In Search Of A Higher Spot On The Podium

Monster and 704 Games are at it again. The developer-publisher combination delivered a playable NASCAR experience last year with NASCAR Heat 2, and hopes are high that this year’s version builds on what was established in 2017.

As usual, there is good and bad news. Let’s look at the good, bad and bottom line with NASCAR Heat 3.

Racing Remains The Best Part of the Package

No matter what kind of racing experience you’re looking for, you can probably find something close enough to your sweet spot in NH3. Admittedly, I’m more of an arcade racer who likes a touch of realism. For me, this game delivers in a major way.

I can feel the difference between the vehicles and the introduction of more dirt tracks makes the contrast even easier to appreciate. I like to use the default 4-lap races because it keeps things moving. In the career or championship modes, it allows you to experience more of what each feature has to offer.

I’ve heard some say, “I don’t know how you gain enjoyment out of racing in a circle.” It may seem as if that is all that is going on, but the strategy and execution required are significant. This is especially the case in the online races. While I believe the CPU A.I. races smartly enough, it’s a whole different ballgame against aggressive human drivers.

All of it provides enough variance to make NH3‘s driving experience a major plus.

Dirt Racing is Really Fun…And Different

The addition of the Xtreme Dirt Tour could be considered the best new feature. Handling the vehicles on this circuit is much different, and the races can be all the more chaotic and fun because of the alternative handling. It was a great idea to go from one dirt track in last year’s game to 8 in NH3.

Incorporating it into the career mode was a smart move too. The placement functions almost like an on-boarding for the different race mechanics, and it also adds a story to the career mode through the structure rather than an actual narrative.

The Challenges Are Still Great And…Challenging

Last year, I really enjoyed the Challenge modes. The recent history lessons and action made the feature addictive and challenging. That remains the same in NH3. As a matter of fact, I’m embarrassed to admit how long it took me to get past the “Kevin Harvick 17 Years” theme.

While my failures were slightly annoying, the game allows you to jump right back into the challenge so quickly, and the execution is so immediate, the quick-hitting fun factor is what keeps you trying until you conquer the task. There are 36 challenges in the game at the time of release, and 3 new ones will be released each month along with new paint schemes as a part of monthly DLC.

The DLC can be had if you purchase the Hot Pass for $29.99 or pay for each pack individually at $12.99 apiece. It seems a little steep, but then again, the game is only $49.99 ($10 less than most AAA titles) so that makes it a little more acceptable.

Career Mode is Deeper

The career mode has been bolstered in a variety of ways. The aforementioned Xtreme Dirt Tour gets things started on the right foot. The return of the Camping World Truck, NASCAR Xfinity and Monster Energy series make the mode seem more fleshed out.

Instead of only being able to participate as a driver, in NH3, you can also start your own team. You can compete in all of the four series simultaneously as a driver or an owner. The owner tasks are more in-depth than almost any previously released NASCAR title. It’s not exactly Forza in this regard, but there is a lot more than just pure, dumb racing when you take over an entire team.

You earn money for your performance and the finishes of other drivers on your team. With what you earn, you can hire better personnel, build optical chassis for the different series and more. Having the option choose your level of involvement is ideal, and it’s more in line what you see from franchise and career mode options from other non-motorsports titles.

Love the Move Toward eSports

The entire multiplayer experience has taken a step in the right direction. You can find some of the most competitive and intense races the game has to offer online, and there isn’t a ton of technological disruption. I’ve seen a few cars behaving oddly during races, but it wasn’t event ruining.

Also, it’s still very early after the game’s release. There’s reason for optimism that these issues may be remedied.

The new competitive online environment has established a solid foundation for NASCAR Heat eSports events, and the developer/publishers are embracing the concept. In NH3, you can actually qualify weekly for a chance to make it into Group A on Saturday and Sundays. If you’re able to finish in first place when Group A races conclude on Sunday, you’ll win a trip to Miami, Florida for Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, Nov. 18. They will also win $10,000, and Audeze Mobius gaming headsets.

If the winner can predict the official total race time of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 within five seconds, they will win another $500,000.

There’s a chance, NH3 could emerge as the top American eSports racing title if it continues to move forward with these kinds of events and more cash prizes.

Still Room For Visual Improvement

I’m repeating myself a bit from last year’s review, but the visuals still aren’t among NH3’s best attributes. There is a cartoonish look to the vehicles, ground textures and all of the people who appear in the game. The fun-factor somewhat saves the game from average looks, but NH3 would have scored higher for me if it looked better.

The So-Called Stories Don’t Come Alive

One issue with the career mode is the stories. This is actually billed as a feature, it’s nothing more than words on a page that you’ll more than likely wind up buttoning through. The messages are all cookie cutter and devoid of personality. Even the video pieces are dry. Monster has struggled to find a way to deliver personality in their game each year, and it falls well short of the mark again with NH3.

The stories were a good idea, but the execution is half-baked.

The Presentation Is Really Lacking

Along those same lines, NH3 lacks presentation qualities in all of its modes. The F1 series by Codemasters has been at the cutting edge of presentation elements in a racing game. They seem to understand the importance of delivering a human element to racers. NH3 doesn’t show supposed beef between drivers very well. That’s a major part of the story away from the track that sometimes spills onto the track.

The statistical overlays are limited and basic, and the lack of human voice is something I’ve talked about before, and still a problem in NASCAR. This game could really use an announcer(s) to increase the immersion. If Monster can find a way to stitch commentary with the action, you’d have something truly special.

Mini-Games Might Be Cool, Don’t @ Me

I know hardcore racing fans might not like this concept, but NH3 could use a few mini-games. It’s not anything you’d have to play unless you wanted to, but some sort of speed test, driving cones and other exercises could add even more depth to the game. If each had its own leaderboard, that would make it all the more attractive.

The work that 704 Games has done with the NASCAR series has been pretty impressive. They have taken a grossly underserved licensed and have begun to utilize in a way that is fun for hardcore followers of the sport and newcomers. While the gameplay and consistently improving modes are the obvious strong suits of NASCAR Heat 3, the game is still just a touch short of an elite racing title because it lacks personality and high-level presentation. That said, the groundwork and the second floor are in place for a complete racing experience, the developers and publisher just need to add a rough and some pops of color.

• Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC (PS4 version reviewed)
  
• Developer: Monster Games and 704 Games
  
• Publisher: 704 Games
  
• Release Date: September 17, 2018
  
• Price: $49.99
• Score: 7.7 out of 10

Review code provided by Monster and 704