So far, the leader of the console stock car racers.
NASCAR has seemed to sprout beyond its cult following and may one day be herolded as a leader in sport entertainment. For now though, the fans of the sport have one more thing to be happy about, Infogrames’ NASCAR Heat 2002 for the PlayStation 2. With the growing variety of racing games entering the PS2 ranks; is this one worth owning? The answer is a resounding yes…even for non-NASCAR fans. Here’s why.
Graphically, I’ve yet to see a NASCAR title that rivals the PC’s NASCAR 4, and I guess I’ll have to keep waiting. While Heat’s graphics aren’t poor, the frame rate in these games for some reason just seems to be less than stellar. Not that the game isn’t fast, it just seems as if the action sort of stutters on occasion. It’s not half as bad as NASCAR 2001, but it’s real evident. On the bright side the car models are done quite well, and show brilliant damage effects. The graphics of each course range from bland to wonderful. Each are represented perfectly, but don’t provide much flair as compared to most racing games. But that’s not what stock car racing is about either. The menus are also represented greatly with full motion video, giving a sort of televised glimpse before the race. The frame rate only dips hard when more than 10 cars are present at one time. Even with the visuals flaws, the game isn’t ugly by any means, and remains the best looking console NASCAR title to date.
Controls on the other hand are tight and very responsive. You really have to know your NASCAR to succeed in this one. As many know, stock car racing is a breed of its own, and you’ll realize this from the start. Taking the correct turn at the right height of the track is critical to your performance. You also have to take into account the other cars on the track and failure to do so will eliminate you from the race in a heartbeat. What makes this title so great is the fact you have control of your destiny. In my opinion, handling is very top notch.
The audio does a fine job of representing NASCAR racing, but not the televised part of the race. Honestly, all I want is play by play in my stock car races. Once again, another NASCAR game comes and goes, neglecting this feature. There are plenty of loud engines, squealing tires, and thunderous crashes and you also have a helpful pit announcer who lets you know where the other cars are on the track. The sound effects still doesn’t duplicate real NASCAR engines, but they do the job. All in all the audio is nothing spectacular, but still is very solid.
NASCAR Heat offers many options, from practice races to a full-blown seasons. Even after you take on all the events, you still have the unique Beat the Heat challenges, which pit your time against real NASCAR drivers’ performances. This mode by far is the most challenging. You also have the option to tailor your opponents A.I. and realism factors. Along with 26 tracks, you have the deepest of all the console NASCAR titles.
Overall, this was, up until the mighty GT3, my favorite racing title. Make no doubt; I’ll be back to work my way up into the stock car rankings soon. This is easily a title no fan of the sport will want to be without. And it may very well make you a fan in the meantime.
