Nascar Heat 2002
Score: 90% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Infogrames Developer: Infogrames Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 4 (2 - 32 w/ System Link) Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: Nascar Heat 2002 comes alive on the Xbox gaming console. Incredible graphics seem to be a must on this system, and Heat is no exception. Everything from cars and the pits to the environment itself is very well rendered. Outstanding smoke effects will even draw you in as you speed ahead into a collision on the next bend. Is it any wonder that NH2002 has great sound, especially if you have a digital receiver? Yepper, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound will help to put you in the middle of the action. Along with the typical scrapes and screeches, your pit crew will also comfort you via the radio. They actually will tell you where cars are positioned around you, so that you don't have to turn your head to look (which is available with the right analog stick).
Gameplay: Once you get done reading the novel that is the instruction manual, you can get ready to hit the track. Game modes included in Nascar Heat 2002 are Quick Race, Single Race, Multi-Player, and a Champion Season. If that's not enough, also included are the Beat the Heat and Race the Pro modes, which add even more to the replay value of the game. Beat the Heat is basically a fancy name for 'Challenge Mode.' There are 36 scenarios to take the challenge on, but to get to the end you will have to start at the beginning to unlock them. Beat the Heat is set up to not only be a fun way of challenging yourself, but also to practice your skills before the big race. The Race the Pro feature is a cool way to step up to the plate against your favorite (or, not-so-favorite) Nascar drivers. Here you go head-to-head on their favorite tracks. Are you up to the challenge? There are also multiple options that you can set up in Nascar Heat 2002. For starters, you will be able to modify everything from the number of laps to turning Driving Aids on/off. Advanced controls allow you to adjust the sensitivity of your controller, which helps a lot if you tend to over-steer (like me!). You can also adjust the deadspot (how much you have to move the controller to move your car) of the controller or turn its vibration on/off. If you're really hardcore, you can even fine-tune your car to your liking in the garage. This is typically not necessary, but may be an option if your driving style is a bit more like Cole Trickle from Days of Thunder. The multi-player options in Heat are more than worthy of noting. Believe it or not, you can play with up to 32 (human) people at once, with multiple Xbox consoles. The options are as follows: Split-Screen, for 2-4 players System Link of two Xbox units, for 2-8 players LAN hookup with an Ethernet Hub, for up to 8 (2-32 players) Xbox units NOTE: If you have a Cable Modem or DSL Internet connection via Ethernet, it is supposed to be possible to play Xbox System Link games through the GameSpy Arcade right now for free, without having to wait for Microsoft's online network. MS's network is scheduled for a Summer 2002 release.
Difficulty: Nascar Heat 2002 is another game that is so realistic, it makes driving a bit hard. You will need a lot of practice, and should hit the Beat the Heat mode right away, as it will help improve your driving skills. Playing with the settings in the game will allow you to modify the difficulty. Don't forget about the Driving Aids. If you're having troubles, turning them on will help stabilize your car and hopefully get you around the track in one piece. Adjusting the steering to fit your style will also help you out. But, you may want to stay away from tuning your car until you have a very good feel for the game, as this may hurt you more than help.
Game Mechanics: Heat uses many menus well to accomplish the goal of simple and easy access to the game. Allowing you to change settings also helps to personalize the game, making for a better over-all experience. Nascar Heat 2002 is a sturdy game with a lot of pluses that Nascar fans will love. If you happen to have friends with Xbox systems, a high-speed Internet connection, or maybe live in a dormitory with network access, the game allows for up to 32 people simultaneously on the track at once. How can you beat that??? Nascar Heat 2002 will have racing fans asking for more.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
F1 2001 007: Agent Under Fire