Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Racing, Simulator, Sport
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: Monster Games
- Publishers: Dusenberry Martin Racing
NASCAR Heat Evolution (2016): A Return to Form for the NASCAR Franchise
After a decade-long hiatus, Monster Games returned to the NASCAR franchise with NASCAR Heat Evolution in 2016. This all-star developer created the original NASCAR Heat and NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona in the early 2000s, two of the most highly rated and best-selling NASCAR titles of all time. NASCAR Heat Evolution was built from the ground up to ensure a brand new racing experience, and it largely succeeds in that goal.
Gameplay
NASCAR Heat Evolution features all the core gameplay modes that you would expect from a NASCAR game, including a career mode, online multiplayer, and a variety of single-race options. The career mode is particularly well-developed, and it offers a deep and rewarding experience. Players start out by creating their own driver and team, and then they must work their way up the ranks from the Camping World Truck Series to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Along the way, players will need to manage their team’s finances, hire and fire crew members, and make important decisions about car setup and race strategy.
The racing itself is solid, if not spectacular. The cars handle realistically, and the AI opponents provide a good challenge. The tracks are all accurately recreated, and they offer a variety of different challenges. One of the most impressive things about NASCAR Heat Evolution is its graphics. The game is absolutely gorgeous, and it runs smoothly even on modest hardware. The car models are highly detailed, and the tracks are brought to life with stunning visuals.
Features
NASCAR Heat Evolution includes a number of new features that set it apart from previous NASCAR games. One of the most notable new features is the “Elite AI” system. This system gives the AI opponents a more human-like racing style, and it makes the racing more challenging and unpredictable.
Another new feature is the “Spotter” system. This system provides players with real-time information about their position on the track, as well as the positions of their competitors. This information can be very helpful in making strategic decisions during a race.
Finally, NASCAR Heat Evolution also includes a number of new online multiplayer modes. These modes allow players to race against each other in a variety of different formats, including online leagues and tournaments.
Overall
NASCAR Heat Evolution is a solid racing game that offers a deep and rewarding experience. The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is solid, and the new features add a lot of depth to the game. If you’re a fan of NASCAR, then you’ll definitely want to check out NASCAR Heat Evolution.
Here are some of the pros and cons of NASCAR Heat Evolution:
Pros:
- Stunning graphics
- Solid gameplay
- Deep and rewarding career mode
- New Elite AI system
- New Spotter system
- New online multiplayer modes
Cons:
- AI opponents can be a bit too aggressive at times
- Career mode can be a bit grindy at times
- Some of the tracks are not very challenging
Overall score: 8/10
Review Score
7.5/10