NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

[ChaseB]

704 Games is set to deliver NASCAR Heat 5 this week, although this time it's coming...

Written By: Robert Kollars

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[tc020791]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

This is my first nascar game and I’m really enjoying it. I absolutely love the strategy with drafting. If you don’t have a draft partner, good luck catching that group in front of you.

[grismosw]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

This is on my radar, how is it without a wheel? Can you save mid race progress?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[StoneCalf]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

Good review and I like how the first point he hit on was the controls. Very encouraging to hear that he was able to be in good enough control to "race comfortably anywhere", including with controller and wheel. Being able to hold your line is paramount for me being able to enjoy a Nascar game and sustain and enjoy returning to playing.

I preordered yesterday and began playing at 11:01 pm last evening. I'm on Xbox 1 with an elite controller, and I must say I was extremely pleased with my first practice race. I jumped in and ran 13% race in Xfinity at Homestead. Racing on "Hard" with AI at 100.

As I had raced some lately with NH4, I came to the realization that although it hurts my pride to have some driving assists turned on, it really is a must for me to be able to enjoy the game. I'm simply not good enough to make it through races consistently without kissing the wall occasionally and/or being the cause of a wreck, even when I'm trying not to be over aggressive. On my practice race last night, I had most driving aids around 20-25, and wall avoidance at 35. I completed the race cleanly without hitting the wall a single time nor contacting another car significantly (26 laps). I qualified 28th and finished 7th.

This has increased my confidence in a huge way and encourages me as I plan to put in more serious time in this iteration. On NH4, I worked on my dirt series career a good bit, but interest waned and I never got to the other series, other than an exhibit race here and there. For NH5, I plan on skipping the dirt. (I enjoy the dirt racing, but I really want to sink my teeth into a series like Xfinity right away)

I also pulled the trigger recently on a wheel, and I'm looking forward to using that, as I haven't used a wheel since back in the PS2 days.

The only negative critique from my first impression was I still got a frame-rate dip at a certain point on the track. I didn't notice it every lap, but on corner exit, the frame rate would snag for just a fraction of a second- enough for me to notice, and I am the type of person who isn't too picky about things like that, but it's there. Not an issue for me, but trying to be fair about my assessment. I know many people are likely to skip this one and wait for the next version that is purported to run on a different engine, and I understand, but it's not a deal-breaker for me. You see, I'm approaching old-codger status lol (very late 40's), and my first driving video game was Night Driver on Atari, so I have a certain perspective/appreciation regarding graphics.....

[BurghFan]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

... my first driving video game was Night Driver on Atari, so I have a certain perspective/appreciation regarding graphics.....

Loved that Game when I was a kid and also Pole Position.
_________________

Anyway, @NASCARHeat just tweeted that the Indy Roval will be released as free DLC for all players at a later date for anyone wondering

Last night while
@DiegoxAlv
was streaming #NASCARHeat5 on our Twitch channel there was a bomb dropped by game designer
@ehgdesign
...

Indy road course is coming to NH5 as free content later this year to ALL NH5 players!

We don't have a date set yet, but we'll keep you updated.

________________

I preordered my copy from Amazon and it says I won't get it until the 14th

[TrophyKing80]

I can't recall which game it was, but there was a "Hero" and "Villian" rating when you played career mode. I liked that game, and that mode, though my poor driving skills led me to be more villian than hero. ::shrugs::

[Stormyhog]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

Good review and I like how the first point he hit on was the controls. Very encouraging to hear that he was able to be in good enough control to "race comfortably anywhere", including with controller and wheel. Being able to hold your line is paramount for me being able to enjoy a Nascar game and sustain and enjoy returning to playing.

I preordered yesterday and began playing at 11:01 pm last evening. I'm on Xbox 1 with an elite controller, and I must say I was extremely pleased with my first practice race. I jumped in and ran 13% race in Xfinity at Homestead. Racing on "Hard" with AI at 100.

As I had raced some lately with NH4, I came to the realization that although it hurts my pride to have some driving assists turned on, it really is a must for me to be able to enjoy the game. I'm simply not good enough to make it through races consistently without kissing the wall occasionally and/or being the cause of a wreck, even when I'm trying not to be over aggressive. On my practice race last night, I had most driving aids around 20-25, and wall avoidance at 35. I completed the race cleanly without hitting the wall a single time nor contacting another car significantly (26 laps). I qualified 28th and finished 7th.

This has increased my confidence in a huge way and encourages me as I plan to put in more serious time in this iteration. On NH4, I worked on my dirt series career a good bit, but interest waned and I never got to the other series, other than an exhibit race here and there. For NH5, I plan on skipping the dirt. (I enjoy the dirt racing, but I really want to sink my teeth into a series like Xfinity right away)

I also pulled the trigger recently on a wheel, and I'm looking forward to using that, as I haven't used a wheel since back in the PS2 days.

The only negative critique from my first impression was I still got a frame-rate dip at a certain point on the track. I didn't notice it every lap, but on corner exit, the frame rate would snag for just a fraction of a second- enough for me to notice, and I am the type of person who isn't too picky about things like that, but it's there. Not an issue for me, but trying to be fair about my assessment. I know many people are likely to skip this one and wait for the next version that is purported to run on a different engine, and I understand, but it's not a deal-breaker for me. You see, I'm approaching old-codger status lol (very late 40's), and my first driving video game was Night Driver on Atari, so I have a certain perspective/appreciation regarding graphics.....

I also noticed that the framerate would snag for a moment as well. Doesn't hurt my overall enjoyment but I did notice it. I'm on PS4 Pro.

[Bvrat76]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

So picked up the gold edition and nothing happens when I redeem the code for the extra content? Anyone else have this issue?

[BurghFan]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

So picked up the gold edition and nothing happens when I redeem the code for the extra content? Anyone else have this issue?

Looks like it's a known issue that they are currently working on

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are aware of the issues causing people to not have access to the Gold Edition content (schemes, spotter pack, etc.) on PS4 and we are working with Sony to resolve the issue. If you redeemed your code then you're all set, it will unlock once we've solved the problem.</p>&mdash; NASCAR Heat (@NASCARHeat) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCARHeat/status/1280574833101848577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote> ******** async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UPDATE:<br><br>We are continuing to work with Sony on this issue and apologize for the wait. Again we'd like to reassure everyone who redeemed a Gold Edition code (season pass) that the content will be provided without any additional steps on your end.<br><br>More updates to come. <a href="https://t.co/YiWmgvaxlL">https://t.co/YiWmgvaxlL</a></p>&mdash; NASCAR Heat (@NASCARHeat) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCARHeat/status/1280629070166994944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote> ******** async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Edit: Looks like it may be fixed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We&#39;re getting reports that the Gold Edition issue is fixed on PS4!<br><br>You might need to go to the game&#39;s add-ons and download it, now that it&#39;s available. Once this is done the content should become available.<br><br>If still having problems after this, try restarting the console. <a href="https://t.co/ErmrJrlqOQ">pic.twitter.com/ErmrJrlqOQ</a></p>&mdash; NASCAR Heat (@NASCARHeat) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCARHeat/status/1280649809884524546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote> ******** async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[martymcflyy85]

As a casual Nascar fan I desperately want to get into a game like this.  But what holds me back is the ability to drive with Retro cars.  I want the ability to play classic races, like what 2k does with their NBA game.  I want to be able to race against the old Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip cars.  Is there a way to download other players paint scheme creations?  And are the creators good enough to be able to make the cars look like the real thing?  The dream is to have a 43 car field of "all time" drivers in one race.

[brandon27]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

It's familiar alright. It's the same game as last year with a few new paint options, new paint schemes/rosters, new race logos/names and a new chase cam. I wont count the roof cam as new, because it's the same view as the hood cam except you see more of the car in the shot; the actual view doesn't change.

Couldn't help myself as I've had a few great months here at work so I bought it. Opened it, looked at career, ran two quick races. I'd suggest waiting to buy this to all of you. There's just not enough in here to warrant the new purchase price if you have NH4 already. I'm contemplating requesting the refund from MS and waiting for the sale.

It's pretty sad to see what they've done really. The tracks are identical. The driving model may feel a bit smoother, and to me it appeared the framerate was a bit smoother, but other than that, it's essentially a DLC pack of paint schemes and race logos IMO. Not even close to worth the new purchase price. Sadly though, it's about what I expected.

[sydrogerdavid]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

As a casual Nascar fan I desperately want to get into a game like this.* But what holds me back is the ability to drive with Retro cars.* I want the ability to play classic races, like what 2k does with their NBA game.* I want to be able to race against the old Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip cars.* Is there a way to download other players paint scheme creations?* And are the creators good enough to be able to make the cars look like the real thing?* The dream is to have a 43 car field of "all time" drivers in one race.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy the game, but I'm with you 100 percent on this one.

I don't know who most of these new drivers are, as I stopped following around 2007. It's such a sad feeling not recognizing any of the paint schemes or driver names. I am surprised by the number of names I have heard before on this roster, though. Even if it is just 5 or 6.

[Jeffrey99]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

As a casual Nascar fan I desperately want to get into a game like this.* But what holds me back is the ability to drive with Retro cars.* I want the ability to play classic races, like what 2k does with their NBA game.* I want to be able to race against the old Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip cars.* Is there a way to download other players paint scheme creations?* And are the creators good enough to be able to make the cars look like the real thing?* The dream is to have a 43 car field of "all time" drivers in one race.

Almost positive, that's not possible. As far as I know you can't download other peoples schemes. It's all unlocked via play or DLC. And the paint booth isn't good enough to realistically reproduce those cars. It's not actually a paint booth, it's more you pick pre-existing liveries and then change the colors. Really for that you best bet is to get a pc and find a old version of Nascar Racing 2003 season.

[Jeffrey99]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

It's familiar alright. It's the same game as last year with a few new paint options, new paint schemes/rosters, new race logos/names and a new chase cam. I wont count the roof cam as new, because it's the same view as the hood cam except you see more of the car in the shot; the actual view doesn't change.

Couldn't help myself as I've had a few great months here at work so I bought it. Opened it, looked at career, ran two quick races. I'd suggest waiting to buy this to all of you. There's just not enough in here to warrant the new purchase price if you have NH4 already. I'm contemplating requesting the refund from MS and waiting for the sale.

It's pretty sad to see what they've done really. The tracks are identical. The driving model may feel a bit smoother, and to me it appeared the framerate was a bit smoother, but other than that, it's essentially a DLC pack of paint schemes and race logos IMO. Not even close to worth the new purchase price. Sadly though, it's about what I expected.

That's kinda what I figured. I'll probably wait until it's $20. F1 is also coming out this week and it gets first dibs for my money.

[Charvalos]

Re: NASCAR Heat 5 Review: Familiar But In a Good Way

Almost positive, that's not possible. As far as I know you can't download other peoples schemes. It's all unlocked via play or DLC. And the paint booth isn't good enough to realistically reproduce those cars. It's not actually a paint booth, it's more you pick pre-existing liveries and then change the colors. Really for that you best bet is to get a pc and find a old version of Nascar Racing 2003 season.

NR2003, certainly the best NASCAR game currently on PC, even after 17 years.