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NASCAR HEAT 2002
Xbox video game, Infogrames, Inc., $49.99
NASCAR Heat 2002 is a racing game for the Xbox that offers something for just about everyone. Single-player modes include Single Race (race against a field of opponents in a single race); Championship (a season of races); Race the Pro (race head-to-head against various NASCAR drivers on their best tracks); and Beat the Heat (36 skill challenges designed by NASCAR drivers). Multi-player mode allows up to 4 players to compete via split screen on a single television, and the system link enables up to 32 players to compete at the same time on a single track. Our favorite feature of this game is the Beat the Heat mode. The 36 challenges are broken up into six sets of six challenges each. The six sets are entitled Basics, Passing Lane, Rivals, Reflex, Advanced, and The King. Skill challenges, however, cannot be played out of sequence as one must begin with the first challenge in the Basics set and successfully complete it before qualifying for the next challenge. Once a challenge has been completed, it remains unlocked and can be replayed for better performances if one so desires. Coupled with its outstanding regular racing modes, Beat the Heat makes NASCAR Heat 2002 a very worthy purchase for the Xbox system.
The game is presented in a fullscreen version (for 4:3 monitors). The overall video quality is excellent. Graphics are impressive with their often photo-realistic quality. Great attention to detail is evident throughout the game as demonstrated by the shadows cast by the car hood and retaining fences, lens flare on the windshield; skid marks on the track, smoke and debris from the crashes, and much more. Colors are bright and vibrant with fully saturated hues. Our only complaint about the video presentation, and it is a minor one, was that the game employed Ôpop-upŐ graphics (metal fences, etc.) from time-to-time. While not terribly distracting, it did seem strange that it couldnŐt have been eliminated given the power of the Xbox hardware. Video Rating: 9 out of 10
NASCAR Heat 2002 offers audio in full-fledged Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround and it is the basis for this review. All 5 channels are actively utilized and immerse the player in the NASCAR experience. Outside of the menu screens, there is no soundtrack music. Rather, the player is treated to the traditional sounds of engines revving, metal crunching, tires skidding, and crew chiefs barking out important information. The LFE channel is moderately active and is most noticeable during the car crashes and when driving through the grass infields. Audio Rating: 8 out of 10
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The type of tactile effects that can be experienced in this game range from light to moderate impacts. The best tactile effects occur whenever one revs up an engine, smashes into another car, or drives across the grass infield. Tactile Sound Effects Rating: 7 out of 10