them. If you play in the Hardcore mode, (No driver aids) the way I always do, you quickly realize this game is tough too beat. It's harder to win than any other racing game I have. (That's saying a lot.) Both "Thunder" and "Heat have problems with their two road racing courses, way too much slow down. "Heat" is almost impossible to drive on the two road courses with the driving aids turned off. But on the short Nascar ovals "Heat" has it all over "Thunder". The one funny thing about "Heat" is that there is no way to speed up the process when a yellow comes out. You have to wait for the pits to open, (Just like the real Nascar) and then you have to wait several laps before going back to green. My advice, get up and stretch and have a cup and coffee, and be ready to go back to green. Can't wait for this game to get updated. Now get out there and buy a racing wheel and pedals, and you'll never go back to hand controllers again.


Fun, But Not Exciting   May 31, 2002
 7 out of 9 found this review helpful

-Chad Steingraber-
-Paradigm/Infogrames-
-Level Designer/Game Designer/3D Artist on The Terminator: Dawn of Fate-

I must admit, this is the first NASCAR game I've ever played...so, I can't compare it to another NASCAR game. I thought is was pretty cool, it had really good graphics and the driving physics were pretty realistic. I found myself trying to create car wrecks as much as possible...it was just fun to watch a 10 car pile up. I played an entire season and took first place....and this is why I quit playing feeling dissapointed: There was nothing to award the player for taking first place! NOTHING! At least, AT LEAST a floating gold cup spinning around with "You Win!" at the bottom. Come on guys, that was just plain dumb.

It was a fun game, but I found that after playing one season (with no reward) there was no reason to play it again. If you love NASCAR, this game would be good....if you just want to see cool cars driving around, rent it first.


Fun!   April 29, 2002
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I'm not really a Nascar fan but I do love racing games. This one is a hoot! Here's the deal: I bought Nascar Thunder but I also own Nascar Heat because my girlfriend bought it the same day as a surprise to me. So here I was with two Nascar games and I've kept them both. As far as true racing and competition, Nascar Thunder is the better racing game. It has a create-a-car option and most of the real Nascar drivers. The graphics aren't as good as Heat though. If you're into better graphics and bigger, fiery crashes, Nascar Heat is the way to go. Sometimes I create havoc on the track just to watch the replays of the crashes. You can create a lot more mayhem on Heat than Thunder...and that's why I love it. The only problem with Heat is they don't have all the drivers. Half the cars in a race are just fake, generic cars. I play both a lot, but if I could only pick one - I'd give a slight edge to Nascar Heat. But you really can't go wrong with either one. Both are great games that you can pick up anytime for a few minutes (or hours) of fun. If you love great wrecks, get Heat. Great racing, get Thunder.