Despite the annoying bugs NASCAR Heat is now the new King of NASCAR racing games. Excuse me. I think I hear Lynrd Skynrds' White Knuckle Ride on my jukebox. I've got to go beat the Heat.
I just wish that the details of NH were as good as the foundational components such as the physics and graphics engines. The yellow flag bug will ruin a great offline race.
Aside from the two new racing modes, Beat the Heat and Race the Pro, the best part of the gameplay in NASCAR Heat is the thrilling pack racing experience, driving door-to-door and fender-to-fender against your opponents.
Decent graphics and sound, and a full complement of NASCAR drivers and cars, gives the game initial appeal, but questionable gameplay ensures limited long-term usage.