NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

[Steve_OS]

We are about three weeks away from the release of NASCAR Heat 2, the follow up...

Written By: Robert Kollars

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[StoneCalf]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

While physics and handling are incredibly important to any racing title, for many who choose to race offline, the AI is just as important.
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Nice write up. I look forward to further impressions.

I am cautiously optimistic about this year's version. I was an early adopter last year, but learned a lesson because the rubberband AI in career mode killed the game for me (offline career is all I am interested in).

If they include the ability to adequately adjust the A.I. in career mode, I'm in. I'm fine with their physics, I'm not picky about graphics, I don't need 20 different car paint schemes..... just give me a decently deep career mode and a non-cheesy AI that has no catch-up logic in it and I'll be happy.

[Turbojugend]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

I'm on board again this year. I too was an early adopter of last year's game and while I did end up getting my money's worth, it's obvious there were lots of areas that needed improvement. It looks as though they've updated this year's game beyond my expectations: much deeper Career Mode, all three top series, improved spotter audio, these are all steps in the right direction. And while it's probably not going to be a perfect NASCAR game (and never be will until they ditch Unity, which may not happen any time soon), they've done enough to get my purchase.

BTW, I'm already noticing some legacy issues such as static logos on the big screens, hopefully those can be addressed with a patch, or at least with NH3.

[mdiggitydawg]

I'd really like to know if the game plays differently than every video I have seen in which the human controlled car is able to simply pass all the AI cars within 3 to 8 laps and take the lead...Any word on that, gameplay video would be very nice. I too race offline, although if the full field online works well, would be interested in trying it...still offline career or season is most important to me.

[pk500]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

Nice write up. I look forward to further impressions.

I am cautiously optimistic about this year's version. I was an early adopter last year, but learned a lesson because the rubberband AI in career mode killed the game for me (offline career is all I am interested in).

If they include the ability to adequately adjust the A.I. in career mode, I'm in. I'm fine with their physics, I'm not picky about graphics, I don't need 20 different car paint schemes..... just give me a decently deep career mode and a non-cheesy AI that has no catch-up logic in it and I'll be happy.

Bull's eye. Well said. My exact sentiments.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

I'd really like to know if the game plays differently than every video I have seen in which the human controlled car is able to simply pass all the AI cars within 3 to 8 laps and take the lead...Any word on that, gameplay video would be very nice. I too race offline, although if the full field online works well, would be interested in trying it...still offline career or season is most important to me.

Here is a little inside info on that - almost every video that has been put out, has been on lower level difficulty. Every time I have been to the offices to play, the level of difficulty has been the lowest. That hasn't bothered me, since I have been looking for other things - As soon as I have my copy(as stated in the article) I'll play it on the higher difficulty -

[ddf77]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

We can only hope that they will continue to develop this into a true Nascar sim. I long for the days of Nascar Thunder 2004. Loved being able to hire individual crew members, and there was a definite disadvantage from a startup team vs established team in terms of horse power and aero package.
One thing I would like to see in the future is historical drivers. And from that you could recreate historical moments (79 Daytona 500, 2000 Talladega).

[mdiggitydawg]

bluengold34_OS -  Thank you for the feedback!  I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

[spoofrice11]

I haven't had a Nascar game since Original Xbox but am interested...

So can I just do more of a Franchise mode (I don't care to do the trucks and stuff) like where I race in the NASCAR series and compete for a Championship there, or do I have to start in the minor leagues?
I wasn't sure if this is more like MyPlayer mode in sports games... And you can still do a career, just with a regular driver in the Pros.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

I haven't had a Nascar game since Original Xbox but am interested...

So can I just do more of a Franchise mode (I don't care to do the trucks and stuff) like where I race in the NASCAR series and compete for a Championship there, or do I have to start in the minor leagues?
I wasn't sure if this is more like MyPlayer mode in sports games... And you can still do a career, just with a regular driver in the Pros.

I know you can do a full season as one of the current drivers, not sure if it carries over year to year though - I'll try and find out on Monday for you -


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[bravesfan1984]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

Preordered my copy last week. So pumped for some NASCAR racing! More in depth career mode has me intrigued! Of course, I'm a sucker for NASCAR games, so I'd get it either way!

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[spoofrice11]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

I know you can do a full season as one of the current drivers, not sure if it carries over year to year though - I'll try and find out on Monday for you -


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Thanx, I appreciate it!

Also, if you do the regular season can you create a driver? Or with creating a driver you have to do the career where you start with the trucks?

[brandon27]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

Still too early for me to get on board. Looks pretty much the same in all the videos that have been shown, but with Xfinity and Trucks.

I enjoyed seeing the career mode enhancements. That was a big positive.

However... still no news on controls, driver aids, mini map etc. etc. You know, all the things that 99% of racing games on the market have, yet NH1 managed to leave them all behind for a wonky handling scheme that either had forced you to have auto braking, and all aids on on in "normal" mode or have nothing aids at all and an even wonkier handling model in "simulation" mode. They've got to get this game playing and handling better with a controller.

I think some of you guys should go back and re-visit the Wishlist thread we made after the disappointment of NHE1.

Im surprised the guys behind this game haven't released more info about the actual gameplay and handling itself, along with control settings and options since is was an issue for basically everybody last year. Doesn't exactly leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling for this one.

Outside of any major news about that kind of stuff, I won't be a day 1 this year. I'll wait for reviews and opinions from you guys on here, then go from there.

[testorz]

I've been waiting for a decent Nascar game for the PS4 and I'm hoping this one is it. 

[StoneCalf]

Re: NASCAR Heat 2: One Final Look Before the Game Releases September 12

Ok, I just watched this video and feel a whole lot better about my primary concern, which is the AI and rubberbanding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3gqFawkFW4

In Jeff's video, he talks about the AI and complete lack of rubberbanding from 3:00 - 3:22.

He's running an early access versions at Martinsville and Talladega. Here are some of my take-aways that are getting me excited:

• He says the AI is "very fun to race compared to last year"
• Cars feel "more heavy" (he's racing with stability off)
• Something cool I noticed at Martinsville regarding AI that appeared to make a human type error- at the 20:30 mark, Earnhardt Jr's car cuts corner too much, hops curb, and bounces out into the outside car a bit.
• "Bump drafting that actually works"
• "drafting physics a lot better " (including side drafting)