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Last updated: Feb 06, 2023
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Many NASCAR video games have been released over the years, ranging from uninspired knockoffs to revolutionary and engaging titles. Interestingly, the newest and most advanced games are not always the most popular with fans. Keep reading for a list of the most popular NASCAR video games of all time.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Most Popular NASCAR Video Games?
- 1. NASCAR Heat
- 2. NASCAR Heat 4
- 3. NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona
- 4. NASCAR Thunder 2004
- 5. NASCAR Heat Evolution
- 6. iRacing
- 7. NASCAR Rumble
- 8. NASCAR Racing 1999 Edition
- 9. NASCAR The Game: 2011
- 10.NASCAR Heat 5
- Honorable Mentions
- FAQ
What Are the Most Popular NASCAR Video Games?
- NASCAR Heat
- NASCAR Heat 4
- NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona
- NASCAR Thunder 2004
- NASCAR Heat Evolution
- iRacing
- NASCAR Rumble
- NASCAR Racing 1999 Edition
- NASCAR The Game: 2011
- NASCAR Heat 5
1. NASCAR Heat
NASCAR Heatwas released in 2000, and the series is still incredibly popular after two decades, with NASCAR Heat 5recently released in July 2020. NASCAR Heatwas game-changing as it was available on many different platforms, including PlayStation and Microsoft Windows, for both regular racing fans and intense sim lovers. This game had a steering wheel support ability and a vibrations feature for the gamers to really feel like they are driving. This game was developed by Monster Games before Electronic Arts (EA) acquired the sole license for a decade soon after its release.
2. NASCAR Heat 4
NASCAR Heat 4is not the most recent NASCAR video game to be released, but it has enjoyed great popularity in recent years. NASCAR Heat 4has been praised for its significant improvement in graphics and for many options for the gamers to choose from, with 38 different race tracks and over 150 different NASCAR teams and drivers. This game also includes several dirt tracks. NASCAR Heat 4was developed by Monster Games and published by 708 Games.
3. NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona
NASCAR: Dirt to Daytonahas been a cult favorite for many ever since its release in late 2002. This stock car racing game was the premier game at the time, incorporating all of the features and incredible graphics available at the turn of the millennium, as well as a wide selection of stock cars to choose from and a thorough career mode.This simulation was created by Monster Games and published by Infogrames. Despite almost two decades passing, NASCAR: Dirt to Daytonais still widely played today on older platforms such as the PlayStation and the GameCube.
4. NASCAR Thunder 2004
NASCAR Thunder 2004 is one of the NASCAR video games developed by Electronic Arts Sports (EA Sports) when they owned the sole licenseship in the early 2000s. Upon its release, the game was lauded as a superlative NASCAR title. NASCAR Thunder 2004is a well-loved game as it permits gamers to adjust so many aspects of the game, allowing for a fully customizable gaming experience. The gameplay also incorporated actual events that occurred in the 2002 season.
5. NASCAR Heat Evolution
NASCAR Heat Evolution ranks right in the middle as it offers incredible races and sounds that help gamers imagine that they are a part of the real race. This game is one of the newer video games released under the NASCAR title, with a release date in 2016. NASCAR Heat Evolution features a variety of top drivers and an incredibly clear graphic experience.Monster Games developed this game with Dusenberry Martin Racing publishing the game for PlayStation, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.
6. iRacing
iRacing is a racing simulation game originally released in 2008. Unlike other NASCAR games, it is not released on an annual basis but rather updated regularly to improve gameplay. iRacing provides the most realistic driving experience and is even used by professional NASCAR drivers in training. Professional esports racing leagues also use iRacing as the platform, such as the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series.
7. NASCAR Rumble
NASCAR Rumbleis one of the oldest games on this list, but is still loved today. At the time of its release in 2000, the graphics and audio were incredible, with the game featuring loud, realistic engine sounds.Some features that were new for its time included having a multiplayer option, vibrations, and a power-up ability similar to a turbo boost in NASCAR Kart Racing. NASAR Rumblewas developed and published by EA Sports.Gamers who either played two decades ago or two weeks ago will have remembered the comedic announcer whose jokes were always spot on.
8. NASCAR Racing 1999 Edition
NASCAR Racing 1999 Editionbrings great nostalgia for stock car racing gamers, and the design was impeccable at its time. The game consisted of three different series: the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Grand National Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. This game had an option of 115 drivers and 35 tracks, with features including a multiplayer option. NASCAR Racing 1999 Editionwas developed by Papyrus Design Group and published by Sierra On-Line. This game was only available on Microsoft Windows.
9. NASCAR The Game: 2011
NASCAR The Game: 2011is another popular NASCAR video game adored by many gamers. Developed by Eutechnyx, the game was released in 2011 with many updates from older NASCAR games. This game significantly improved its graphics, focusing on many details to make the gamers feel immersed in the game.Each player is assigned a rival to increase gamer incentives to play to the best of their abilities. NASCAR The Game: 2011also allows the gamer to customize different aspects to create a specialized experience.
10.NASCAR Heat 5
NASCAR Heat 5has gained an immense amount of popularity since it was released in the summer of 2020.NASCAR Heat 5includes 34 different circuits–five of them dirt tracks–with the graphics capturing the environment and visuals of real-world locations perfectly. NASCAR Heat 5was developed by 708 Games, just like NASCAR Heat 4.In the two years following its release, NASCAR Heat 5has received overall positive feedback.
Honorable Mentions
NASCAR Kart Racing
A completely different racing experience than ever before, NASCAR Kart Racingwas developed specifically for the Nintendo Wii console.NASCAR Kart Racingis developed in the same manner as the iconic Mario Kartracing, with similar capabilities and the same graphic design. Many expected to be disappointed with this game as most enjoy realistic NASCAR video games; however, NASCAR Kart Racingwon gamers over with its charming animations and genuinely fun game. This game features a unique ability to form teams, and just like Mario Kart, racers can have a turbo boost if they are bumper-to-bumper with their teammates on the racetrack. EA Sports developed this game in 2009.
NASCAR Racing 2003 Season
NASCAR Racing 2003 Season, more commonly known as NR2003, was released in 2003 by Papyrus Design Group. It is a computer game originally released for Windows and Mac OS X. It was the last NASCAR game released by Papyrus before EA Sports took over the rights in 2004. The game featured a wide selection of NASCAR tracks and drivers to play from. NR2003 became one of the most praised games of its time and has been credited as the inspiration for numerous other racing games that came after it, most notably iRacing.
NASCAR 21: Ignition
NASCAR 21: Ignitionis the latest edition of NASCAR video games, released in the fall of 2021. Although it was not as well-received upon release, updates to the game have made the user experience much more enjoyable. The game was released in two separate editions, the Standard Edition and Champions Edition, the latter of which features content drops and updates, including new drivers and paint schemes.
NASCAR Racing 4
Released in 2001, NASCAR Racing 4is a classic in the genre and represents a benchmark for realism. Highlights include realistic car physics, detailed paint schemes, makes and manufacturers, a 43-car field, and actual NASCAR tracks like Daytona International Speedway.
FAQ
Will there be a new NASCAR video game in 2022?
NASCAR 2022for the Nintendo Switch is set to be released in fall 2022. Although it is a new game, it expands upon the platform of the existing NASCAR Heat game for the Switch. In June 2022, NASCAR 21: Ignition received an update for Playstation and Xbox. An unspecified new title for consoles is slated to be released in 2023.
Which NASCAR Heat game is the best?
Considering realism and overall gameplay, NASCAR Heat 4 is the best game in the NASCAR Heat series.The Heat series is currently on the fifth edition of the game. While the original NASCAR Heat is known for setting the standard for racing games, its release back in 2000 has allowed newer games to improve upon its revolutionary gameplay. NASCAR Heat 4 has been praised for its significant improvements to graphics and handling when compared to earlier games in the series.
What is the best NASCAR video game?
The best NASCAR video game is the original NASCAR Heat.NASCAR Heat revolutionized racing games through its gameplay features, such as steering wheel support and compatibility with multiple consoles. NASCAR Heat featured four different game modes to choose from, offering both single race and season-long challenges.
What video games feature NASCAR?
The most popular video games that feature NASCAR include the Gran Turismo series, Forza Motorsport series, and Rocket League. These are all racing-oriented games, but they are not solely focused on NASCAR. Instead, the games feature NASCAR vehicles and tracks as unlockable or purchasable content.
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