Confusing reviews

[Simulacra_53]

According to some Heat 3 is (much) better than Heat 2, others say it is the same including the same issues.

I have Heat 2 and a backlog of (racing) games, including F1 ‘18, with Assetto Corsa Competizione on the horizon, along with V Rally 4 and Dakar 18.

Does Heat 2 offer a significant improvement to buy right now?

Just to get back into Nascar I played some quick races with Heat 2, which was fun I admit, even Watkins Glen seemed ok-ish (handling was pretty bad compared to road circuit games, but the AI was better than I remember).

So my main gripes with Heat 2 and the series in general (apart from a nasty micro stutter that I only completely solved with a new monitor) were the abismal AA filter, limited steering wheel / FB options and relatively poor road track handling and occasional AI.

Can someone please state if the AA filter has improved, or graphics in general?

Has anything changed in the handling - some details?

How has the AI evolved?

Etc.

Please share some in depth comparison with Heat 2 and if illlustrative other games?

[Simulacra_53]

Did notice an improved replay, with highlights.

[Nelly D Racer]

Gameplay seems better but personally I noticed a bit of stutter in the replays.
Graphics options are same as before, AI are a bit daft on Oval's but on road courses their a pretty good challenge.

Here's the video I put together last night, the link takes you to where I go through the graphics settings https://youtu.be/jg46edRmQIE?t=5m32s

[Simulacra_53]

Thanks for sharing.
That's one clear difference, the dirt tracks.

Looks good at 4K!

[Nelly D Racer]

Yeah they are lots of fun :)

And yep 4K does look pretty sweet :)

[NarcSgt]

Problem with all Heat games. If you enjoy multiplayer, find something else. These games hold people for a short period of time. Heat 2 is dead. I applied for refund

[Simulacra_53]

Download almost done....

Just for fun some history.

NASCAR Heat Evolution
Bought - Refund - Bought again

NASCAR Heat 2
Bought - Refund - Bought again

NASCAR Heat 3
Bought .... ????

[Nelly D Racer]

If it helps I just had a quick go at the career mode and that was a lot of fun.

[TraumaTruck]

Gameplay is alot of fun. If you're a Logitech wheel user turn on your center spring setting and the play gets a million times better. You have to look past the realism (because there is none) this is better viewed as an arcade racer. Reason I'm enjoying this is because it's got a decent Nascar career aspect. I really enjoy iRacing but sometimes you want to relax and be able to play a more casual oval racer, which this fits well for.

[Simulacra_53]

Will not refund...

In short the visuals have not really improved compare to Heat 2, however the new dirt racing is somehow much more fun than it deserves to be and that’s what stops me from asking a refund.

If you have Heat 2 and you are not a huge Nascar fan, I’d say keep your money until a 50% sale, but if you like dirt you should try this one.

Side note, IMHO this game should really be played with at least 25% length races, anything shorter just isn’t intresting.

The dirt AI is slow, like the truck AI in Heat 2, and needs to be pushed to 100 to become interesting.

[Patfox74]

Originally posted by General Meeseeks:

Gameplay is alot of fun. If you're a Logitech wheel user turn on your center spring setting and the play gets a million times better. You have to look past the realism (because there is none) this is better viewed as an arcade racer. Reason I'm enjoying this is because it's got a decent Nascar career aspect. I really enjoy iRacing but sometimes you want to relax and be able to play a more casual oval racer, which this fits well for.

Buddy, are you talking about option at Logitech profile? Can share ur set here? Thx

[Simulacra_53]

Originally posted by Simulacra_53:

The dirt AI is slow, like the truck AI in Heat 2, and needs to be pushed to 100 to become interesting.

ok, I was wrong (from my perspective) about the AI being too slow (for me).
Started a career at hard AI and I am having a tough time getting the goals for the race - just barely managing.

Quick race and career are very different IMO.

[Rodster360]

Originally posted by Simulacra_53:

Originally posted by Simulacra_53:

The dirt AI is slow, like the truck AI in Heat 2, and needs to be pushed to 100 to become interesting.

ok, I was wrong (from my perspective) about the AI being too slow (for me).
Started a career at hard AI and I am having a tough time getting the goals for the race - just barely managing.

Quick race and career are very different IMO.

How are the graphics in 1080P and is the stutter and microstutter gone from the game?

[jmackeyisu]

Gameplay has definitely improved. Wheel feels better, AI doesn't bump you as much and when they do youre able to save it. Physics feel a bit better and the loose setups help. The spotter is much improved as well, and the AI just provides more competition overall than in the past. The graphics have improved a bit as well. Overall it's a solid upgrade

[Simulacra_53]

Originally posted by Rodster360:

Originally posted by Simulacra_53:

ok, I was wrong (from my perspective) about the AI being too slow (for me).
Started a career at hard AI and I am having a tough time getting the goals for the race - just barely managing.

Quick race and career are very different IMO.

How are the graphics in 1080P and is the stutter and microstutter gone from the game?

Graphics are same @1080 terrible AA filters

I have not experienced microstutters once I got a 144hz monitor

[Rodster360]

Originally posted by Simulacra_53:

Originally posted by Rodster360:

How are the graphics in 1080P and is the stutter and microstutter gone from the game?

Graphics are same @1080 terrible AA filters

I have not experienced microstutters once I got a 144hz monitor

Thanks for confirming that, i'll try the PS4 version when it's on sale during Black Friday.