Nascar Heat 5 (PS4)

Case came broken

Since Papyrus’ effort many years ago, I have been looking for a racing sim that truly feels like a racing sim should. NH3 was a pretty good effort, but still short in some respects. Since I am not one to buy every version that comes out, I waited until the most recent NH5 went on sale at 20 bucks. I can’t say how this compares to NH4, but I do notice some differences with 3.One of my initial issues with NH5 is that the spotter audio is incredibly low. Not sure if that is a bug, as I see some people complaining about it online and some say it is ok. Either way, it is much lower than NH3. I wish they would fix that though as I do like hearing the spotter.The racing feels fairly realistic, although not quite perfect, but it is improved from 3. The AI driver are a bit more varied in skill and the tracks have a more realistic feel with the different bumps and feedback on the wheel. The cars feel a bit more solid underneath as well. In 3, I always felt like I was about to spin out and it seemed a bit too easy to do so. Now, you can bump cars and not expect them to go flying out of control or me either if someone bumps me. The dirt tracks are much improved here.I like the variety of series from dirt all the way to cup on variety of tracks. The AI is pretty good and competitive. There is a bit of a learning curve though, even using my Logitech wheel, which works well for the game. There does need to be some tutorials and simpler training challenges to help you improve as a driver for all of the series, including the dirt. It seems a bit to easy to DNF in races as well.Graphically, the game is way better than 3, but could be improved further I think. The graphic glitches from 3 are mostly gone now as well.I like the career mode, but like 3, the game needs more depth in that respect. I would like to see a more interactive crew chief that can make recommendations on adjustments instead of me trying to figure that out. Instead of a splash screen from your agent, it would be nice to be a bit more interactive and voiced. It feels really similar to NH3, I was expecting more dramatic improvements in the career mode here and it feels like very little was done.The game is still lacking on presentation as well. I want race announcers who detail the action. It is surprising that this hasn’t made it to the game. I want to feel like I am in a racing series on TV.The sound is improved as well. Engines sound more real than ever. The spray of dirt and rocks on the car, almost make you feel like you are getting dirty yourself. The crew chief talk is not only low, but basic as well. Again, I want more feedback, including maybe telling me about my mistakes or trying a better line.Where are the announcers telling what is going on during the races, who is leader, who is getting passed, calling out the caution and who is involved, what my and other drivers are doing during the race??? I personally don’t have time to notice during the race my times and positions and it would be nice to know what is going on during the race around me. Announcers would be beneficial in this regard. The display should also show your last lap times to show if you have a better lap as well instead of just best or current.I do like that the makers of the game take suggestions and work to improve the game, but unfortunately, it looks like they are revamping the whole series and this is the last of the NH games. Whether, they continue to support or fix more things in this will remain to be seen.I want to continue to see is more realism in the simulation and more realistic crashes, which still could use work even in NH5. The AI opponents are better but need to be more realistic and like their real life counterparts.I also would like to see more tracks as well, how about the ability to race some classic tracks or other tracks that are not part of the regular season series of races. Or the ability to race classic races against some of the legends of racing, such as Dale Sr, Petty and others.Unless I am missing it, why can’t you save in the middle of a race and come back to it? As far as I can tell you can only exit out of an event and start all over. You can’t save after qualifying or beginning a race and come back to it later.The series has steadily made some improvements, but with them ending this series and starting anew. Hopefully, the series that make to replace this one will provide more depth and better presentation as well as continuing to improve the simulation and physics/crash realism.NH5 is decent as a Nascar race sim, but has a way to go to be perfect.4 stars

First one didn’t work second one did but when I sent first one back they said it was never received and charged me again

My 10 year old received for Christmas and loves it! Incredible graphics!

My grandson loves it!!

Received this a couple days early and have to my husband for Christmas, he’s barley stopped playing it.

Pleased with game not disappointed at all.

The plastic covering was open, the case was broken and the disk was loose 😡👎