NASCAR Heat Evolution News Post

NASCAR Heat Evolution Available, Post Your Impressions Here

05:28 PM - September 12, 2016 by fearwhatnow

NASCAR Heat Evolution is available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Get in a few laps and post your impressions!

Game: NASCAR Heat EvolutionReader Score: 4.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS4 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 3 - View All

Member Comments

# 161 brandon27 @ 11/08/16 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b_assassin


	My impressions after over a month of playing this thing: Overall, I'm having fun with it, in spite of its many flaws and general v1/bare bones feel. It does retain the spirit of past NH games in that it is pretty easy to pick up and play, but isn't as refined a sim racer as something like the classic Papy games. I'm also a more forgiving of the elements that are less realistic, as I'm not looking for a hardcore sim, just a reasonably 'authentic' NASCAR experience that can scratch my itch for stock car racing. I've primarily been playing career mode on Normal, and I've already fully upgraded my team and won the championship in my third season. I'll probably keep playing a bit more on higher difficulty, but without being able to tweak the physics and setups on normal, I feel like I'm about done with it until next year's version (hoping there is one). I don't think my complaints are anything new, but my biggest issues with it are: - Lots of bugs and polish issues - you can tell that they ran out of time toward release, as the launch version was pretty buggy and clunky. They've been making some light improvements with patches, and thankfully they fixed the bad frame hitching due to spotter audio. - There is no happy medium between 'Normal' and 'Sim' physics. Normal feels too restrictive (no setups, lots of assists) and sim is really hard to control using a controller. I'd love to be able to select specific assists to really dial in the racing feel to my liking. - You can't edit or tune setups in Normal mode - I don't want to go deep with setups, but I do want to be able to make some basic adjustments outside of pit stop adjustments mid-race. - Visuals and performance are average at best - maybe this is due to being on Unity, but visually not as sharp as other modern racers like Forza, P-Cars, etc. I'm hopeful that they future versions will push the bar higher, both in image quality and framerate. - Audio - I'm pretty sure they are using the same engine audio that they had in the old Nascar Heat games. This is bad because the engine sounds aren't that good (no throat or depth/range to them IMO), and it feels pretty low-budget to not at least update the audio for engines from games that are 10+ years old. I read somewhere they are replacing the engine audio, hopefully that happens soon. I agree with the sentiment that Nascar 15 VE is currently a better game, but I really hope they get the chance to keep refining and improving NHE in the future, since this I suspect this will be our primary option for Nascar on console moving forward. :/

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurghFan


	I agree with pretty much everything in the above post. After having completed a full season in career, my biggest issue is the extreme AI rubber banding. First of all, I play on Normal physics, normal difficulty, 25% race length, 2x fuel/tires, no flags, no damage. I started in the back in most races but was quickly able to move up to 20-24th place which seems to be the equilibrium point as once you get there you can't gain any more ground only getting lapped by the leaders and lapping the guys at the tail end of the field. If someone ahead of you should pit allowing you to move up a spot, the guy behind you who probably hadn't gained an inch in the last 5 laps will suddenly rocket up to and past you to put you back in the equilibrium point. A couple examples to further illustrate the rubber band AI problem. At the spring race in Texas (I think) I was going to pit, but overshot the entrance on my 1st try and had to go around another lap. On my 2nd attempt I got hit and spun out by another car trying to pit and it took me a few seconds to right myself especially since I couldn't see anything from all the smoke. Well, once I had pitted and everything cycled through, I inexplicably ended up right back in about the same position I was before my 1st botched attempt to pit, maybe even 1 or 2 spots ahead. Drafting is rendered completely irrelevant at the plate tracks. At Talladega I was drafting with the same guy for 5 laps yet couldn't gain an inch on a guy running by himself 2 seconds ahead nor could my drafting partner and I get away from a guy running by himself side-by-side with me.

If the devs really care about giving those of us who paid for this game something worthwhile, this is exactly what they need to read and fix. These two posts right here, sum it all up perfectly. The game needs all of these issues addressed at a minimum to be even compared to the last console Nascar game from the previous guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo


	Did they ever patch in the beer sponsors?

Not that I've seen.

# 162 JMD @ 11/24/16 07:12 PM

Flash sale now on the PS4 has this game for $29.99. I so want to buy it but after reading the last few comments here I can't do it.

# 163 Richzilla @ 11/24/16 08:38 PM

I pulled the trigger. Had planed to wait for 19.99 lol

So far I did a couple quick races. It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Dont get me wrong it's not a 59 dollar title.

Seems rough in spots and short on some basic features you would normally see in past nascar games. Example I didnt see where my lap times stand up vs. the field in practice...not sure if I missed it.

I did run laps at Kansas and Texas.

Once I adjusted the AI I had some fun running practice. I battled with the 18 for several laps. It was actually fun.

When the race started I was on the pole and was passed by the 4 on the bottom going into turn 1. Got back by him going into 3 and then just blew away the field.

Flashes of fun so far....Dont have high expectations....should get 20 bucks of value from it though.

# 164 JMD @ 11/26/16 10:37 PM

I decided to buy this game at the sale price last night. I ran about 5 short quick races just to check it out. The racing seems fine, just need to tweak the A.I. difficulty to make them more competitive. My complaints: Why can't we turn the driver names off? Why are tracks locked? And I'm disappointed with the last gen graphics. All in all I know I'll spend a lot of time with this once I get it set up so I'm not blowing by the A.I.

# 165 JMD @ 11/30/16 08:10 AM

So I've run 10 races in the quick race mode or what ever it's called using Tony Stewart. Normal setting at about 4% usually around 8 to 12 laps depending on the track. I also started a career and ran the first 3 races of the season I upped the lap count a bit (Daytona was 20 laps, Atlanta was 42 laps) and will be moving it to 25% if not 50%. I want to get it where I have a decent amount of laps per race and at least two pit stops. So yeah the game is bare bones , minimal tweaking can be done but I'm finding the racing on the track to be quite good so far.

I did try simulation mode for a few races and although I was getting faster lap times I was also getting spun out so I'm sticking with normal for now, the point is fun not frustration for me.

Doing the longer races I think I'm going to need a wheel , hand cramps up using the controller.

# 166 themetallikid @ 11/30/16 01:30 PM

Yeah, I'd like to try the sim setting with a wheel as I couldn't do it with a controller. I run 25% with x2 tire/gas, but might up that to x4 as 2-3 pitstops are normal right now, but that depends on yellow flags, which always seem to not coincide with my pit strategy, which then results in me being a lap down or excessively at the back of the pack....which then results in the monster rubber banding effect, to launch myself back to the 18-25th positions.

I only place higher if pit strategy works out for the last 3 laps. I'm horrible on restarts..>I hold my own for about the first corner, then apparently stand still til I drop about 15 places, then can't move up or down. lol.

# 167 Mo @ 12/13/16 12:57 AM

Beer Sponsor is in

# 168 Slyone14 @ 12/13/16 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo


	Beer Sponsor is in

Is this for career mode?

# 169 Turbojugend @ 12/13/16 04:06 PM

Full patch notes (PS4):

� Added the Miller Lite Car for Brad Keselowski (available to players ages 21 & up)

� Fixed a Chase bug where too many drivers could get into the next bracket.

� Fixed a multiplayer issue where everyone appeared as Carl Edwards.

� Fixed a rare crash when accepting invite from multiplayer.

� Added Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400 trophy

� Made fixes to NASCAR Next drivers/cars

� Fixed an issue where some paint jobs displayed the incorrect wheel color.

� Fixed issue when cars have no lap result at end of qualifying round.

� Changed the multiplayer port to 34825.

� Minor bug fixes and enhancements.

# 170 bravesfan1984 @ 12/13/16 04:42 PM

Anyone noticing any improvement after the patch release yesterday?

# 171 Turbojugend @ 12/13/16 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan1984


	Anyone noticing any improvement after the patch release yesterday?

I *might* hop on to check it out later, but honestly, if there are no dramatic framerate or AI improvements then I'm not sure how much I'll get out of it. Sounds like mostly minor tweaks from here on out.

FWIW, MSRP has dropped to $39.99.

# 172 bravesfan1984 @ 12/13/16 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbojugend


	I might hop on to check it out later, but honestly, if there are no dramatic framerate or AI improvements then I'm not sure how much I'll get out of it. Sounds like mostly minor tweaks from here on out. FWIW, MSRP has dropped to $39.99.

It's pretty sad that I might not even check out the update, considering the previous patches haven't fixed the core issues. Still can't believe I paid full price for this game, ugh.

# 173 brandon27 @ 12/13/16 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan1984


	It's pretty sad that I might not even check out the update, considering the previous patches haven't fixed the core issues. Still can't believe I paid full price for this game, ugh.

You and me both man. I can tell you one thing for certain, these' guys aren't getting another penny from me. If they release another game after this one, it's not something I'll pick up until I know for certain it's worth it, and even then I'll probably wait for a sale or pick it up used.

I'm stunned they've done so little, the first patch was nice and made me feel like there'd be some good support and additions. However, nothing really since then, and no real acknowledgement of issues. Knowing how upset everyone was with this game, I would have figured they'd have done something other than a new paid DLC pack every month. At least give up something to build up some good will, but, nope.

I keep hoping something positive will come down the pipe, but every month it's just new DLC packs. News of some kind of huge update prior to rolling into the new season would be pretty awesome, I doubt that's in the plans though.

Nice to see the beer sponsors have made it in with this update though. I fired the game up just to check them out. I wish there were some more notes on this patch, hopefully there's some information to come.

# 174 bravesfan1984 @ 12/14/16 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon27


	You and me both man. I can tell you one thing for certain, these' guys aren't getting another penny from me. If they release another game after this one, it's not something I'll pick up until I know for certain it's worth it, and even then I'll probably wait for a sale or pick it up used. I'm stunned they've done so little, the first patch was nice and made me feel like there'd be some good support and additions. However, nothing really since then, and no real acknowledgement of issues. Knowing how upset everyone was with this game, I would have figured they'd have done something other than a new paid DLC pack every month. At least give up something to build up some good will, but, nope. I keep hoping something positive will come down the pipe, but every month it's just new DLC packs. News of some kind of huge update prior to rolling into the new season would be pretty awesome, I doubt that's in the plans though. Nice to see the beer sponsors have made it in with this update though. I fired the game up just to check them out. I wish there were some more notes on this patch, hopefully there's some information to come.

I'd like to see just how many people actually buy the DLC. Considering how much they've put out and the prices, it's total cost has to be close to another $60. Crazy! I agree on the Miller Lite scheme. Breath of fresh air to see that and boy does it look good! The "Brad" scheme was just a major eyesore to me. Wish Harvick had his Busch scheme, since he's my driver.

# 175 pk500 @ 12/14/16 10:44 AM

A steady drip of paid DLC always looks like a cash grab, even when it's associated with a great game.

But a flow of paid DLC for a dogsh*t title like NASCAR Heat Evolution borders on theft.

Caveat emptor.

# 176 Turbojugend @ 12/14/16 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan1984


	I'd like to see just how many people actually buy the DLC. Considering how much they've put out and the prices, it's total cost has to be close to another $60.

I kicked in four bucks for a bunch of spotter audio, only because the default was driving me bonkers. Unfortunately the others aren't much better. And I will admit, if this was a top-tier NASCAR game then I would purchase the Darlington throwbacks because those look awesome. But not for this game, not in its current state.

# 177 JMD @ 12/16/16 09:21 AM

Ok, I got sidetracked by titanfall 2 man that game is fun. Anyway I played some more Nascar Heat Evo here's what I'm seeing. In career mode A.I. on easy I always qualify 40th and end up finishing in the high 20's or low 30's. I think I'm going to have to use simulation mode so I can turn the faster laps times, unless there a way to upgrade my car that I'm missing, I won't be able to compete.

Quick race mode on the other hand I find much more competitive. I've had a few polls and a couple top ten finishes. I'm enjoying it so far, I'll finish my career and see where I go from there, may do multiple seasons if I'm able to compete a bit more.

# 178 buziii @ 12/19/16 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMD


	In career mode A.I. on easy I always qualify 40th and end up finishing in the high 20's or low 30's. I think I'm going to have to use simulation mode so I can turn the faster laps times, unless there a way to upgrade my car that I'm missing, I won't be able to compete. Quick race mode on the other hand I find much more competitive. I've had a few polls and a couple top ten finishes. I'm enjoying it so far, I'll finish my career and see where I go from there, may do multiple seasons if I'm able to compete a bit more.

You can gradually improve your car in career mode. After you earn money, go to the Team tab and there are things you can buy that improve HP, aerodynamics, etc. It's pretty bare bones, but it's something.

# 179 brandon27 @ 12/19/16 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMD


	Ok, I got sidetracked by titanfall 2 man that game is fun. Anyway I played some more Nascar Heat Evo here's what I'm seeing. In career mode A.I. on easy I always qualify 40th and end up finishing in the high 20's or low 30's. I think I'm going to have to use simulation mode so I can turn the faster laps times, unless there a way to upgrade my car that I'm missing, I won't be able to compete. Quick race mode on the other hand I find much more competitive. I've had a few polls and a couple top ten finishes. I'm enjoying it so far, I'll finish my career and see where I go from there, may do multiple seasons if I'm able to compete a bit more.

Changing to simulation won't help level the playing field. You'll still qualify in the back, blow past the bottom 10-15 guys and finish the same. The game just adjusts the AI. It apparently stays that way until you improve your car/team as you progress. Good idea in theory, just not executed as good as it could have been. The difference between the AI in play now versus career is staggering though. It's good because that ability is there in career to improve, its just frustrating when you're running lap times faster than the leader for several laps until you hit that AI ceiling. Once you hit 25th or so, your laptimes stay consistent (if you drive consistently that is) yet everyone else magically speeds up. If they could change the way the AI interacts there... I'd be so much happier. Its what really stopped me from playing. Every race was the same outcome for the most part. It didnt feel like I was earning that career money, it just felt like going through the motions until I could be more competitive which is quite the grind based on how much cash you need. As I said, great idea... just the execution was a bit off I think.

But yeah, I think the ability to upgrade your car/team is under the "Team" option in the career menu.

# 180 JMD @ 12/20/16 08:06 AM

Thanks for the info guys. Next race is Bristol I tend to do better on the shorter tracks , we shall see.

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